Choosing an Alternate Major

Hi! I'm applying to college soon and honestly feeling a little overwhelmed. I've heard some people talk about choosing an 'alternate major' when applying. Can someone explain what that means and whether it's a good idea? Does it improve my chances of getting accepted?

Hi there! It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed during the college application process, so don't worry!

An "alternate major" is a secondary choice that you can indicate on your application, in case you're not admitted into your preferred major or program. It's worth noting that not all colleges offer or ask for an alternate major option. However, for colleges that do, it can be a helpful opportunity to express additional interests or even potentially increase your chances of admission into the college.

When selecting an alternate major, it's important to consider your genuine interests and career goals. Ideally, your alternate should align with your passions and showcase your versatility in case you don't get in for your preferred option. Don't just pick a random major or one that you think might be less competitive unless you are willing to study it for at least one semester.

Now, whether choosing an alternate major improves your chances of acceptance mostly depends on the admissions process at the college you're applying to. Some schools admit students by the major they choose, while others might admit by college (e.g., College of Engineering) and then sort students into individual majors later. For schools that admit by majors, choosing a less competitive alternate major might slightly boost your chances of being accepted, albeit into your secondary choice.

However, it's also essential to keep in mind that choosing a less competitive major with the sole intention of getting admitted, then attempting to switch to your preferred major later, could pose challenges down the line. Some colleges have strict internal transfer policies, and changing majors might not be a guarantee.

To sum up, indicating an alternate major might be a good idea if it allows you to express more of your interests, but don't rely on it to significantly improve your chances of admission. Focus on crafting a strong application that highlights your strengths, skills, and experiences, and be realistic about your alternate major choice. Good luck with your applications!