Alternate major on college applications?

Hey y'all! I recently discovered the concept of an alternate major on college applications. What exactly does this mean, and when should I consider putting one down on my application? Will it increase or decrease my chances of getting accepted?

An alternate major is a secondary option that you can list on your college application alongside your primary major of choice. Essentially, you're indicating to the admissions office that, if you're not admitted into your first-choice major, you'd still be interested in attending the college under the alternate major. This can be particularly useful for selective institutions with highly competitive majors or programs.

The main reason to consider listing an alternate major is that it can provide you with an additional opportunity for admission if you aren't admitted into your primary major. That said, it's important to choose an alternate major that truly interests you and aligns with your passions or career goals; listing a major simply because it might be less competitive would not be a wise choice, as you could end up in a field you don't enjoy.

As for the impact on your chances of acceptance, it's difficult to say definitively, as this will largely depend on the individual institution and their admissions process. Some schools may be more lenient with applicants who have an alternate major in mind, while others may not be influenced by it at all. In general, listing an alternate major shouldn't hurt your chances of getting admitted into your first-choice major, but it could increase your overall chances of acceptance by giving you a potential "backup" plan.