Hi all! I'm in the process of applying to University of Chicago and I'm not sure what major I should select. I'm wondering if there are any majors that I might have a better chance with in terms of acceptance?
The University of Chicago, like many highly selective institutions, does not admit students based upon their intended major. Given the rigorous academic environment at UChicago, the admissions committee is mainly looking for students who are intellectually curious and who will thrive in its core curriculum, regardless of their intended major.
Rather than searching for an "easy" major with the hope of increasing your chances of admission, it would be more beneficial to focus on making your application stand out in other ways. For instance, demonstrate your intellectual curiosity, diverse interests, and commitment to learning in your application essays and extracurricular activities.
In the UChicago supplement essays, you will have the opportunity to showcase your creative thinking and passion for learning through their unique and intellectual prompts. Successful UChicago essays typically go beyond surface-level responses and demonstrate deep engagement with the prompt.
Your intended major should align with your academic interests and future goals. Genuine interest is important because you'll be more likely to excel in a field that truly fascinates you – and that will show in your classroom participation and overall academic performance. At UChicago, you aren't even required to declare a major until the end of your second year, so you will have time to explore a diverse set of classes before making a final decision.
Remember, what's most important is that you're pursuing what genuinely interests you, and not what you assume will be an "easier" route into a school. As the saying goes, "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." The same is applicable for majors too.
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