Does Your Major Choice Affect College Acceptance? What You Need to Know

As a rising high school senior, one of your biggest decisions is choosing which major (or college within a university) to apply for. While it may seem like a simple preference, your choice can significantly impact your chances of admission. Some majors are far more competitive than others, and strategically choosing can give you an advantage—if done wisely.

Some Majors Are Easier to Get Into Than Others

At many universities, different colleges or departments have varying levels of competitiveness. Highly sought-after programs—such as computer science, business, nursing, and engineering—often have much lower acceptance rates than other majors within the same school. On the other hand, majors in the humanities, social sciences, or less popular STEM fields may be easier to get into.

For example:

• At the University of California, Berkeley, the College of Letters & Science (undeclared major) generally has a higher acceptance rate than the College of Engineering or Haas School of Business.

• At the University of Texas at Austin, getting into the School of Liberal Arts is significantly easier than being accepted into McCombs (business) or Cockrell (engineering).

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The Pros and Cons of Applying to a Less Competitive Major

Pros:

• Higher Chance of Admission – Applying to a less competitive major or college within a university may boost your chances of acceptance. Admissions offices often have different standards for different programs. 

• Once You’re In, You’re In – At some universities, it’s easier to switch majors after you’ve been accepted rather than getting into a competitive program straight out of high school. Research the internal transfer policies at your target schools.

• More Flexibility—If you’re undecided about your career path, choosing a broad major like psychology, economics, or communications can keep your options open.

Cons:

• Transferring Majors Can Be Difficult – Some schools make transferring into a competitive major nearly impossible after being admitted to a different department. For example, at the University of Southern California, internal transfers to the Marshall School of Business are extremely limited.

• You May End Up in a Major You Don’t Want – If switching later isn’t an option, you could be stuck in a program that doesn’t align with your long-term goals.

• Less Access to Resources and Networking—Some competitive majors offer exclusive perks, such as specialized career services, networking opportunities, and dedicated advisors.

How to Decide Which Major to Apply For

1. Research Admissions Data – Look at acceptance rates by major at your target schools. Some universities publish these statistics, while others require digging through online forums and industry podcasts.

2. Understand Internal Transfer Policies—If you’re considering applying to a less competitive major and hoping to switch later, be sure the university allows it. Some programs are nearly impossible to transfer into after admission.

3. Consider Your Genuine Interests – While strategy is important, don’t apply for a major you have zero interest in just to get accepted. Admissions officers can often tell when an applicant lacks passion for their chosen field.

4. Speak with Admissions Counselors – Schools often have admissions representatives who can answer questions about internal transfers, major flexibility, and program requirements.

Choosing which major to apply for isn’t just about what you want to study—it’s also about how competitive the admissions process is. Consider backup plans and research transfer policies if your dream major is highly selective. A well-thought-out application strategy can make a big difference in your chances of getting accepted.

At the end of the day, the best major to apply for is one that aligns with both your interests and your long-term goals. Stay informed, be strategic, and remember that your college experience is what you make of it—regardless of your major. Explore Resume All Day’s essay coaching services for more assistance navigating college admissions.

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