Does what major you apply for matter during the college selection process?

Question

I have always been told that during college selection, major will not matter during the selection process. However, I have been rejected from a UC and I don't understand why. Another person, who applied got in. I beat the person's GPA, she had a 3.2 and i had a 3.41. She had a 1680 SAT scorew while I have an 1810. I've read her essay, so that's not why she got in. We are in almost the same clubs and sports. The only difference is she applied for Psycology and I applied for Business Economics. For future refences for the jrs. does major matter when you apply to college?

yeah. i totally understand if it was music or acting! because there's a whole different selection process, but because almost everybody changes their major, I was told that major has no weight during selection process.

freak! if it does matter, why did all the admission counselors say it DOESN'T! ... if i knew, i would have applied differently. i was just trying to be honest. unlike the other girl. see.. even this note says for freshmens, it doesn't matter.
http://www.ucop.edu/pathways/ucnotes/october04/campusq&a.html

Thanks for everyone that applied. I still seem prety confused about the whole thing because there are mixed answers. Some of you are confused. I'm talking about FRESHMEN applicants so maybe that's why you were not selected as Best Answer. Thanks a bunches everyone.

Answer 1

Some schools probably do limit the number of interest candidates to enter any given undergraduate discipline. But they're not supposed to. I never declared any major when applying, and even though I was asked, I just made it sound like "that's what I'm here for?.." kind of answer. If you think that, I'd apply in one of their curriculum's that are under enrolled and see if you get in. What harm could it do, if you've already been rejected. I do not think you must say what area of study you plan to pursue to apply to college. Leave it blank next time of put "general college requirements."
But I would want to know why I was turned down before going through any more applications to any schools. You are legally entitled to the reason,in writing, as to the specific reasons you were denied. You can contact the California Attorney General's office, and file a complaint. There are 14th Amendment laws that are in question here of discrimination. Maybe not for color, but discrimination all the same.
good luck.

Answer 2

Yes -- it matters.

The top business programs are incredibly selective. At a place like the University of Maryland, the average SAT score for those admitted to the B-School is 200-300 points higher than the average for liberal arts. At a place like University of Pennsylvania, many students get into the College of Arts who could never have gotten into the Wharton School.

At many schools, women can get into the engineering school with lower scores than men, because these schools want to get more women into their fields.

Laws of supply and demand work in college admissions. You should take that into consideration when applying.

Answer 3

It can, I'll give you an example. UGA has an agriculture major, which is not exactly a popular program among students. If you apply to the university majoring in agriculture you are more likely to be accepted than someone with a major such as biology. This is true even if the you have lower grades and sat scores.

Answer 4

In many cases, yes. If they already have filled their available space for Business Economics majors for incoming Freshmen, then they will not take any more. Also, in some cases the school does not have a particular major to offer, so they would maybe not accept you. The other possibility would be if you have any "black marks" on your record -- suspension, excessive detentions, etc.

Answer 5

Yes it does, Some programs are already full or more competitive. I tried to get in to a PA Post graduate school with a 4.0 GPA and many letters of recommendation. Still didn't get in. Another possible reason is... it's not what you know it is Who.

Good Luck

Answer 6

Does it matter to the applicant? Yes. If you want to be the best in your field, you want to go to a school that specializes in your career interests.
Does it matter to the college/university school board? No. They just want your money; and if you have a useful brain, they want your grades and accomplishments to boost their image.

Answer 7

Well if it's something like Music, it has a lot to do with the process, but for business economics it shouldn't have.

Answer 8

It does. Some departments are more competitive and they have higher GPA/SAT requirements.