How Colleges Use Major Choice in Admissions

At many large universities, admissions officers must balance the needs of specific programs. Popular majors like computer science, business, and nursing attract more applicants than available seats, meaning they are "impacted." To manage this, colleges often set higher admission standards for these fields, directly affecting an applicant's chances.

The Relationship Between Major Selectivity and Acceptance Rates

Acceptance rates can vary sharply by program. Data from the University of California system shows that UC Berkeley's College of Engineering has admit rates as low as 5%. This pattern holds at schools like the University of Michigan and private institutions like NYU’s Stern School of Business.

Does Choosing an ‘Easier’ Major Improve Your Chances?

Attempting to "game the system" by applying to a less competitive major is a risky strategy. Admissions readers check for alignment between your profile and stated interests, and many universities have strict policies against internal transfers into impacted programs. For example, the University of California provides public guidance on these challenges.

How to Choose the Right Major for Your Application Strategy

Selecting a major should start with genuine academic interest. Research how selective your chosen programs are at each college to set realistic expectations. In your essays, convey authentic interest. Given the complexity, tools like Orbit AI can provide data-driven insights to help you make more informed decisions about major choice.

Final Thoughts

At many institutions, your declared major influences admissions outcomes. Understanding this allows you to approach the application process with greater awareness. The best strategies balance ambition with authenticity. Orbit AI provides detailed insights on major-specific competitiveness to help you shape a strategy aligned with your interests and real admissions data.

How Major Choice Affects College Acceptance FAQ

Does my choice of major affect my chances of getting in?

At many colleges, yes. Competitive programs like engineering or business often have lower acceptance rates and require a stronger applicant profile to be admitted.

Will picking an "easier" major improve my odds?

Not necessarily. Admissions officers look for a cohesive story, and colleges often make it difficult to switch into impacted majors later on. It's better to choose a major that genuinely fits your interests.

How can I find out how selective my major is?

Many public universities publish this data. For others, tools like Orbit AI can analyze major competitiveness across hundreds of colleges and help you plan a smarter application strategy.