Don't Know What Major to Pick? This One's for You!

As rising seniors, navigating the college admissions process is daunting, especially with the increasing competition in the past five years.

While conventional advice emphasizes excelling academically and participating in many extracurricular activities, we’ve found through extensive research that today’s admissions landscape requires more. You need a spike—a distinct achievement or expertise that makes you stand out. In past articles, we’ve gone over picking classes, writing essays, and more, but equally important is selecting a major that complements this spike, since this will create an incredibly compelling narrative for your application.

Understanding Your Passions and Areas of Expertise

The first step in choosing the right major is a ton of self-reflection. Identify the subjects and activities that genuinely interest you and where you excel. This self-awareness is crucial in picking a major that keeps you engaged and motivated throughout your college years. For instance, if you have a strong interest in environmental science and have demonstrated commitment through various projects, a major in Environmental Science or Environmental Policy might be a perfect fit. Your spike could be a significant project, such as organizing a large-scale community clean-up or developing an innovative recycling program that has garnered local or even national attention.

"Adding feelings to your essays can be much more powerful than just listing your achievements. It allows reviewers to connect with you and understand your personality and what drives you," says Brennan Barnard, director of college counseling at the Derryfield School. This principle also applies to choosing a major; aligning it with your passions makes your application more authentic and compelling. Similarly, Dhivya Arumugham of Kaplan Test Prep emphasizes the importance of "showing emotions and being vulnerable in your essays, as it demonstrates maturity and self-awareness."

Weighing Your Choices

Once you have a clear understanding of your interests and strengths, research potential majors that align with them. Look into course offerings, faculty expertise, and research opportunities in each major. This will give you a better idea of what to expect and how you can leverage your spike within that field. For example, if you are interested in technology and have a spike in developing mobile apps, consider majors like Computer Science or Software Engineering. Researching these majors will help you understand the specific skills and knowledge needed to further develop your expertise and make a significant impact in the tech industry.

"Your genuine curiosity and passion should shine through. Avoid using jargon or overly complex language," advises Harvard's admissions team. This approach should extend to your major selection, where showing a genuine interest can significantly impact how your application is received. Furthermore, the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) notes that "a well-crafted personal narrative, which connects your major with your spike, is critical in distinguishing top applicants."

Matching Your Spike with Your Major

After identifying a potential major, think about how your spike can enhance your application and demonstrate your commitment to that field. Admissions officers are looking for students who not only excel academically but also show a deep passion and expertise in their chosen area of study. For instance, a student with a spike in biomedical research who chooses a major in Biomedical Engineering can highlight their research projects, publications, or contributions to significant advancements in the field. This alignment shows admissions officers that you are not only interested in the major but have already made substantial strides in that direction.

"Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time," suggests the Harvard Crimson in a 2021 article. Demonstrating leadership and impact in your chosen field can greatly strengthen your application. Harvard's admissions team also emphasizes the importance of "reflecting on personal growth and being authentic, as these elements provide depth to your narrative and showcase your potential for future success."

Real-World Examples

To better understand how to align your major with your spike, let’s look at some real-world examples of students who successfully leveraged this approach.

Business and Entrepreneurship: A student passionate about business and entrepreneurship might have a spike involving founding a successful startup or developing a product that has achieved substantial market success. Choosing a major in Business Administration or Entrepreneurship allows them to highlight their business achievements, demonstrating both their passion and capability in the field. Brennan Barnard's advice on showing emotions and being vulnerable can be particularly useful here, as it helps create a compelling and relatable narrative.

Healthcare: A student interested in healthcare might have a spike in volunteering at a clinic, conducting significant medical research, or advocating for public health initiatives. Majoring in Public Health or Pre-Medicine shows a clear trajectory and a deep commitment to improving healthcare outcomes. As we mentioned earlier, the NACAC highlights the importance of "describing leadership experiences and personal growth," which can be effectively incorporated into this narrative.

Environmental Science: For a student passionate about environmental science, beyond just participating in clubs or competitions, they could frame their narrative around a pivotal experience that sparked their interest in sustainability. This might include organizing a local clean-up campaign or developing a sustainable project that has had a measurable impact on the community. Harvard's advice on "being authentic and reflective" can help in crafting a genuine and impactful story.

Conclusion

Choosing your major and defining your spike is about more than just crafting an impressive college application—it’s about setting yourself up for success in a field you are passionate about. By aligning your major with your spike, you demonstrate to admissions officers that you are not only academically capable but also deeply committed to making a meaningful impact in your chosen field.

If you’re serious about maximizing your chances of getting into your top-choice school and achieving your full potential, start by reflecting on your interests and strengths, researching potential majors, and aligning your spike with your chosen field. As the late Steve Jobs once said, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” So, love your story, and let your spike shine through in your college application.

Best,

Joshua

Founder

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