xmsamurai

I applied ED to Brown with my intended majors as 1) public policy and American
institutions and 2) community health. Both of these programs only have 30-50 graduates per year. I plan on focusing on health policy and I have extracurriculars that correspond to that (clinic volunteer, political campaign intern, EMT)

I was wondering if choosing somewhat obscure majors will help in admissions.


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i_wanna_be_Brown

It obviously plays some role because the school doesn't want the whole class to be pursuing one major but the role it plays is so minimal it essentially doesn't matter.

BrownAlumParent

It does show that you have researched the curriculum, and are independently directed. (although don't call them majors, use "concentration" from now on!).
I think it also helps some to have a less popular field of study. However this group of concentrations might still be labelled as "likely premed" applicant.
Brown is also sure to know that some applicants "scam" the process by professing to plan on a lesser followed concentration, fully intending to be premed etc. (Your HS activities do help reinforce your intended concentration in your case.) Conversely it is also known that a fair amount of "premeds" etc, will decide that isn't for them and switch to something else once they are in University. (and hit Orgo.) So, Brown does look for balance in the classes, but I think the essays about concentrations may be as much about hearing about how you organize your plans.

ngongs

Changing concentrations is common, once admitted. Son is a freshman, and he has already changed, halfway through the first semester. I think it's part of the process, as one matures. What he thought was his lifelong interest changed, from the time of the application until matriculation within a year.

fireandrain

Brown doesn't accept into specific concentrations, and it recognizes that many students change their interests, as ngongs said.

And actually, these two concentrations are not considered obscure, not by a long shot. 30-50 in a concentration is actually a pretty large size group.

Aj1410

If at all, your intended concentration would have a marginal difference. However, you must be able to answer why a particular concentration is what you intend to do. Failing to do so may seem like you are mentioning a concentration to benefit from a higher chance of acceptance (assumed).

525lazy

It does matter a little bit but the school knows that many students end up changing majors

thecomisar

It might have an appreciable effect on admissions if you're a female and you state an interest (that's reasonably backed up by your high school record) in something like engineering or computer science. Other than that, I'd be surprised if answers to that question had much effect.