azelma

I'm fairly certain this has been asked before, and I offer my apologies for that, but does anyone know how much/if Brown takes into account anticipated major in admissions decisions? I'm curious, because I'm wondering if the fact that not many people seem to be applying in Linguistics will help me.

rjmxc

yeah... i have the same question

2o_o7

ive heard not much.

although, the fact that you have to fill out separate forms for the physical sciences seems to indicate that those majors are definitely taken into admission consideration

olam36

I don't think they put THAT much emphasis on major...most colleges are aware that the majority of students will switch their major at least 2-3 times, so what seniors put on the application is bound to change. I think it is only significant if very few people tend to concentrate in that particular field (Classics is the usual example for many schools). However, we have no data to tell us what majors these would be at Brown. And this only holds true if you demonstrate a passion for that field. If you select a less popular concentration like classics or linguistics, and you haven't done significant research (perhaps abroad or at a university), summer programs, or won awards for your studies, then it really won't make any difference. It may actually hurt, because the college will see that you are putting down something to look good, not because you are fascinated and dedicated to that field of study.

azelma

I do have a genuine interest in it, I just live in a rural area, so there's really not much in the line of research opportunities, I'm not just "putting it down to look good" and I'm hoping that will come through in my essays. I was just wondering if the fact that I put it down will help me any, and it sounds like it won't.

acraig

If I'm applying PLME and as a Biophysics major to the College, do I have to do both the PLME and Physics statements?

Aspen D

yeah you do

devushka

azelma, no one here knows what the heck they are talking about in terms of admissions methods. I doubt you need research ops or summer programs to express a love for an academic subject. Do you read about it in your free time? Do you have a huge desire to find out more? Show that you love the subject that you wanna major in (as your posts seem to indicate) and I'm sure that will show them that you care about the subject. The whole need to show a
"passion" is so ridiculous, frankly. I really seems like the next big fad in admissions (like community service or "well-roundedness" was ea few years back.) To me, planning your schedule to have a "passion" just so you can get into a great college defeats the purpose of having a passion in a subject. If you care a lot intellectually about your intended major and can show them that genuinely, then I am sure that will impress them more than some kid who prepackaged their schedule with internships and expensive summer programs just to build their resume.

You said you live in a rural community where research is not available. I am sure that they take that into account when they review apps. Not every student is a white collar city kid who has the time or opportunity to do groundbreaking research. That is what college is for: to explore your intellectual interests and be able to become a true scholar.

I have a strong intellectual interest in a rather unusual subject like you do and I am just hoping that shows through in my application. I don't feel the need to do an activity that I am not interested in just because it looks good. If college admissions officers have a problem with that, then the college is probably not the right place for me to be anyway. Just try to keep things in perspective, do what you love, and cross your fingers.

None of us have any idea how this goes, including myself, so let's all do what feels right inside and hope for the best.

Peace.