<p>Hi,
I was curious in knowing (i did not go to undergrad in usa) how top american universities (HYPCol etc) compare among undergrad applicants who have accomplishments and HS courses in different streams (arts vs sciences). Even different students within sciences can not be compared fairly if they have done courses in different areas of sciences (such as, physics, math vs biology vs computer science vs engineering).
Do these universities have a quorum within every major of undergrad program and applicants of same major compete with each other? From what I know undergard applicants do not even need to specify their intended major in the application package, no? So they can say in their application package that they want to study physics but can graduate with an english major, right?
Can someone educate me about this please.</p>
<p>bump…</p>
<p>sorry i know the question trumpets my ignorance about the admin procedure, so your help i will appreciate.</p>
<p>Colleges know that students will likely change their major multiple times. Nonetheless, an applicant with a strong demonstrated interest and aptitude in a less popular major (classics, computer science, etc) will have a better chance than the multitude of prospective econ, poli sci, or pre-med majors. But students are not directly competing against one another, as there are no exact quotas.</p>
<p>Thank you all for your helpful input!</p>