I realize that most schools accept on a whole, but let’s imagine I am applying to a major with only a few students, and I am one of the “minorities” in that particular field. I’m sure the admissions officers might take that into account somewhat? Let’s also assume that the entire application and high school is geared towards this obscure major and I have a genuine passion for it, just not a desire to make it a career. Would admissions see right through it, or would it help my chances, especially for prestigious colleges?
Do you have a long history of pursuing that major (ex. is it represented in your coursework, ECs, summer activities)?
The major (urban planning) is well represented as far as I can do it (as the major is really quite small/under-subscribed and there are few programs for it), although in terms of coursework my school only allows me to take the most relevant AP courses for it (Environmental Science and Econ) in Senior Year.
AP HUG is also relevant.
Beside environmental science, economics, and human geography, other somewhat relevant high school subjects include government / political science, history, any other social studies, math, and statistics.