<p>Hi, I’m a 2014 hopeful who just began to research Stanford. </p>
<p>I want to major in Biology or Human Biology, but I also have a passion for visual arts. In my free time, I like to read obscure philosophy books and browse the web for advanced physics articles. </p>
<p>I know that Stanford does have a GER program with a slight emphasis in philosophy, but is there any way I can major in Biology while still being an active member of the Stanford art community? Are there certain extracurricular groups I could join or could I fit in an art class or two while still trying to satisfy my Bio/Human Bio requirements?</p>
<p>Also, can I enroll in the SLE program but still major in Bio (I know it seems somewhat far-fetched) or still participate in visual arts? From what I hear, SLE is pretty intense and generally not recommended.</p>
<p>Thanks for your input!</p>
<p>If you are (really) into philosophy/reading/lit/writing then SLE might be a great fit for you. </p>
<p>You can join any group you want while being Bio/Human Bio. None of the majors are SO huge that you can’t take other classes you are interested in as well.</p>
<p>I’d also be careful when you say you browse the web for advanced physics articles, someone might ask you what papers you’ve read.</p>
<p>Duly noted on the physics articles. Just to be sure though, would people look at me strangely if I tell them I want to enroll in SLE and yet still major in Human Bio? Aren’t most of the SLE students majoring in some humanities-related fields? Basically is it feasible or realistic?</p>
<p>Thanks for your help.</p>
<p>I actually have interests along a very similar line. I’m intending to double major in biology and studio art. So I wonder what path would be ideal to take, enrolling in SLE like you said or still majoring in bio… I also wonder how Stanford looks upon applicants who have interests or wish to major in fields that really reach the opposite ends of the spectrum…</p>
<p>Stanford pays a lot less attention to intended majors than other schools do, primarily because you apply to Stanford and not one of its particular schools or programs.</p>
<p>that said, there are a lot of kids that study really different things. I know CS/EE kids that did SLE.</p>
<p>Just because you mentioned that u were interested in art, do you know how much the art supplement would factor into the admission process?</p>
<p>What do they consider ‘extraordinary talent’?</p>
<p>Extraordinary talent is obviously subjective, but one thing to keep in mind is that they actually do send the art supplements to the corresponding art departments at stanford…so you will have music/drawing/whatever professors reviewing and rating your work. I think if you have some sort of substantial national-level recognition then it’s worth submitting.</p>
<p>Considering that you do in fact end up having “extraordinary talent” and the art department favors your artwork, could it actually have a big impact on your admission decision?</p>
<p>it will certainly have an impact, but it still won’t drive an admissions decision, as no one thing ever does.</p>
<p>Stanford is so unpredictable… but I guess that makes sense.</p>