<p>This is something I’ve been thinking about, and I’ve been wondering if it was possible.</p>
<p>Here’s a hypothetical scenario. Lets say Jim is really really talented at debating. He’s the president of Model UN, he went to nationals for Mock Trial, and he even toured his state giving motivational speeches. He’s close to getting a recommendation letter from the captain of the University’s speech professor. He’s essentially a speech/debate protege. </p>
<p>He submits his application with otherwise sub-par credentials, but because his application is so solid as a firm debater, his credentials and some possible encouragement from the speech department in the University, and he’s in. </p>
<p>Once he’s admitted, BOOM. He goes into pre-med.</p>
<p>Is this possible? Can you do this with other subjects? Is this just frowned upon or can you actually not do this?</p>
<p>In some large Universities it is very difficult to transfer from one college to the next within the univerisity. Talk to the guys who applied as nursing majors at UPenn & Georgetown. Or Cornell’s hotelies…</p>
<p>You’re really asking two questions here. First of all, switching majors is generally fine at most schools unless they have a specific application process for that specific school or major. If you are in the school of liberal arts, changing from say, political science to bio to anthro is not only not frowned upon, it’s actually expected. Many kids change their major prior to declaring at the start of the junior year.</p>
<p>Second, if you have an outstanding EC, but sub-par credentials, chances are that your application isn’t going to get serious consideration. You have to meet the academic thresholds before anyone cares that you are a champion debater. (If you were a champion quarterback, and the school had a major football program, then the hook might overcome the GPA, but it’s not happening for debate.)</p>
<p>Third, at the vast majority of schools there is no premed major. For premed you just meet the requirements of the subjects required. You could major in whatever you want.</p>
<p>What you’re describing isn’t considered a switcheroo at most selective colleges.</p>
<p>You CAN put one over on a college in one way: Division III and Ivy League schools that don’t offer athletic scholarships, but DO offer a unique admissions boost to certain athletes, have no way of making you play. If you get into Harvard largely because you’re a world-class squash player, and you quit after the first day of practice, you’re a Harvard freshman like everyone else, period. You can sing in the choir instead if that’s what you feel like doing.</p>
<p>This doesn’t happen very much, because people who work hard enough at a sport to get a roster spot usually want to play in college. But it can happen.</p>
Or Cornell’s hotelies…</p>