Questions I have entering process

T26E4
Tue, 26 Aug 2014 11:52:19 +0000

It’s hard to guess – among schools that read files holistically, they do form a picture of you. But is the picture of a singly focused math student better or worse than someone who is obviously adept at math/sci – but is undecided and is willing to swim forth with great vigor at whatever else is available at that college? I can imagine the 2nd scenario easily at more liberal arts type colleges such as Yale or Williams. Whereas a place like Carnegie Mellon or Stanfor may value the former.

For instance, my transcript and ECs and awards were heavy in math-sci – not unusual for the typical Asian applicant. And among several LACs, I applied to several heavy engineering colleges. In the end, I listed “undecided” at the LACs – b/c that was the truth. I really wanted to go and explore as many options as possible. I ended with an Econ - PoliSci degree at an Ivy.

Basically, I think it depends, case by case. Good luck w/your decision.