What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Hardest Majors to Get Accepted Into

Hey, I'm just doing some research and pondering on my future major. Some people say certain majors have really competitive admission processes. I'm wondering, in your opinions, what are the hardest majors to get accepted into?

a month ago

When it comes to competitive majors, admission can often depend on the specific college or university. However, it's well-accepted that certain fields tend to be more competitive due to their high-demand or intensive requirements.

Let's start with the engineering disciplines. Majors such as Computer Science and Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, and Aerospace Engineering often have high admission standards due to the rigorous coursework and high student demand. Universities often look for students with strong math and science skills for these programs.

Next, majors within the health sciences like Nursing, Pre-med/Direct Medical programs, Pharmacy, and Physical Therapy can be tough to get into as well. Due to the stringent academic and clinical requirements of these programs, strong candidates often demonstrate not only academic aptitude but also involvement in healthcare-related extracurriculars.

Business/Finance majors, especially at prestigious business schools, are also high on the list. Some colleges may require supplemental essays or interviews specifically for their business programs.

Finally, Fine Arts or Performing Arts programs can be incredibly selective due to the audition/portfolio component of the application process. These programs typically have fewer spots available which increases competitiveness.

One thing to note is that while these fields can be competitive, a prospective student's overall profile (GPA, test scores, essays, letters of recommendation, extracurriculars, etc.) will heavily influence admission decisions. In other words, getting into these programs is not necessarily about choosing an "easier" major, but instead about building a compelling application that demonstrates your strengths, passion, and fit for your intended field of study.

a month ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.