How does major reputation at specific schools impact admissions?

Hey guys, I've been trying to shortlist colleges and I'm curious if applying for a program that a university is particularly known for (like Psychology at a well-regarded school in that field) makes admissions more competitive? Do you guys think it's better to apply for your strongest interest or go for a less competitive program to boost your chances at a dream school?

Hey there! It's great that you're thinking critically about your college application strategy. You're absolutely right that for some schools, programs that are highly reputed can indeed be more competitive. For instance, applying to an engineering program at a school known for churning out top engineers might have a higher bar for admissions than other programs at the same institution.

That said, it’s important to remain genuine in your applications—if Psychology is your passion, your application will likely be stronger when you write about what truly inspires you. Admissions committees can often tell when a student is applying to a program that isn't their first choice.

You'll have to weigh your interest and strengths against the competitive nature of the program. In other words, be strategic, but also be true to your interests and what you want to study for possibly the next four years. For example, applying undecided to a school known for humanities when your real interest lies in computer science might not sit authentically with your overall application and goals. Best of luck with your decision!