🍦 Today's Scoops: Does applying to less competitive majors work? (Oct 3)

Good morning folks! Here’s what we have today:

1. School of the Day: Boston College

2. Admissions Blueprint: Guide to applying to less competitive majors

3. TikTok Thursday: Our favorite college-related TikToks from the last week

SCOOP’S SPECIAL
We’re Hiring!

We’ve spent this last month getting our content down, figuring out what topics and formatting help you readers the most. Now, we’re looking to expand, and share our content out there. To do this, we’re looking for curious and dedicated high schoolers to join our team.

If you’re interested in joining our team, apply here.

Here’s the specific roles we have open:

• Content Writers

  • You don’t have to be amazing at writing, just be interested in researching and learning new things about college and sharing those findings with others

  • Takes 15-25 minutes a day, around 2.5 hours a week

  • Great opportunity to learn more about the admissions process, work on your writing skills, and understand the responsibilities that come with writing content read by 1k+ readers every morning

• Social Media Manager

  • We’re trying to market our newsletter and get new signups by sharing our content on TikTok, LinkedIn, and Instagram

  • Ideally, we would have one person manage all three accounts, maintaining different personalities on each (understanding you can’t post the same stuff on LinkedIn as Instagram/TikTok)

  • Great opportunity to get experience making content interacted with by 10k+ viewers

  • Performance-based compensation, with the opportunity to get paid up to $4000 over the next few months.

SCHOOL OF THE DAY
Boston College

Every day, we cover a different school, helping you learn something new about your favorite schools or find a new school that could end up being your dream school.

📍 Location: Chestnut Hill, MA
🎓 Undergraduates Enrolled: 9,982
📊 Acceptance Rate: 17% (40,494 applicants)
📝 Average SAT/ACT: 1487/34
💸 Cost: $62,950 (tuition), $16,120 (room & board)
📅 Admission Options: Early Decision I (Nov 1), Regular Decision (Jan 1), Early Decision II (Jan 2)
🏆 Top Ranking Programs: Accounting & Finance (#3), Education (#18), Economics (#28) (Niche)
📈 Most Popular Majors: Business and Management (16%), Social Sciences (21%), Biological Sciences (11%) (Scoir)

Boston College, located in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, is a prestigious Jesuit university known for its liberal arts education, commitment to social justice, and rigorous academics. With a strong sense of community, stunning Gothic architecture, and proximity to Boston, BC provides an excellent blend of intellectual and personal growth opportunities.

Some Positives

🎓 Top-Tier Business Programs: Boston College’s Carroll School of Management is highly regarded for its finance and accounting programs. Students benefit from resources like the Boston College Venture Capital Private Equity Club and the Edmund H. Shea Jr. Center for Entrepreneurship, which provides mentorship and funding opportunities for student startups Learn more about BC Business.

📚 Strong Liberal Arts Core: Boston College’s Core Curriculum ensures students receive a well-rounded education in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. This approach helps students develop critical thinking, communication, and ethical reasoning skills Discover BC’s Core Curriculum.

🧑‍💻 Thriving Research Environment: Boston College is committed to research, with students able to engage in cutting-edge projects across fields like neuroscience, chemistry, and environmental studies. BC’s Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society provides students with hands-on opportunities to address global challenges Explore Research at BC.

🌍 Strong Community and Social Justice Focus: Rooted in its Jesuit values, Boston College emphasizes service, social justice, and community engagement. Programs like the PULSE Program for Service Learning allow students to combine academic coursework with meaningful service in the local community. Learn about PULSE.

Some Negatives

📚 Competitive Admission: With an acceptance rate around 17%, Boston College is highly selective, especially for popular programs like business and pre-med. The competitive admission process might make it difficult for some students to secure a spot.

🚍 Limited Public Transportation: Although BC is near Boston, the campus itself isn’t as well-connected by public transit compared to other Boston-area schools. Students often rely on shuttles or the Green Line, which can be slow and crowded during peak times Public Transportation Info.

LINK LOUNGE REFRESH
Yesterday’s Resources & Scholarships

On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays we will be updating the Link Lounge section with links to great resources such as scholarships and tools during the college application process. You’ll find it at the top of your email on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and near the bottom during the rest of the week.

Robertson Scholars Program - Full-ride scholarship to Duke or UNC, if you get into either school

College Confidential - Anonymous data on college applications from other students

(NEW) r/ApplyingToCollege - The official subreddit for applying to college. Vent about how you’re doing in the process, read other people’s rants, and learn new information about the process.

(NEW) ImmigrantsRising Scholarship List - List of scholarships that don’t require proof of U.S. citizenship

ADMISSIONS BLUEPRINT
Guide to applying to less competitive majors

🎯 When It’s a Smart Move

Choosing a less competitive major can sometimes be a strategic decision, especially if you’re passionate about multiple fields. For example, if you love data science just as much as computer science, applying to data science might boost your chances of getting admitted to the school of your dreams. Many universities allow flexibility in switching majors later, so starting with a less competitive one could be a gateway.

💡 When It’s Risky

However, this strategy can backfire if your primary interest truly lies in the more competitive field. Some schools make it difficult to switch majors internally, especially in popular programs like computer science or engineering. Be sure to research whether transferring between departments is an option — some students get stuck in a major they’re not passionate about.

📚 Do Your Research

Make sure you know how each school handles switching majors. Some schools, like UC Berkeley, have strict limits on transfers into competitive programs. On the other hand, schools like Penn State might be more flexible, depending on the program. It’s always smart to ask the admissions office or consult student forums.

⚖️ Passion vs. Strategy

It’s important to weigh your genuine passion for a subject against the strategic benefits of applying to a less competitive major. If you’re equally interested in multiple fields, this strategy could make sense. But don’t compromise on your long-term happiness for a short-term admission boost!

🎯 Holistic Admissions

Remember that admissions committees look at the entire application. If you’re applying to a less competitive major just to “game” the system but have no genuine interest in the field, it can show in your essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations. Authenticity matters.

💻 Consider Alternatives

If your heart is set on a competitive major but the acceptance rates are giving you anxiety, explore related alternatives. For instance, if computer science is too competitive, consider majors like information science, data science, or even cognitive science. Many of these programs offer similar coursework and career outcomes with less competition.

🚀 The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, applying to a less competitive major can be a smart move if you’re genuinely interested in the subject. Always keep your passions in mind while staying informed about how the system works at each school!

DAILY DEADLINE UPDATES
Oct 15 is just 2 weeks away!

In the Daily Deadlines section, we will keep you updated on upcoming deadlines in the college admissions world. Remember to not procrastinate and stay ahead of these deadlines!

University of Texas/UNC Chapel Hill Early Action Deadline: October 15
Most ED, REA & EA Deadlines: November 1

THE ARCHIVE
Looking for past mailings?

You can view all our previous posts at our website at https://scholarscoops.beehiiv.com

IDEAS COME FROM EVERYWHERE
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