Supplemental Essays: Why this Major?

by Drew C.

“Briefly discuss your reasons for pursuing the major you have selected.”

“Why this major?” is one of the most common supplement prompts, though it’s not always phrased that way. College A might ask you to explain “how you plan to pursue your academic interests,” whereas College B might ask you to describe how you discovered those interests in the first place.

However it’s phrased, the ultimate goal of a “Why this major?” essay is to offer the school a glimpse into your academic passions, your potential career ambitions, and your reasons for pursuing this major at their institution.

When it comes to describing your major of choice, the key is not to summarize the grades you received in that subject but to showcase why you find the subject interesting and valuable. You might consider structuring your essay around the story of how you fell in love with history or engineering or physics—but don’t forget to link that important moment of discovery to future goals and ambitions.

Another possible strategy is to invoke a specific subfield within your area of interest. If you’re choosing to study psychology because you like social psychology, that might be worth mentioning. The more specific you can be, the more you will stand out.

Also, it’s a good idea to connect your personal interests and professional ambitions to the school’s specific offerings. Maybe there’s a special course you’d be interested in taking, or a program you want to contribute to, or a professor you’d like to work with. Colleges look for students who are likely to take advantage of the resources they offer and whose interests broadly align with theirs, so keep that in mind when you’re answering this prompt. An economics major at the University of Chicago will be different from an economics major at Oberlin College.

Fortunately, schools understand that not every applicant has settled on a major, so it’s fine to mention two or even three possibilities. If you’re undecided, focus on your passions and your highest goals. For example, if you’re an aspiring doctor who also enjoys literature, you could write about the importance of interpreting people’s stories—whether they’re novels or medical histories—with accuracy and empathy. As long as you communicate your interests and goals effectively, schools will be able to see your potential.

Here are a few tips to make your “Why this major?” essay stand out:

• • If you have a specific major in mind, be sure to demonstrate knowledge of that field in your description of what interests you about it. You might even make the case for why the subject is worth studying. As always, be specific.
    
    

• • If you’re undecided, focus on your interests, passions, and goals. Many schools have hybrid degrees or interdisciplinary programs where you might be a good fit.
    
    

• • Don’t forget to explain why the school that you are applying to is the best place to study the subject—or cluster of subjects—you’re interested in.