#169 The Hidden Impact of College Major Selection on Admissions with Rick Clark

Flourish Coaching

Apr 8, 2025

In this episode, Lisa and Rick discuss:

How a student’s choice of future intended major impacts their college admissions chances
The role of holistic review in determining “Fit To Major” (FTM)
The challenges students face when trying to change majors after admission
Why flexibility is essential in the college application process

Key Takeaways:

Colleges often evaluate whether a student’s academic choices and extracurricular activities align with their intended major, so applying without evidence of interest in that field can weaken an application, even at schools that do not directly admit by major.
Some universities, particularly for highly competitive majors like computer science and business, have strict policies that prevent or limit students from switching into these programs after enrollment, making initial major selection a critical decision.
Admissions officers look for patterns of demonstrated interest, expecting engineering applicants to take advanced math and science courses or business applicants to show entrepreneurial involvement, which helps determine if a student is truly prepared for their chosen major.
Students who remain open to alternative entry pathways—such as summer admissions, starting at a different campus, or transferring later—increase their chances of reaching their academic and career goals, even if they don’t initially get into their first-choice program.

“The more kids can put themselves in a position where they have choices and options, the better off they’re going to be.” – Rick Clark

About Rick Clark:

Rick Clark is Georgia Tech’s inaugural Executive Director for Strategic Student Access, leading efforts to expand enrollment, access, and affordability through key partnerships. Previously, he spent 15 years as AVP and Executive Director of Undergraduate Admission, strengthening Tech’s brand, academic profile, and enrollment. He serves on national councils, including NACAC’s Committee on Leadership in College Admission, and speaks at U.S. embassies on higher education. Rick is the creator of the GT Admissions blog, co-author of The Truth About College Admission, and co-host of its podcast. A native of Atlanta, he holds degrees from UNC-Chapel Hill and Georgia State and has worked at Georgia State, The McCallie School, and Wake Forest University.

Episode References:

Blueprint to Understanding Admissions by Major: https://flourishcoachingco.com/majors
The Truth about College Admission by Brennan Barnard & Rick Clark: https://www.amazon.com/Truth-about-College-Admission-Together/dp/142143637X
The College Admissions Process Podcast by John Durante: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-admissions-process-podcast/id1608682810

Get Lisa’s Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career…(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret).

flourishcoachingco.com/video