These days, college students have upped the ante in academic achievement. Back in the day, four hard years of work was enough to cut it. These days, getting stellar grades in the most rigorous courses is just the bare minimum. To get into an elite college in the first place, students must have demonstrated that they possess a singular hook that will shape how they engage with all the extracurricular opportunities their future campus offers. Once they make it onto the campus of their dreams, these all-star students aren’t the ones to phone it in and avoid getting involved with the campus community. They’ll conduct research, attend events, and sometimes even pursue more than one major.

This begs the question: which schools are best for students intending to double-, triple-, or even quadruple-major? Is it the typical elite schools that tend to draw fierce competition in their admissions processes, or is it the lesser-known schools that offer ample opportunity for extra academic credit?

Well, loyal readers of Ivy Coach’s college admissions blog won’t be too shocked to hear that we encourage our students with intentions of double-majoring to shoot for the most prestigious university to which we believe they stand a shot at admission. State schools and relatively obscure private colleges can certainly incur a lot of benefits, but nothing beats an elite education from a school with a reputation for excellence. So, without further ado, let’s review the best universities for multi-majors:

Top Schools for Double- or Triple-Majoring

1. Brown University stands out for its Open Curriculum, allowing students to design their academic path without general education requirements, making it especially accommodating for double majors. Brown is also famed for its various dual-degree, double-concentration, and accelerated graduate degree programs with institutions like the neighboring Rhode Island School of Design and the Warren Alpert Medical School.
2. Dartmouth College uses a flexible quarter system, giving students more terms to take courses, which helps in managing the demands of two majors. Dartmouth’s 3 + 2 Engineering Dual Degree program is an excellent choice for undergraduate students enrolled at other liberal arts colleges who are interested in expanding their education with engineering studies at Dartmouth.
3. The University of Chicago offers a rigorous core curriculum but supports academic exploration with extensive major options and strong interdisciplinary programs, enabling well-structured double majors, like the Fundamentals: Issues and Texts program for advanced inquiry into the humanities and the social sciences.
4. The University of Michigan has extensive opportunities for dual-majoring across its various undergraduate schools, including such unorthodox combinations as Art and Design + Kinesiology or Dance + Engineering. Check out this resource from Michigan to learn more about dual-majoring parameters.

Why You Shouldn’t Apply to College as a Dual Major

Okay, so it’s time we contradict ourselves. Dual-majoring is certainly a feat of achievement to be proud of. However, applying to an elite school as a double major is not a wise move. You’re just upping the scrutiny admissions officers will take to your application. Instead of considering whether you’ll make a good Art History student, for example, they’ll also be concerned with your prowess as a Marine Biologist as well. Why subject yourself to these decreased admissions odds when you can apply with a singular hook and expand your academic interests only after gaining admission? Show how you want to change the world in one way rather than be all over the place.

A college application is not a contract written in the blood of your forefathers. No one will hold you back from staying in the same department once you’re on campus (with limited exceptions — universities outside the United States are much more strict about switching majors, and some domestic STEM and engineering programs require specific applications). The most prestigious schools in the nation sometimes even encourage their students to explore all their options and only choose a major in their sophomore year!

The moral of the story is that it is foolhardy to select a school based on its double major offerings, and much more so if you close off your options by applying as a double major. Instead, think of your time in college as an opportunity to let your academic curiosity take the reins.