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History Major Strategy: How to Stand Out

History is one of the most popular majors at colleges and universities across the United States. Students love to study history, and we get it — we love history too — but it’s also one of the most commonly listed “intended” majors listed on applications. This poses a bit of a problem because when colleges consider your application, they are looking at you within the context of what you want to study. Each department can handle only so many students, so they have to think about what you want to major in when they consider you. Colleges are flooded with prospective history majors and have to find the best of the best to let in.

So, how do you become one of the best of the best? That’s where we can help, and it’s all about standing out through balancing focus and breadth, and finding your people.

If you’re applying to colleges and intend to study history, send us an email. We help students get into their dream schools.

Whether you are a freshman years away from writing applications or a junior itching to dive in, it pays to plan ahead. Doing these three things will amplify your application, so start them as soon as you’re done reading this post — seriously. The best way to have a strong application is to show long-term commitment, so the more time you can put into your focus, your courses, and your community, the better. 

Find a Focus

You can like all of history, but your application will be improved if you focus on a specific era or area. This will reinforce how serious you are about history, and that you aren’t just ‘checking a box,’ by saying that you want to major in history in college. Back up your focus by reading at least two recently published (in the last 10 years) books about the subject that you can mention in your supplements. You will also be able to write about your focus in any “Why Us” supplements, which further emphasizes how serious you are about history.

Take Everything You Can

At the same time as you focus on a particular era or area, you also need to pursue as many high-level history courses as you can at your school. If your school doesn’t offer many history electives, consider taking courses at a local community college, or participating in an academic summer program. Yes, it may feel like this is contradicting the previous point to “focus,” but what you’re doing here is showing a tenacity and a curiosity for history, as well as an ability to perform at a high level academically. You’re not a one-trick-pony, you are a history superstar! You can get top grades regardless of the subject, and that’s what colleges want to see.

Find Your People

Last but certainly not least, you need to find a community (or communities) inside or outside of school that nurture what you love! This will grow your passion and will further improve your application because it shows long-term deep interest that extends beyond the classroom. On campus, join a history-focused club at school and start one if one doesn’t already exist. But we also push the students we work with to go outside the box or, rather, off-campus. Get an internship or summer job at a local historic site, and volunteer with your town or city historic society. You could even get involved with a living history or reenactment group if you’re interested in American history.

As you apply to college, it’s important not just to stand out as a student in general, but to stand out as a student in your specific area of interest. By showing your deep passion, academic prowess, and commitment outside of school hours you’ll prove to application readers that you have what it takes to excel in history at their institution.

 

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