Easiest Major To Get Into Stanford

Easiest Major To Get Into Stanford

Are you looking for some easy classes at Stanford to boost your GPA this semester? At one of the most selective and elite institutions, classes alone can easily get overwhelming. Sometimes it is hard to figure out what the easy courses are. Here is a list of 10 of the easiest classes at Stanford.

Getting a degree is a smart investment in your future. How can you be sure that you’ll be accepted into a college? How do you know which major to go for in college. Do you need answers to questions like Easiest Major To Get Into Stanford, easiest major to get into mit, how to get into stanford for masters & hardest majors at stanford. Well worry not!

To be sure, getting the right information online doesn’t come easy. However, the article below brings you the best and latest information on stanford stats to get in & can you get into stanford without an interview.

1. Music 8A – Rock, Sex, and Rebellion

The average grade from 200 different listings for this class is an A-, and with just a little bit of effort you could easily make that an A or A+. There are two papers for this course: one based off of a rock concert you get to go see and the other is a more traditional one. The only other assignments for this course are some trivial pop quizzes and a 2-minute presentation on your favorite Rock song. There are no exams!

2. CS 105 – Introduction to Computers

The average grade for this course from 1000+ listings reports a mean grade of an A-, and there are no papers! There are weekly assignments that vary in difficulty but are overall quite easy, and there is one midterm exam and one final. With slightly more work than other courses on this list but by far one of the easiest content wise, we definitely recommend this easy A!

3. PWR 2PB – The Rhetoric of Political Photography 

The average grade from 90+ listings reports a mean grade of A- yet again, and there are no papers in this PWR class. There are also no assigments, only two projects, so if you are a person who hates busy work this is the class for you! The first project is a powerpoint presentation of a political photographer of your choice and the second project is a recorded movie of a certain topic in political photography. That is all! No exams!

4. REES 35 – Films of Central Asia

For this class you will meet once every two weeks and write a 1-page essay per film. There are only two units in this course, meaning only two short essays. The films you do watch are reportedly some of the best and most culturally-enlightening films based out of countries like Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan. Professor Kunanbaeva is passionate and enjoyable to listen to.

5. ATHLETIC 190 – Introduction to Nutrition 

In this course you meet once a week, with 1-2 Units and then do eating projects. This course has reportedly transformed how students eat and how efficient they are working out. Clyde is an amazing professor with a dark but terribly funny sense of humor who has been through it all and has a very thorough and research-based approach to nutrition. This course will not only get you an easy A but will add value to your life!

6. HUMBIO 91Q – Neuroethology

Don’t be intimidated by the title. This class is a 3-unit grade-based sophomore seminar that meets once a week and counts for NatSci. You will read 1 research paper a week and write a 1-2 page write-up. At the end of the class you present on a topic of your choice. This class is centered on learning about things you’re interested in, not annoying problem sets and theorems. This class is highly recommended as a creative light-work and high value-add way to complete your NatSci requirement. Prof Russel Fernald also takes students to his fish lab for one class day!

7. MS&E 41 – Financial Literacy

In this course you will meet one a week and the very comedic & entertainment Mary Morrison takes you through basic personal finance practices. This class is a value-add to your career because you create a spreadsheet with a budget and a forced salary of $41.5k/year to see if your life, student loans, and rent will hold together. This is an easy A but adds much much more to your college experience than that.

8. PHYSICS 17 – Black Holes

This class may be what you need to meet your science requirement across all majors. With a class average of an A and a reportedly “awesome” professor, it is a great choice for your next semester. There are only quizzes in this class and the midterms are all online, which means flexibility and leniency! For an elective or a needed requirement, this class is going to add entertainment and value to your semester!

9. AMSTUD 140 – Standup Comedy since 1945

It’s all in the name, what class named after Standup Comedy would you pass up the chance to take? With a class average in the range of an A, this class allows you to add to your GPA while also adding to the entertainment you have during the day. Everyone needs a light hearted class and this one is it. With a spunky professor and an easy schedule and syllabus, this is a class we all need.

10. PSYC 135 – Sleep and Dreams

We may have saved the best for last, because in this class you get extra credit for falling asleep in class. With no formalized testing like you see in your other courses this class is based on practical applications like, well, sleeping! What could be better than earning extra points for your afternoon naps, we all take them anyway!In conclusion, college is about trying new things, not getting burnt out. Taking a fun, easy class can be a way to take off stress during your week and semester and maintain a high GPA. We know you didn’t get into Stanford by taking only easy classes, but even the hardest working need breaks sometimes! Good Luck!

Stanford University gPA requirements

Founded in 1885, Stanford University has since grown into a vibrant community and academic powerhouse. If you’re considering applying to Stanford, you are likely an exceptional student, both in terms of academics and extracurricular accomplishments. Congratulations—that is a great feat in itself!

Unfortunately, Stanford’s acceptance rate in 2018 was 4.4%, one of the lowest in the country. Building a strong transcript and extracurricular resumé is no longer enough to receive a coveted acceptance. So what can you do to stand out? If you want to beat the odds, read on for CollegeVine’s tips on optimizing your profile.

Stanford University’s average GPA is 3.95. Stanford University does require GPA. This average GPA means Stanford University is brutally selective – the most competitive applicants in the world are already applying to the school, in hopes of taking up residence in Stanford, and, somehow, you need to be better. Generally speaking, if your GPA is not at least equal to 3.95 then Stanford University may be a reach. However, Stanford University considers the ENTIRE application – we can make up for a weak GPA with more factors that we’ll discuss below. If your GPA is equal to or greater than 3.95, you’re sitting right in the sweetspot.

Standardized Testing

Standardized testing is one of the application requirements that can highlight academic preparedness. There are no minimum test scores required to be admitted to Stanford, and there is no score that guarantees admission. At Stanford, we review applications holistically, meaning every component of the application is valuable to us as we get to know each student.

Required testing:

• ACT or SAT (Writing/Essay not required)
• Stanford will accept scores from both the old SAT and the new SAT.
• We will review applications from all students using either self-reported or official scores. If you would like to have official scores sent, it is fine to use the College Board’s Score Choice option or the equivalent offered by the ACT.

How to report your test scores:

• We recommend that you simply self-report your highest scores in the testing section of the application. You can also have official scores sent to Stanford, but this is not required for us to review your application.
• If your most recent test results arrive after you submit your application, you can self-report these scores by logging in to your Application Status portal  and filling out the Self-Report Test Scores form.
• If you are offered admission and choose to enroll, official scores will be required. In order for test scores to be considered official, they must be sent directly from the College Board or the ACT.*

*Please note: Stanford reserves the right to revoke an offer of admission if an applicant’s self-reported test scores do not align with those in the official score report.

Test Codes

• SAT/PROFILE/TOEFL Code number: 4704
• ACT Code number: 0434

Superscoring Test Results

We want you to have the best test representation possible, so we will superscore your results according to the following rubric:

• For the ACT, we will review all subscores and focus on the highest Composite from all sittings.
• For the SAT, we will focus on the highest individual Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math scores from all test sittings. For SAT exams taken prior to March 2016, we will focus on the highest Critical Reading, Math and Writing scores. Because we are not able to superscore across the two exams, we will superscore results within the old and new SAT exams separately.
• For the new SAT, you may have taken a sitting with the essay and a separate sitting without the essay. We will superscore your Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math scores across these two versions of the exam.

Testing Outside the U.S.

Many students ask about test substitutions, and while we do not accept alternate exam scores in lieu of either the ACT or the SAT, we do provide guidelines for testing exemptions if no sittings of these tests are offered in your country.

SAT Subject Tests

SAT Subject Tests are optional. Because SAT Subject Test scores can highlight your areas of strength, we welcome the self-reporting of these results in your application. If you have taken a subject test more than once, you may report your highest score.

Similarly, if you have taken Advanced Placement exams, you are welcome to self-report your scores in the application.

Deadlines for Testing

We recommend students take the ACT or SAT well in advance of application deadlines. It is unlikely that scores from tests taken after the deadlines will arrive in time for review. We cannot delay the review of an application in anticipation of scores that will arrive after the deadline nor can we guarantee that late scores will be reviewed. Please refer to our application and testing deadline chart for the last acceptable ACT and SAT exam dates.

stanford acceptance rate 2021

Last year Stanford University’s acceptance rate was 5.04. However, check out how the acceptance rate has changed over time.

	2016	2017	2018
Acceptance Rate	5.0 %	5.0 %	5.04 %

As you can see, Stanford University is a little easier to get into than last year.

Acceptance rate alone does not indicate your likelihood for getting into Stanford University – it’s a very high level understanding of the true competition. Use the acceptance rate as a general guide for curating a list of 10-15 schools that fall into different ranges of competitiveness. Then, use the below data to get a deeper understanding of how your application will compare to the rest of the pool.

how to get into stanford for masters

Stanford has a reputation as being one of the top schools in the nation and one of the hardest colleges in the country to get into. Many factors draw college-bound high schoolers to Stanford, including its world-class education, gorgeous campus, and athletic excellence—not to mention numerous illustrious alumni, including tech entrepreneurs, Supreme Court Justices, famous actors, notable authors, astronauts, inventors, and even a U.S. President. 

If you’re hoping to gain acceptance to Stanford, here’s everything you need to know to improve your chances.   

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How Hard Is It to Get Into Stanford University?

A total of 45,227 students applied to become part of Stanford’s class of 2025 and the university accepted just 2,349 applicants. Stanford doesn’t publicly announce its acceptance rate, but a quick calculation using the Common Data Set places it at 5.18%, almost identical to the previous year’s 5.19% acceptance rate.  

It’s no wonder Stanford is sometimes called the “Ivy of the West.” CollegeVine ranked Stanford as one of the top 10 schools that aren’t in the Ivy League and it’s quite common to see Stanford placed above many of the elite East Coast institutions in national polls and publications. Like its peers in the Ivy League, Stanford is extremely selective and attracts some of the most highly qualified applicants in the country. 

To understand your chances at Stanford University, we recommend using our free admissions calculator. Using factors such as your grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities, our free chancing engine estimates your odds of acceptance, and gives you tips to improve your college profile!

Average Academic Profile of Accepted Stanford University Students

GPA

The average high school GPA of Stanford’s class of 2025 is a 3.96. More than two-thirds (68.7%) of the class of 2025 graduated high school with a 4.0 GPA, and 27.5% had a GPA between 3.75 and 3.99. Less than 4% of students admitted to the class of 2025 had a GPA below 3.74. 

SAT/ACT

The middle 50% SAT score of students admitted to Stanford’s class of 2025 is between 1420 and 1550 and the middle 50% composite ACT score was between 31 and 35. Of Stanford’s class of 2025 that submitted an SAT score, 79.4% scored between 1400 and 1600. Of the students that submitted an ACT score, 86.5% scored between 30 and 36. 

Class Rank

Stanford considers class rank “very important” to admissions decisions. A remarkable 96% of the university’s class of 2025 graduated in the top 10% of their high school class. 

What is Stanford University Looking for?

At a super-selective school with a low acceptance rate like Stanford, exceptional academics are not enough to gain admission—nearly every applicant has superb grades and outstanding test scores. Knowing what Stanford is looking for in an applicant is one way to gain an advantage over others seeking admission. 

Stanford strikes a balance between colleges like MIT and Harvard; it values applicants with technical experience and those who have demonstrated leadership in a variety of areas. One way that Stanford differentiates itself from the schools of the Ivy League—except, perhaps, Princeton—is the priority it places on STEM over fields like business and the humanities.

Stanford considers essays “very important” criteria when making admissions decisions and places a relatively high weight compared to its peers on them. Stanford applicants are required to write three short supplemental essays—between 100 and 250 words each—as part of their application. These essays provide an excellent opportunity for applicants to show why they belong at Stanford. But, if not written well, they hinder your chances of acceptance. 

How Stanford University Evaluates Applications

According to their 2020-2021 Common Data Set, Stanford University considers the following factors “very important”:

• Course rigor
• Class rank
• GPA
• Test scores
• Essay
• Recommendation letters

These other factors are “considered”:

• Interview
• First-generation student
• Alumni/ae relation 
• Geographic residence
• Racial/ethnic status
• Volunteer work
• Work experience 

And these are “not considered”:

• State residence 
• Religious affiliation
• Level of interest

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into Stanford University 

1. Achieve at least a 3.96 GPA while taking the most challenging classes available

Stanford considers GPA, class rank, and the rigor of coursework “very important” when making admissions decisions. Consequently, it’s extremely important for Stanford applicants to not only possess outstanding grades but for those grades to come in challenging courses. How many AP classes should you take? Students accepted to a top 10 school like Stanford typically complete between 8 to 12, but it’s not uncommon for a student to have taken even more.  

Another reason why Stanford applicants need great grades is that selective schools use a tool called the Academic Index to filter out their enormous number of applicants. At its most basic, the Academic Index is a distillation of a student’s academic performance (grades and test scores) into a single number. Colleges use that number to filter out students deemed unqualified.    

If your GPA is lower, and you’re earlier on in your high school career, check out our tips for increasing your GPA. If you’re a junior or senior, it will be harder to increase your GPA, so the easiest way to increase your Academic Index is to get a higher test score.

2. Aim for a 1550 SAT or a 35 ACT  

The middle 50% SAT score of Stanford’s class of 2025 is 1420-1550 and their middle 50% ACT is 31-35. Any score in the middle 50% is good, but the closer applicants score to the 75th percentile, the better their odds of admission. 

In light of the challenges presented by COVID-19, Stanford will accept applications without standardized test scores in 2021-2022. That said, if you can safely take the SAT or ACT, it is recommended—students who submit test scores are accepted at higher rates than students who don’t submit scores. CollegeVine generally recommends submitting scores if they’re above the 25th percentile for accepted students (i.e., 1420 SAT score and 31 ACT score at Stanford). 

Stanford believes students should have the best test representation possible. For the ACT, it will review all subscores and focus on the highest Composite from all tests. For the SAT, Stanford will focus on the highest individual Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math scores from all sittings. For students who have sat for the SAT with the essay and also without the essay, Stanford will super score your Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math scores across these two versions of the exam.

3. Cultivate at least one or two Tier 1-2 extracurriculars (find your “spike”)

Extracurricular activities are a common way for applicants to separate themselves from the field, but not all extracurriculars are created equal. Stanford considers talent/ability “very important” when making admissions decisions and extracurricular activities are an excellent way to demonstrate them. An easy way to understand their impact is the 4 Tiers of Extracurriculars:

• Tier 1 activities are the most eye-catching; they demonstrate exceptional achievement and are extremely rare. Tier 1 extracurriculars include impressive accomplishments like winning the Regeneron Science Talent Search or the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award. 
• Tier 2 extracurriculars demonstrate high levels of achievement or leadership but are more common than Tier 1 activities. Tier 2 activities include everything from making an all-state selection in athletics or band to holding a top leadership position in a well-known club, like Model UN or Science Olympiad. 
• Tier 3 extracurricular activities are great for showing an applicant’s interest outside of the classroom but don’t have the cachet of higher-tiered extracurriculars. Tier 3 activities include holding a lesser leadership position in a club, like treasurer. Similarly, athletes who didn’t make an all-state team but earned recognition like a player of the week award fall into Tier 3.  
• Tier 4 extracurriculars are the least impressive and most common of the four tiers. These activities include everything from participation in a club (but not holding a leadership position) to playing a sport or instrument without distinction to volunteering. 

Competitive applicants at a top school like Stanford generally have one or two Tier 1 or Tier 2 activities on their resumes. The belief that colleges are looking for well-rounded students is a myth—applicants are more appealing if they have a highly developed interest known as a  “spike,” rather than a bunch of unrelated interests. 

4. Write engaging essays

Stanford’s application requires four essays—the personal essay found in either the Coalition Application or the Common Application and three short-answer questions in the Stanford Supplement: 

• The Stanford community is deeply curious and driven to learn in and out of the classroom. Reflect on an idea or experience that makes you genuinely excited about learning.
• Virtually all of Stanford’s undergraduates live on campus. Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate—and us—get to know you better.
• Tell us about something that is meaningful to you and why.

Stanford values essays and considers character/personal qualities “very important” when considering applicants. The result is that essays are often a make-or-break area for applicants, providing them the chance to set themselves apart from the competition and show why they belong on Stanford’s campus. For great advice on how to write a compelling Stanford essay, check out our article How to Write the Stanford University Essays 2021-2022. 

5. Apply Early Action

Stanford offers a restrictive early action application—a non-binding option that prevents applicants from applying to any other private college/university under their early action, restrictive early action, early decision, or early notification plans. 

While Stanford doesn’t release its early admissions data, the acceptance rates for early applications tend to be higher than those for regular decision, even while controlling for profile strength.

6. Recommendation Letters

Stanford considers letters of recommendation a “very important” factor in making admissions decisions and requires three of them: one from a high school counselor and two from teachers. Stanford suggests the teachers who write recommendations taught you in 11th or 12th grade in a core academic field like English, math, science, foreign language, or history/social studies, but applicants may submit a letter recommendation from a 10th-grade teacher if the coursework was advanced, such as AP or IB. 

Stanford also allows applicants to submit one optional letter of recommendation. This option is best used if there is a person who knows the applicant well and can offer valuable insights that their high school counselor or teachers might not shine a light on. 

Requesting a letter of recommendation from a teacher is a big ask—they’re busy and don’t get paid to write recommendations. Make it easy for them by giving them plenty of time, providing them with as much relevant information as possible, and by following the other nine rules of requesting letters of recommendations from teachers.

How to Apply to Stanford University 

Deadlines

Application Timeline	Deadline	Notification Date
Early Action	November 1	December 15
Regular Decision	January 2	April 1

 

Application Requirements

Stanford applicants can apply using either the common application or the Coalition Application. The other Stanford application requirements are: 

• School Report and counselor letter of recommendation
• Official transcript
• Teacher letters of recommendation (2)
• Midyear transcript 

Other optional materials include: 

• SAT/ACT 
• Optional arts portfolio 

what is the easiest major to get into

For incoming undergraduate students, choosing a major can be overwhelming. That’s because your field of study will have meaningful consequences for your future life. Choosing the right major can open the door to engaging work that pays a living wage. On the other hand, selecting the wrong major could result in years of unhappiness if the related work is not interesting, takes up too much time, or doesn’t pay well. 

It might relieve some of your stress to know the important factors to consider when choosing your major, to be familiar with the most challenging and least challenging undergraduate majors, and to remember that your major choice isn’t binding yet. In this helpful guide to choosing your major, we will walk through all of that to help you find a major that suits your needs, interests, and goals.

Factors to Consider When Choosing A Major

Does the work interest me? You will have a much harder time securing good grades and retaining concepts if you are pursuing a major that does not interest you. We are not saying you have to choose something that fascinates you—not everyone can be a professional musician or writer—but make sure you choose a major that holds your attention.

Do I have natural talent in this field? Everyone’s brain is wired a little differently. It follows that certain subjects will be easier for certain students. Natural talent is not a prerequisite for pursuing a given major. In fact, many leaders in their field report initial setbacks that they had to work hard to overcome. However, choosing to major in an area where you already have an intellectual advantage based on your brain chemistry is a good way to make your college years easier.

How much time do I want to spend studying? Realistically, academic coursework is not every student’s top priority. One of the best parts of college is making lifelong friendships. Another is exploring your interests through clubs and internships. Only commit to a time-intensive major if it really is your top priority in college.

What career options will be available to me after graduating? Too many times, we see students treat their undergraduate years as being completely unrelated to what they will do after school. Then, when they find certain career paths are closed to them, they become disappointed. Avoid this outcome upfront by choosing a major with your future career in mind. If you are interested in exploring many different fields, choose a major like Communications or Economics that opens the door to many different industries. If you already know you want to pursue a very specific path, such as film or medicine, choose a major and take the courses that prepare you for your industry.

What are my financial prospects with this major? Even if your goal is not to become a millionaire, keeping an eye on finances will save you a lot of heartache in the long run. If you are split between two majors, consider using return on investment (ROI) as your tie-breaker. If you want to go into a less lucrative field, that is okay! Just be sure you are not taking out large loans to finance a major that will take decades to repay.

When Do You Have To Declare Your Major? And Can You Change It?

When you apply to different universities, you will probably be asked for your intended major. This major is either the program you will enter into as an incoming freshman or, if your institution doesn’t allow you to declare your major until later in your undergraduate studies, it’s the major you think you will declare when the time comes. Sometimes (typically if your intended program is competitive or requires specific technical or artistic skills) you will need to submit a supplemental application or a portfolio for your intended major.

In general, your intended major is exactly what it sounds like: an intention to study a discipline, not set in stone. And many students change their major (hassle-free) throughout their undergraduate years.

Because universities require a certain number of total university credits for graduation, a students’ coursework is generally divided into three components: general education or distribution requirements, major requirements, and minor or elective courses. Students who are unsure about their major might take their elective courses in diverse fields when trying to come to a conclusion about their desired field of study. On the other hand, if you change your major too late, you may delay your graduation, so it is important to plan as you explore. It is also important to remember that, at many universities and colleges, it is easier to change your major within a school than between schools.

Generally, universities will ask you to declare your major by the end of your sophomore year.

Top 10 Hardest Majors

To help you start thinking about which major is best for you, we put together a ranked list of the ten hardest majors. We used a combination of lowest average GPA, highest number of hours spent studying, and lowest return on investment (ROI) to determine which majors are the hardest to pursue. In these listings, you’ll notice the statistic, 20-year ROI. A 20-year ROI is the difference between the 20-year median pay for a graduate with a bachelor’s degree in the listed major and the 24-year median pay for an individual with only a high school diploma, minus the total 4-year cost of obtaining a bachelor’s degree. It effectively tells how much better off graduates are financially due to obtaining a bachelor’s degree in a specific area.

This list is by no means exhaustive, and your list of hardest majors likely would be different than ours. As you read, think about what makes some of these majors easier or harder for you.

10. Fine Arts

Average GPA: 3.2

Average Weekly Study Hours: 16.5

Predicted 20-Year ROI: -$163,600

Find schools with a Fine Arts major that match your profile.

This goes on our list of hardest majors because it has such a low return on investment. For students to make this major a successful choice, they will have to spend hours distinguishing themselves from their peers. The same principle applies to other artistic fields, including creative writing, musical theater, dance, and music. If you pursue a creative major, make sure you cultivate a marketable skill alongside it. Consider teaching, art restoration, or technical writing for a skill that complements your love of art.

Potential Careers Paths and Median Salaries for Fine Arts Graduates:

• Professional Artist: $49k
• Art Director: $97k
• Graphic Designer: $53k
• Interior Designer: $60k
• Art Professor (requires further education): $85k

9. Philosophy

Average GPA: 3.1

Average Weekly Study Hours: 16

Predicted 20-Year ROI: $202,000

Philosophy demands attention to detail and command of logic. On average, philosophy majors spend more time than most college students studying, and those hours require high levels of concentration. Many philosophy majors pursue careers in law or academia because those fields reward hard work, careful reasoning, and attention to detail. Both of these fields require an advanced degree, so be prepared to stay in school for a while.

Potential Career Paths and Median Salaries for Philosophy Graduates:

• Non-Profit Professional: $70k
• Lawyer (requires further education): $127k
• Philosophy Professor (requires further education): $88k
• Public Policy Professional (requires further education): $125k

8. Cellular and Molecular Biology

Average GPA: 3.2

Average Weekly Study Hours: 18.5

Predicted 20-Year ROI: $382,000

Cellular and molecular biology is the biology major with the heaviest workload and lowest average GPA. Students who tend to do well in this field are able to visualize concepts even when they cannot see them with the naked eye. Understanding how different parts of a system work together is a useful skill that this major cultivates. With a cellular and molecular biology undergraduate degree, can pursue an advanced degree or dive straight into the workforce upon graduating, depending on your area of interest.

Potential Career Paths and Median Salaries for Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduates:

• Research Assistant: $46k
• Physician (requires further education): $185-271k
• Biology Professor (requires further education): $101k
• Pharmacist (requires further education): $129k

7. Accounting

Average GPA: 3.2

Average Weekly Study Hours: 16.5

Predicted 20-Year ROI: $563,000

Accounting majors have a great return on investment (ROI) since nearly every person and company requires the services of an accountant at some point in their life cycle. If you like mathematics, specifically applied math, this may be a great fit major for you. Becoming an accountant requires long apprenticeships and lots of studying after graduating from college. However, you can get a well-paid job right out of college, as businesses love to hire folks with this quantitative background.

Potential Career Paths and Median Salaries for Accounting Graduates:

• Accountant: $74k
• Financial Analyst: $84k
• Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerk: $42k

6. Nursing

Average GPA: 3.2

Average Hours Spent Preparing for Class: 17

Predicted 20-Year ROI: $525,000

This major has a high workload but amazing job prospects. Upon receiving licensure, graduates are practically guaranteed a job for life in a growing industry. College graduates typically earn a BSN but may continue their studies to become an MSN. Advanced schooling allows MSNs to specialize, depending on their desired career path. Nurses spend less time in school than doctors and have more in-person contact with patients.

Potential Career Paths and Median Salaries for Nursing Graduates:

• Registered Nurse: $75k
• Midwife: $111k
• Nurse Anesthetists: $184k

5. Architecture

Average GPA: 3.3

Average Weekly Study Hours: 22

Average Salary: $67,000

This major goes on our list of hardest majors because of the weekly grind. The average architecture major spends 22 hours preparing for class. Students who want to pursue this field need to be ready to spend hours drafting and studying. Upon graduating, your job prospects are fairly narrow because your skills are specialized. That means that when a lot of construction is taking place, you are likely to be in demand. Conversely, if new building projects are not being commissioned, it may be harder to find a job.

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Potential Career Paths and Median Salaries for Architecture Graduates:

• Building Architect: $82k
• Landscape Architect: $71k
• Architectural Drafter: $58k

4. Physics

Average GPA: 3.1

Average Weekly Study Hours: 18.5

Predicted 20-Year ROI: $382,000

Physics makes this list because of the long hours students have to spend getting ready for class each week. A highly conceptual field, physics may be right for you if you like to think abstractly about how forces and objects interact. Keep in mind that pursuing a career in physics often requires you to get an advanced degree after graduating from college.

Potential Career Paths and Median Salaries for Physics Graduates:

• Physicist: $129k
• Biophysicist: $94k
• Physics Professor (requires further education): $104k

3. Electrical Engineering

Average GPA: 3.3

Average Weekly Study Hours: 19.5

Predicted 20-Year ROI: $850,000

Electrical Engineering majors put in some of the longest hours of all college students, but the return on investment (ROI) is very high. If you love circuitry, fixing equipment, and designing better ways to get a job done, this could be a great fit career for you. A degree in engineering sets you up to perform well as an engineer or, later in your career, as the manager of a team of engineers. Advanced study is encouraged but not required to succeed in this field.

Potential Career Paths and Median Salaries for Electrical Engineering Graduates:

• Electronics Engineer: $103k
• Aerospace Engineer: $117k
• Communications Engineer: $110k
• Computer Hardware Engineer: $120k

2. Chemical Engineering

Average GPA: 3.2

Average Weekly Study Hours: 22

Predicted 20-Year ROI: $850,000

If you love to leverage your knowledge of science to transform materials, chemical engineering could be a great fit for you. This is another high input, high output field, so expect to work long hours but also to earn a large salary after graduation. If you love chemical engineering but do not want to become an engineer, consider a career in academia or patent law. These career paths require graduate school, in the form of a Ph.D., J.D., or both.

Potential Career Paths and Median Salaries for Chemical Engineering Graduates:

• Chemical Engineer: $109k
• Environmental Engineer: $99k
• Lawyer (requires further education): $127k

1. Chemistry

Average GPA: 2.9

Average Weekly Study Hours: 18.5

Predicted 20-Year ROI: $382,000

We have chosen chemistry as our #1 hardest major because of its low average GPA combined with the long hours of studying required. If you are fascinated by how minuscule, invisible changes can completely alter a substance, chemistry is a great major to consider. It is hard work to earn a degree in chemistry, but once you do, a wide range of career options open to you. Typically, earning an advanced degree after college is necessary to pursue a career incChemistry.

Potential Career Paths and Median Salaries for Chemistry Graduates:

• Chemical Manufacturing: $91k
• Physician (requires further education): $185-271k
• Pharmacist (requires further education): $129k
• Chemistry Professor (requires further education): $92k

Top Easiest Majors

We have put together our list of top easiest majors based on three factors: GPA, weekly study hours, and return on investment. Keep in mind that your factors may be different! Read our brief summary of each major to see if it may be a good fit for you.

9. English

Average GPA: 3.2

Average Weekly Study Hours: 16

Predicted 20-Year ROI: $240,000

See the best schools for English majors.

If you love language and literature, majoring in English is a great way to gain exposure to strong writing. We are including it on the list of easiest majors because it has a relatively high GPA and because most homework preparation is reading literature, an act that English majors find pleasurable in itself. As far as salary is concerned after graduation, English majors have to work a bit harder to ensure they have a steady source of income. Consider choosing a second major or a minor that cultivates a marketable skill. Or, if you wish to pursue a literary career, use summers and your time outside of class to distinguish yourself with internships and publications. You are entering a competitive field, so it helps to have relevant experience outside of class.

Potential Career Paths and Median Salaries for English Graduates:

• Writer: $67k
• Editor: $63k
• High School Teacher: $63k

8. Economics

Average GPA: 3.0

Average Weekly Study Hours: 15

Predicted 20-Year ROI: $626,000

See the best schools for Economics majors.

Economics majors spend a pretty typical amount of time studying relative to other college majors. However, when they graduate, their earning potential is very high. If you are looking for a field that lets you work hard but not too hard while still bringing home a healthy paycheck, Economics is a great field to consider. It strengthens students’ quantitative reasoning by introducing them to a range of real-world, practical financial problems that can be observed in society. 

Potential Career Paths and Median Salaries for Economics Graduates:

• Economist: $108k
• Financial Analyst: $84k
• Actuary: $111k

7. Journalism

Average GPA: 3.2

Average Weekly Study Hours: 13

Predicted 20-Year ROI: $240,000

Find schools with Journalism majors that match your profile.

Journalism majors have relatively high average GPAs relative to peers, and they do not have to spend exorbitant amounts of time studying. That said, it is difficult to secure a full-time position as a journalist, especially if there is a particular subject you long to cover. The strongest applicants to journalism positions have spent years working for local, regional, and national publications prior to applying for their first full-time job. So, consider journalism if you do not want to have a busy course load, but expect that you will devote that extra time to related clubs, writing projects, and internships.

Potential Career Paths and Median Salaries for Journalism Graduates:

• Reporter/Correspondent: $49k
• Radio/Television Broadcaster: $73k
• Writer: $67k
• Editor: $63k

6. Criminal Justice

Average GPA: 3.1

Average Weekly Study Hours: 12

Predicted 20-Year ROI: $139,000

If you find courts, policing, and corrections fascinating, a career in criminal justice may be for you. Students learn how to apprehend, reprimand, and rehabilitate those who commit crimes. This field does not require much time in class but does demand a certain emotional resilience, as course content will at times be disturbing. Job prospects upon graduating exist but are limited, so college graduates with this major should consider careers as police officers and lawyers, both of which require additional training.

Potential Career Paths and Median Salaries for Criminal Justice Graduates:

• Police Detective: $87k
• Private Detective: $53k
• Lawyer (requires further education): $127k

5. Public Relations & Advertising

Average GPA: 3.0

Average Weekly Study Hours: 12

Predicted 20-Year ROI: $563,000

Find schools with Public Relations majors that match your profile.

Do people fascinate you? Do you watch the Super Bowl for the ads? Have you been known to tell a captivating story? If so, public relations & advertising may be the field for you. These students integrate their understanding of the human mind with the business objectives of companies and other large enterprises. They help to shape attitudes around a product, initiative, or idea. Students who graduate with a degree in this field often secure employment quickly because companies are always looking for people with a talent for connecting with consumers. No graduate school is required to build a fulfilling career in this industry.

Potential Career Paths and Median Salaries for Public Relations & Advertising Graduates: 

• Marketing Manager: $161k
• Public Relations Specialist: $63k
• Advertising and Sales Agent: $55k

4. Social Work

Average GPA: 3.4

Average Weekly Study Hours: 12

Predicted 20-Year ROI: $139,000

It is somewhat deceptive to say social work is an easy major, even though it meets the criteria we are using for this list. Often, the greatest difficulty associated with this field is the emotional strain it takes to build a career in social work. Students who do best in social work are highly resilient and practice self-care. If you want to make a practical difference in the lives of others and possess a high EQ (Emotional Quotient, also known as emotional intelligence), consider this major. Earning a graduate degree is customary for those who wish to pursue a career in social work.

Potential Career Paths and Median Salaries for Social Work Graduates:

• Mediator: $66k
• Healthcare Social Worker (requires further education): $58k
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker (requires further education): $48k
• Child, Family, and School Social Worker (requires further education): $48k

3. Education

Average GPA: 3.6

Average Weekly Study Hours: 14

Predicted 20-Year ROI: -$9,000

We are including education on the list of easiest majors because of the high average GPA. But be warned! It has an extremely low return on investment. If you are thinking of pursuing a teaching career, consider getting your undergraduate degree in your subject of interest rather than in teaching. With a teaching minor or summer program, you can easily fulfill your requirements to become a teacher. However, your major will give you more flexibility and earning potential in other careers if teaching does not turn out to be the field for you.

Potential Career Paths and Median Salaries for Education Graduates:

• High School Teacher: $63k
• Instructional Coordinator (requires further education): $67k
• Education Administration (requires further education): $98k
• School Counselor (requires further education): $58k

2. Psychology

Average GPA: 3.3

Average Weekly Study Hours: 13.5

Predicted 20-Year ROI: $198,000

Only within the past hundred years have we begun to objectively measure, analyze, and evaluate human behavior. Psychology majors study the progress we have made so far and participate in social science research to make further discoveries in their field. Psychology students typically have high GPAs relative to their peers, and the weekly homework load is not unreasonable. Job prospects coming out of psychology are not ample, but students willing to pursue a Ph.D. can become professors and lab researchers within their field of interest.

Potential Career Paths and Median Salaries for Psychology Graduates:

• Research Assistant: $49k
• Substance Abuse Counselor: $48k
• Clinical Psychologist (requires further education): $82k
• School Counselor (requires further education): $58k
• Psychology Professor (requires further education): $90k

1. Business Administration

Average GPA: 3.2

Average Weekly Study Hours: 13.5

Predicted 20-Year ROI: $563,000

Business administration ranks as our #1 easiest college major because it has that perfect trio of low weekly homework load, high average GPA, and great ROI. If you have solid business acumen, a head for figures, and a desire to work with people, could be a great-fit major for you. Just because it is easy to succeed in this major does not mean it is full of only easy classes. You can challenge yourself by taking rigorous quantitative courses and participating in internships that give you a taste of real-world business administration. No graduate school is required to excel in this field.

easiest major to get into mIT

The most popular majors at Massachusetts Institute of Technology include: Computer Science; Mechanical Engineering; Mathematics, General; Physics, General; Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, General; Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering; Econometrics and Quantitative Economics;

easiest major to get into Harvard

Yes, if you go to Harvard you’re relatively smart.

Yes, every major can be difficult at times.

And yes, some people are better at some things.

But if you’re actually a student here, it’s pretty obvious which of your peers are staying up till 4am every week finishing a CS problem set and which Economics concentrators are partying 5 days a week.

Basically, almost every Science or Engineering major will be harder/require more time every week than a Humanities/Social Science major.

Mean student-reported workload for classes in 2015, sorted by major (Image Source)

According to this really interesting statistical analysis (chart included above), OEB (Organismic and Evolutionary Biology) was also one of the lightest workload majors, which I honestly hadn’t realized, but the major does have this reputation among pre-meds and bio majors.