Double Major and Graduate Admissions

[filtream]

If all else is considered equal (i.e., a candidate has adequate classes, recommendations, research, reputable undergrad institution), can doing a double major in a completely unrelated subject (say, English or Music) hurt one's chances of admission to a top-notch pure math graduate program?

[p-adic]

Yes. Suppose you double major in Russian and someone reading your application has very negative views of Russia these days and "unfairly" recommends the other guy over you for it.

[BreakingBad]

I'm not sure if the above is a joke post or not.

[p-adic]

OP asked if it's possible or not. It is possible, but highly unlikely. I've had people ask me my political thoughts on Russia in job interviews because I speak Russian, and it's listed on my resume.