<p>I am planning on applying to some schools (ivies) with English as my first choice and Engineering as my second. I have taken AP Chem and Bio, but not AP Physics. I didn’t do so hot on the Chem exam and had a B+ in the class. I’m currently doing very well in AP Bio. Also, the only Science subject test I took was Bio, which I didn’t get my highest score in (740). I have participated in Science League and Science Honor Society.
Also, I’m planning on submitting two teacher recs-one English, and one Math. (AP Calc BC)</p>
<p>Given my background, do you think it is a bad idea for me to apply as an Engineer?</p>
<p>First of all, you’re not stupid. Your stats are clearly high, and not everyone is required to be great in science. Others simply aren’t great at testing. Even the Ivy Leagues know this, so they evaluate applicants holistically.</p>
<p>That said, there’s not much room for imperfection at this level. If your stats aren’t as great as they can be, you better have awesome ECs or a beautiful essay.</p>
<p>My advice? Don’t worry about it. This is the final stretch, and you can’t change anything now. If engineering is your second choice, list it as such. Be honest and tell them what your interests are. But be sure to have a backup plan because you’ll probably be rejected. Everyone will probably be rejected from the Ivies, it’s just math. But you’re a high-achieving student who can get into any number of other great schools. Be broad in your search. I’m applying to Princeton this year, but I’m also applying to Kenyon College, which you won’t find on any top 30 list. I’ll be happy at either.</p>
<p>Kenyon is #32 on the US News SLAC list and one of the most respected writing programs in the country. If you want to be a writer, it may actually be better than going to an Ivy in many ways - don’t discount its strength in that area.</p>
<p>Kenyon isn’t just known for its writing programs you know. Besides, all good liberal arts colleges have outstanding writing programs and Kenyon’s reputation is based on an age-old stereotype that no longer should dominate its distinctive identity. Any good liberal arts college can mould students into fantastic writers.</p>
<p>I think you might look confused if you apply English with Engineering as 2nd choice. Do you have a reason? Or are you actually undecided? At Brown your major won’t depend on your acceptance, from what they say. If you do get accepted it doesn’t matter what major you put, you can choose any major once you go, but if you want to do Engineering you’d have to start the core coursework freshman year.</p>
<p>The ivy’s won’t require a declared major right away and what you put on the application does not matter. The correlation between intended majors and actual majors is, and has always been, poor. Although Yale does some recruiting of engineering students and requests them to write an additional supplemental essay, by no means should a typical high achieving student with BC Calc, AP Physics, and AP Chem think that putting “engineering” as a proposed major will boost their admissions chances. If I recall correctly, Yale recently exceeded 50% of its matriculated applicants declaring intended STEM majors and it will only take two years to see if this is a real growth in that direction or smoke and mirrors.</p>
<p>I’ve decided that I’m going to apply with English as my first and Business/Economics/Finance as my second. For both I have strong extracurriculars and I would love to do a double major.
Another question, though, is do you think I’d be able to survive as an Engineer at a school like Lafayette? It’s my safety school.</p>