Which of these programs are you most interested in doing? I think that should be the deciding factor in where you apply.
If you like MMSS better than IEMS
…If you apply to Weinberg and MMSS, and do get into Weinberg and MMSS, great.
…If you apply to Weinberg and MMSS, and get into Weinberg but not MMSS, you can
…transfer to McCormick real easily, even before you start at NU
…and do IEMS and apply to MMSS sophomore entry, which takes applicants from all schools.
…or stick with IEMS
…or stay in Weinberg and wait to apply to MMSS sophomore entry
…If you get rejected from NU, you’ll likely find another school where you’ll be academically challenged.
If you like IEMS better then MMSS
…Apply to IEMS. If you get into NU, do IEMS.
Here’s a link to the MMSS website http://www.mmss.northwestern.edu/admission/faqs.html