I really like writing, but I’m planning on majoring in Engineering, so all of the schools I’m planning on applying to are good engineering schools.
But I was also thinking of applying to Kenyon or similar liberal arts colleges which don’t have engineering just for fun (to see maybe, maybe if I could get in).
Is this a bad idea? Should I only apply to colleges I am serious about attending.
Do you have too much time and money? Would your teachers have to write extra recs?
Is this a bad idea?
yes and a waste of everyone’s time.
Should I only apply to colleges I am serious about attending.
yes.
I applied to Colgate, and I don’t regret anything:)
Why don’t you pick a couple of liberal arts colleges that also offer engineering (i.e. Lafayette College, Union College as a few examples)? That way you might have some more choices in the spring.
Or, the OP could pick a college with engineering from this group:
"The 10 Best American Colleges for Writers " / USA Today.
Not incidentally, fun for who? … No, not a good idea.
Why not apply to a couple of good LACs that have engineering (ex. Lafayette, Bucknell)?
There is nothing wrong with applying those schools, but you have to think about: am I making more work for other people? Am I taking away a spot from a student that would otherwise enroll?
OP doesn’t need an LAC with engineering. Universities with engineering also have writing courses.
If this is about a notch in your belt/bragging rights, (“Well, I also got into Kenyon for writing,”) it doesn’t reflect well on you. Try to figure out what this is about.
Do not waste your time applying to schools you will not attend.
Schools with engineering also have writing and other humanities and social studies courses.
I would apply to them as safeties, because I only have one safety. I wouldn’t rule out majoring in creative writing completely, it’s just that engineering is what I plan to major in for now.
^ If you want engineering as an option, then you know for sure that you won’t attend a school w/out engineering.
Thus, you’d be taking away a spot from a student who really needs it. An acceptance from a school you know you won’t attend = a rejection for a kid who likely desired it.
Kenyon wouldn’t be a safety, but in any case, you should apply to schools that offer engineering and are also known for writing.
Apply to any school you would seriously consider attending.
Don’t waste your time, or your money, or the time of an admissions counselor, if you have no intention of attending the school.
There are universities with engineering and writing that can be your safety schools. You are choosing to ignore them.for some reason. Keep working on finding another safety school. It’s not an easy task.
Applying to colleges is not about amassing acceptances. It’s about figuring out what you want to study and live for four years. You know you want engineering - keep to schools with engineering.
Are you sure you want to do engineering? Just curious, how did you decided on engineering?
I don’t think you should apply anywhere that you would not consider attending. I have a friend whose son had 2380 or 2390 SATs and was # 1 in his class and he applied to 12 schools and was admitted to two. I don’t think that is unusual. That said, you might consider Swarthmore which is one of the top liberal arts schools in the country and which also happens to be one of the few LACs with an undergraduate engineering major. Alternatively, you might consider applying to one of the LACs that offer a 3 plus 2 program where you graduate with a BA in 3 years and then go to an engineering school for 2 years to get a B.S.
There are far too many schools that have both options that I have to believe you can get into for you to worry about applying to a school that limits your options, and has the downsides of wasting time and possibly opportunity for other people as well.
Why don’t you provide us with your stats, @JessicaWang and perhaps some solid suggestions could be provided. If you choose to do that, also please tell us what restrictions you have in terms of finances, size of school you want to attend, locations, etc. No sense in anyone suggesting a school in California if you live in Ohio and want to stay within 300 miles of home or anything like that.
Perhaps you could also consider the College of Creative Studies at UCSB. This wouldn’t be the best option if you can’t afford the out-of-state tuition, but you can design your own curriculum. They attract STEM students interested in independent projects as well as artists, writers, musicians, et al. I think that you can take basic Engineering classes at UCSB’s Engineering school.
I’d agree, apply somewhere that also has engineering or at least a science major as an option.
A school with absolutely no options in your major of choice would not be a good idea.
But you would be surprised at the schools identified as SLAC that have substantial science and engineering options available.
I know that Bowdoin for example has “shared studies” programs, usually 3/2 (3 years at Bowdoin, 2 years to finish the engineering degree). That type of program might be an interesting option for you.
Are you ok? I mean mentally, what fun is there by wasting money. Sure some LACs have free application but why waste your time? What’s wrong with Harvey Mudd?