@julliet, depends on the LAC. Not all LACs even have foundational engineering classes (what did you have in mind?). If you look at what what schools like Columbia require from their 3-2 partners, the foundational classes are pretty much all science, math, and CS.
D1 had a maximum distance she wanted to be from home when she was applying to college. She wanted to study engineering and debated about applying to MIT which was far out of her zone. I asked her if she was accepted and we could afford it would she attend? She thought about it and said “No”. I told her I thought it was not in anyone’s interest that she apply. I feel the same way about your situation. I see nothing to be gained by anyone for you to apply to schools you have no intention of considering.
Post #39, that’s why I made my comment in previous post. What’s the fun? Where’s the fun? How is it fun?
I feel like either two things are going on:
- You know you want to be an Engineer, but you're simply curious about your talent as a writer, so you figure applying to a LAC will give you that knowledge and peace of mind. If this is the case, it doesn't seem like a good plan: getting into Kenyon doesn't necessarily mean you're a good writer, right? Their main criteria for letting people in surely isn't going to be based on long, meaningful writing samples. SAT, GPA, letters of rec, extracurriculars...
- You are having cold feet or second thoughts about Engineering and are trying to open up your options and see if maybe writing could be in your future.
Are either of those right? If so, we could help you better…I cannot imagine any other reason for an Engineering major who has no interest in studying English to apply to a school without Engineering.
My son’s first name is the same as that of a fairly popular LAC. When he was a baby, I ordered a onesie from their bookstore. We’ve joked about him applying there, and they do have a small physics department. But, he’s a research university guy, so I don’t think we’ll bother unless they are on the Common App and have no supplementary essays (which I haven’t checked at this point).
There may be other ways to validate your concerns about your credentials that don’t waste acceptances and other people’s time.
Post #45, and OP time and effort. Time that could be spending polishing other essays for schools that she really wants to attend.
I like writing essays
Why not write essays for a website like Medium?
If you just want validation for your writing, consider entering the Scholastic writing competition or some other writing competition.
Think about how much “fun” it will be if you are accepted to a school you have no intention of attending and a friend who really wants to go is denied. Think about how much “fun” it is to read hundreds of college essays knowing some of those applicants have no intention of attending. Think about how much “fun” it will be if you are rejected from one of these LACs (Kenyon had an acceptance rate under 25% this year and showing interest is definitely considered). Will being rejected mean you aren’t a good writer? No, of course not, no more than being accepted means you are a good writer. There just isn’t a logical connection there.
I think the consensus here is no, it’s not a good idea. You can choose to ignore that answer but you asked for it.
Another thought for you regarding validation of writing- the Iowa Writer’s Workshop runs online courses several times a year. It is a great opportunity to get feedback on your writing from other writers. http://iwp.uiowa.edu/iwp-courses/distance-learning-courses/moocs