<p>This is a tricky problem and you have received the advice I would give. The best approach is always to apply to the school of engineering and switch later. It’s much easier to switch out of it than into it. Also, some schools are more flexible than others. I have a few more schools to add: Rice University, USC, and University of Santa Clara. I think he would apply to the school of engineering for all of them, but I don’t think it would be hard to change to the school of arts & sciences if he changes his mind. Lots of people did this at Rice when I was there. Also consider Villanova. If he is willing to go rural then Bucknell, Lehigh and Lafayette are good choices.</p>