For ETAM they are not just looking at GPA, but also the grades in the specific classes. I think the reason a 3.5 is auto selection is because it means they performed strongly in all subjects. They evaluate below that and attempt to make a good fit for a student’s natural strengths. If someone gets C’s in physics, but does better in math, they might find more success in a discipline that focuses on math instead of physics. I would ask an advisor what engineering disciplines match well with your academic strengths. That really is the goal of the process - to match students with disciplines they are likely to be successful in. And most likely, one will enjoy a major more if it is a good match to their natural strengths.