LS&A or CoE - Which to apply?

faiintx
Fri, 07 Sep 2012 00:01:50 +0000

My stats:

Out of state, from Texas. I go to a highly competitive high school here.
I haven’t calculated my weighted GPA yet, but my GPA is a 4.2 right now. At my school, 4.0 = maximum for regulars, 4.5 = honors, 5.0 = AP classes I’ve taken 7 AP classes so far in 3 years. I’m taking 5 more this year.
SAT scores: 2120 (Reading: 690, Math: 760, Writing: 670). I’m retaking it in October.
SAT subject: Math: 750, Planning on taking biology and physics in November. I know UM doesn’t care much for subjects though.
ACT score: 30 (English: 31, Math: 33, Reading: 32, Science: 24)
I participate in Science Fair every single year, & I make it to the regional level (no HUGE wins though)
Piano player for 11+ years
This past summer, I was accepted into the UTD nanoexplorers program - really prestigious research institute internship
Top 6% of my graduating class (rank 88 out of 1,311)
Clubs: Science Fair, NHS, Spanish Club
Won a few awards in high school for filmmaking/video contests.


I’m doing early decision, so the deadline is November 1.

The problem is, I’m not sure if I should apply to LS&A or COE. I’m either majoring in computer science or some sort of engineering (probably industrial). I feel that I would have a higher chance of being accepted if i apply to LS&A, because I’m not extraordinarily accomplished at math/science (but decent enough).

I know that I can’t apply to both schools. I know that the industrial engineering program is the best in the nation, and that would be a huge selling point to my parents to send me OOS. But then i’m scared I won’t be accepted into COE. Is there a way I can switch over (after freshman year or something)?

Thanks!