<p>You don’t apply to a program because it’s supposedly easier to get into. You apply to the program you want. They look at a lot of applications. They’re very good at sniffing out true desire as opposed to feigned interest. You’d be doing yourself a disservice, if you did that. DGS exists to move students to the program that they are best qualified for. You can apply to DGS directly, or will be evaluated for DGS should you not get into the program that is your first or second choice. You’re stats make U of I a reach in general. </p>