<p>I'm thinking about applying to Cornell next year ED. My stats are quite good and I go to a very competitive private high school, but they're not GREAT. They don't set me apart for the area that I want to go into, which is engineering. However, my architecture stats are much better, considering I have a killer portfolio and a history of attending Cornell's intro to architecture program. Additionally, my artwork in generally is extremely strong. I have many extra curricula in the area and a 5 on my AP Art Portfolio. Because of my strong architecture portfolio, extra activities, immense creativity and the interview I would get for applying to the school of architecture, I feel like I would have a much better chance of getting into Cornell (or Carnegie Mellon and other top engineering schools) for architecture, even though I am quite aware that the architecture school is competitive. Therefore, I've been contemplating applying for architecture and then switching to engineering (either civil or chemical) later on in the year if I get in. I know this doesn't seem like a direct approach to getting admitted, but the college admissions process is cut throat and if it will raise my chances of getting in, I certainly do not mind doing this. I know that I might get a slight advantage for being a girl and applying for engineering, but I don't know if that is helpful enough to outweigh the benefits of applying for the architecture program. Is this a reasonable or unreasonable strategy? </p>
<p>I don't want to talk to my guidance counselor about this because I am afraid that she will not approve of this strategy and will not give me a sincere recommendation if I tell her. If you're wondering, the reason I am not looking at a career in architecture is because of its job market and the difficult that architects face when looking for a job when they leave school. Additionally, I feel that I am more passionate about engineering and math in general.</p>
<p>*I would also be willing to do this by applying for a major in Fine Arts and then switching to Engineering. Architecture seemed to be the most advantageous, however.</p>