<p>What kind of students do engineering schools generally accept?
I heard applications with higher scores/less well-rounded students are more likely to get admssion into engineering schools, while all around students with amazing extracurriculrs get into arts/sciences majors at top schools.
Any basis?</p>
<p>short answer: kinda…</p>
<p>long answer: not exactly…especially in the ivies and elite public schools, no matter if its an engineering program or not, i think it is required to be pretty well rounded…however, is it required as much as if applying to say, Columbia College? prolly not. the higher test scores part is definatly correct tho</p>
<p>i’m sure someone will contradict me but thats my opinion (maybe im telling myself my 4 years of extracurriculars werent a waste tho) :P</p>
<p>They will be more forgiving if your score on the verbal SAT was a bit low or if your grades in english were a bit low if you have strong stats in science and math. But the same can be said for the college…they will overlook mediocre math grades if you do well in other things and intend on majoring in something non-technical. Usually though, future engineering majors tend to do well in everything accademically. Also you always need ECs but for engineering they may be more targeted toward math and science (like a math club or something) rather than ur typical sports etc which is not to say u cant get in having done the latter.</p>
<p>Take these advice, and also do well in everything you do, and take advantage of all the opportunities you have.</p>
<p>i applied to the engineering school, but i wrote my main essay about dancing, and i mentioned that i dedicated most time to my school newspaper. i wasn’t part of science bowl, it’s academic, or whatever, and i never did arml or any other math competition. i got in.</p>
<p>Actually, me too. Aside from high grades and scores, particularly in science and math, and the Student of the Year Awards in physics and geometry, all my accomplishments and activities were not related to math or science. They just need to see that you have the math or science talent and capability; your application can shine in an entirely different way.</p>
<p>agreed – I wrote my essay on being a sucky singer (no joke) and most of my extra-curricular accomplishments came from TAing English and being the head of the school’s literary magazine. I took six honours history classes and two creative writing seminars. I went the unconventional routes in both math and science classes. I believe I rather suck at chemistry. </p>
<p>I honestly think the adcom isn’t just looking for the stereotypical engineering student. Lots of engineering prospectives are computer sleuths, science fair winners, and math whizzes. They probably scored very well on their standardized tests, but a lot of them don’t have a creative bone in their body. I think the only (and I mean, only) reason why I got into SEAS was because I stood out. I like to write, I’ve done theatre, and I appreciate both Rembrandt and Debussy. I know what baroque is.</p>
<p>My SAT II Physics score was a 660. I say this with pride, because I worked my ass off for that 660. </p>
<p>So to answer your question in the most roundabout way possible, these factors are crapshoot. If you’re good at lots of things, show initiative and a passion for engineering, and write a compelling application, then your chances are pretty damn good.</p>