<p>I'm applying ED to Cornell this fall, and my intended major is AEM. </p>
<p>CALS recommends that applicants take a math & a science subject test, but do you really think I need to take both/either of these if I'm going for AEM, a business-related major?</p>
<p>I'm terrible at science and so-so in math, so I really don't want to take the subject tests in those areas. </p>
<p>Also, does anyone have any idea how hard it is to get into AEM early decision? I know that AEM's overall acceptance rate is 19%, but how much would ED help me?</p>
<p>Fantosme:
I'm not an insider... just an active alum. However, your admitted weaknesses in math and science as a prospective Business major in CALS does send up some red flags in my opinion. You should speak with the admissions office in CALS, and also your guidance counselor at at your high school for advice about the SAT IIs. As I said, I dont work in admissions, but there is a strong quantitative component in any business or econ major at every university. Also, in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences as part of the graduation requirement you must show proficiency in math, in fact you must take a math placement exam during Orientation week. Additionally, all students enrolled in CALS, regardless of their major need to take 18 credits in at least 3 disciplines in the Physical & Life Sciences, of which 6 credits must be of introductory biology, and three credits in physics or chemistry. In my opinion, you should take the required SAT II's, but I will repeat, that you should speak to someone in the position of authority.</p>
<p>Fantosme... My friend is going into his 4th year in AEM. He said that it is filled with a bunch of science stuff along with math. If your not good in those areas, AEM is definitely not for you. I am in the same situation which is why I am now considering Carnegie Mellon and NYU as they do not focus as much on science as AEM does.</p>
<p>I wouldn't say I'm horrendous at science & math, but they're definitely my weakest subjects. </p>
<p>Math:
I got a 640 on the math portion of the SAT, mostly because I'm terrible at geometry. I got pretty much all the trig/algebra questions right. In school, I did extremely well in trig (99%), but not so well in pre-calc (80%). I understood the pre-calc stuff, but my teacher was always giving pop tests to deflate grades. Not one student got an A in the class. </p>
<p>Science:
I've never been good at science, but I take all honors & AP science classes regardless. I usually pull B/B- in them.</p>
<p>Also, I took AP Microeconomics junior year (I was one of 7 juniors in a class of 650 to take it) and understood it better than most, but I only got a B. I received a 4 on the AP test.</p>
<p>That said, do you still think I should still apply to AEM, or go for CAS econ?</p>
<p>Based on what you just said, I would definitely go for CAS econ. Considering everything you just stated, it is obvious that econ is a better match for you, especially that you understood microeconomics better than most. It seems that economics is your niche. Definitely go for economics as AEM will definitely give you much trouble in the science areas.</p>