<p>Looking at my application people would probably take me for a major in something like Political Science, Law or any of the Social Studies fields.</p>
<p>The reasons (Some of these are projected)?</p>
<ul>
<li>AP Classes in Social Studies starting from Freshmen Year (On the track I'm going, I'll probably take every AP Social Studies class except Geography)</li>
<li>IB History HL</li>
<li>Mediocre grades in Math and Science (Low As or High Bs, but pretty high courses - AP/IB)</li>
<li>Internship at a Non profit doing Policy Research</li>
<li>All my ECs involve Social Studies</li>
</ul>
<p>My Pre-IB Bio class and the AWESOME teacher I had sparked my interest in Bio and ChemE. I had a B in the class (but % wise it was a great improvement, from borderline B went to a borderline A - overall it was B though)</p>
<p>Will colleges throw my application out after looking at the major?</p>
<p>It depends on which college. If you were applying to say Caltech it would be different than any 'normal' well-rounded university. I would, however, doubt you would be at any significant disadvantage since people change majors so frequently, and also go into colleges undeclared (which you might consider if it scares you that much, then just state your major post-entry).</p>
<p>But some schools have different pools for Engineers, like Cornell, Columbia and Princeton. I'd have to apply to the "Engineering" part of the school (many schools I'm looking into do the same).</p>
<p>I went into engineering at Virginia Tech (obviously hardcore engineering) with 18 credits of english/history/gov't, and it didn't seem to matter. And your math/science sounds just like me, just better: I took pre-calc 11th and got a whopping C+ and physics honors with a B, but then had AP calc/physics senior year with As. I got into there and four other top engineering schools, and doing well in engineering overall. So, I doubt it matters as long as you took AP math/science too, because this shows you are a strong student that will be very well-rounded. So, I wouldn't worry about, especially if you have good grades with such a rigerous schedule and have passions that you've continued despite persueing other academics.</p>
<p>Tip: if you're going to apply somewhere that isn't just math/science, use your SS passion as an advantage. Demonstrate in your essays that although you'd be a strong engineer, having other passions outside of engineering and doing well in them will make you a better student and future engineer. Look into that school's PoliSci or History Dept and point out you want to minor or atleast dabble in those classes, and that along with the school's engineering program is a perfect balance and thus why you want to attend. I transferred from VT to UVA because I wanted a liberal arts balance to my education, and it seemed to work because I got in with a 3.2 eng. GPA and 3.1 overall.</p>
<p>By the way, are you sure you want to be an engineer? There are people who are experts in science and technology policy, some of whom get credentialed in engineering first. If you might be interested in something like that, look for programs on science, technology and society, or some similar title.</p>
<p>Thanks shoebox I'll definitely highlight my strength in Social Studies.</p>
<p>momfromme, Ya I know I do want to be an engineering. It's kind of hard to explain but the feeling I get when reading about Molecular Biology is just amazing! It's kind of like an educational orgasm!</p>
<p>My plan for my life (if everything goes right...ya right) is as follows (if it helps somehow)</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Go to a school that's good in Sciences, has a decent Social Studies Department and a good Alumni Network.</p></li>
<li><p>Take Full Advantage of the opportunities there.</p></li>
<li><p>a) Work in Biopharma company.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>(i) Then come out and start my own company!</p>
<p>b) I feel comfortable enough with the industry and the education I received start my own company).</p>
<p>momfromme, I've thought about what you said and I've explored some of Stanford's offerings in that area (relating to Policy) and it looks like a perfect fit!</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>What about putting something like "Operations Research" as a Major?</p>
<p>engineering colleges are going to look at your grades in math & science classes, and your SAT scores in math. If those scores are good you have a good shot.</p>
<p>fhqwgads, Ya that's what I'll do. But some schools require that you apply to a specific division in the school (Cornell, UPenn, CMU and many state schools)</p>
<p>
[quote]
Usually it's not that hard to transfer internally between colleges within a university once you arrive there.
[/quote]
Actually, not "usually" if you're talking about many State schools. For example at the UC schools it is virtually impossible to transfer from Letters and Science (which has most of the students) into Engineering or the Fine Arts.</p>
<p>Oh, by your title I thought you demonstrated love for the former SS of Nazi Germany. That would put you in quite a pickle, eh? </p>
<p>Anyway, you seem fine, and as long as you are an exceptional student as you seem to be now, you'll come across as a strong applicant for ANY school.</p>