<p>For the major selection, I chose
1. Chemistry
2. Molecular Biology
3. Chemical Engineering</p>
<p>Among my choices, the third one is under the B.S.E. department.
So should I write the B.S.E. essay?</p>
<p>And should I check both A.B. and B.S.E. for academic interests?</p>
<p>I'm totally confused......<em>sigh</em></p>
<p>I don't think so...I'm doing the same thing (Mech. Eng. second), but I think you have to pick a B.S.E. as your first choice to have to write the essay. It's not binding, but if you'll <em>probably</em> be A.B., I don't think you have to write the essay. But e-mail Princeton and ask. Oh, and when you find out, let me know! Thanks.</p>
<p>I emailed yesterday and got this answer:</p>
<p>The answer would depend on which degree you choose as your option (either AB or BSE). For the BSE option, the Engineering Statement is a must. If you feel you will opt for the AB degree you would not need that essay. If you are not sure of your choice, and many students aren't at this point, you may select the "Undecided" choice and hold off on the essay until later if you need it. </p>
<pre><code>We are naturally interested to know to which fields students may be drawn at the time they apply, but we do not admit students to specific programs. Princeton students have up to two years to formally settle on a field of concentration (major), and we know that many applicants may change their minds about fields of interest as they explore the many options offered.
</code></pre>
<p>Thanks.....</p>
<p>Yea, if you're listing chemistry as your first choice then check ab or undecided and don't worry about the b.s.e. essays. It is sooooo easy to switch between the two that it really doesn't matter which one you put down. When you matriculate they're gonna send everyone the same form asking for their academic interests, possible freshman year courses, etc. If you apply as ab but decide all of a sudden you want to do engineering, then all you have to do is check the box on that form next to bse and you're a bse like nothing ever happened. And vice versa. Don't sweat it. Though for some people, choosing ab vs. bse on their app could affect (very slightly) their admission chances. Of course, if they pick engineering, they gotta be able to back it up somehow.</p>