CALS, courses, and admissions?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

<p>Hi, I'm planning on applying Early Decision to CALS under the Biological Engineering major. The science classes I've taken so far in high school are: Honors Biology, Honors Chem I, Honors Chem II. For senior year I could only take 2 of the 3: AP Biology, AP Physics, and AP Chemistry. I chose AP Chem and Physics, because I am more well versed in chemistry and I have not taken a physics course yet, which would put me at a disadvantage in the grand scheme of things. Also the bio teacher is supposedly HORRIBLE while the chemistry teacher is amazing.</p>

<p>CALS seems to put a lot of emphasis on interests correlating to major, so am I at a disadvantage if I choose AP Chem over AP Bio? I know both will be equally useful in college, but I am unsure if I'm making the right choice taking AP chem when the major I'm applying to is BIOLOGICAL engineering. I did get a 35 on the ACT science section (32 composite) so maybe that will show my prowess and passion for science?</p>

<p>Any and all suggestions are appreciated!</p>

2

<p>No. Maybe you were not able to take AP Bio because of scheduling issues. Admissions wouldn’t know. It really doesn’t matter since they’re all AP courses anyway.</p>

3

<p>That’s actually exactly why I can’t take AP Bio. I was also going to have my guidance counselor write in her recommendation that the only reason I couldn’t take it was because of scheduling and other APs. Does this seem like a good idea?</p>

<p>The only reason I’m so worried is that I wrote about my love of biology in Cornell’s supplement even though I only took one course in biology. Thanks!</p>

4

<p>It won’t be a red flag that automatically deny you admission, if that’s what you are worried about. However, writing “it won’t fit in my schedule” is a pretty poor excuse, because if you do want to study Biomedical engineering, taking bio is pretty important. Why wouldn’t you apply for chemical engineering? Make sure you differentiate why you chose biomedical engineering.</p>