CALS vs CHE important question

[purporange]

hello I am a current high school senior who is very interested in the environment and environmental sustainability. I am trying to decide if I should apply for Environmental and Sustainability Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences or Design and Environmental Analysis in the College of Human Ecology. I have read about both of these majors on their website and I am interested in both. I have good test scores and very ECs in the environmental science area but my GPA is a weak point in my application. Because of this weak point and my equal interest in both programs I was wondering if one of these schools is easier to get into than the other? thanks so much!

[lolog123]

If you’re applying to either school just because one’s easier than the other, then you’re gonna have a hard time getting in. Both schools are very much about fit. So, see which school and major you fit in best. I would suggest applying to CALS though

[Ranza123]

I think those majors might be more different than you think. I’m not sure, but I guess I had thought that DEA focused more on actual design and had studio-based classes. That’s very different from just focusing on environmental sciences.

[Iliaoi]

@purporange
Going to assume that you have not read what you need to submit for that CHE major.

Required for all freshmen and transfer DEA applicants: The DEA Challenge
The DEA Challenge consists of three components: the written challenge, the two-dimensional challenge
and the three-dimensional challenge. All work must be original and produced by the applicant. Projects
found to have significant similarity to work posted on the internet will not be accepted. Applicants must
complete and submit all three components.
Written Challenge. Answer the following question: Which of DEA’s three academic themes [design
strategy, sustainable futures, or health and wellbeing] interests you the most and why? Your essay
should not exceed 300 words. Upload one essay to Slideroom.
Two-dimensional Challenge. Diagram a simple everyday task (like tying your shoe) using no words or
text. Consider the sequential steps, context, and objectives involved while doing the task. Create a 5-
step diagram that communicates the process. Use any two-dimensional media: pen, pencils, markers,
digital camera, computer software, etc. to create the diagram. Submit the finished diagram using
Slideroom.
Three-dimensional Challenge. Design and build a three-dimensional “gift” that captures, engages,
ignites, celebrates, and/or reflects the human spirit. Briefly describe what the gift is, who the recipient is,
and its intended impact/effect. Limit your response to 100 words including a title. Your gift may be for
someone you know, person(s) yet to be known, or to a collective group. Use any type of material(s) to
create form: clay, wood, cardboard, etc., or construct your object using digital media. Produce a
maximum of eight (8) still images of your gift for Slideroom submission. Consider what the images depict
and how they describe your idea. Explore views from diverse angles. Always submit high quality images
which are well lit and large enough to easily be seen by reviewers.
Optional Creative Samples
Submit up to four (4) additional images of prior creative work for consideration. Submissions might range
from poetry or videos to photography or built objects. For each image, provide a title, a short description
and a reflective statement about the outcome or process. Also submit these via Slideroom.

The CALS major is your best bet, I applied to that major ED. Good Luck