Two preliminary questions:
- Will applying non-priority lower my chances? I missed the deadline because I didn’t know I was interested in it until recently.
- I want to do chem eng, but I know it’s extremely sought after at UMN, so should I apply to a different CSE major (i.e. Mathematics) that isn’t as searched for as chem eng and then swap over once I get accepted? Would this help my odds?
Now here are my stats for general Chances at CSE:
GPA UW: 3.89
GPA (school weighted): 4.31
ACT: 33 (35E, 35M, 29R, 33S, 10W)
Class Rigor: Took every honors class possible and also a good set of dual enrolleds.
APs: 10th - APWH (4). 11th - APUSH (5), AP Lang (5). 12th - AP Chem (should be 5), AP Calc AB (definitely 5), AP lit (probably 4), AP US Gov (no doubt 5), AP Macro (no doubt 5)
Business: Our school offers a business track that encompasses 6 different business related courses. I completed the track and will receive distinction at graduation.
Service Hours: Only 110 (60 from a consignment shop, 40 from a week long children’s football camp, 10 various little things)
Extra Curriculurs:
-Varsity football 9th-12th (team captain one year)(received an academic award from the league for having the highest gpa/test scores on the team)
-Varsity track and field 9th-12th (no distinctions)
-3 year member of NHS, 2 year NMHS (Math), 2 years NEHS (English), 2 years NSHS (Spanish)
-3 year member of FBLA
All comments are super appreciated. I’ve loved chem eng for a few months now but never bothered to look for schools that had the best programs as I assumed they were all the expected ones. But hearing of UMN I’ve become extremely intrigued and would love to study there. Once again, thank you for all comments and posts!
Go ahead and apply because your stats are great. However, assuming you would have been eligible for any merit aid, you will likely have missed the deadline on that. But you never know . . .
You don’t apply to a major but to a college. Chem-E will have it’s own pre-reqs and GPA requirements once you matriculate and start taking courses.
Have you taken Bio and Physics yet? Those are required in order to be considered for CSE.
Good luck to you!
@JBStillFlying Thanks for the reply! So whether I apply with a major of mathematics or chem eng is irrelevant, since both will be in the CSE? Awesome! And yes I took biology honors and chemistry honors and am in AP chem now, but no my school does not require physics and I have never taken it. Will they throw me out solely based on the fact that I’ve never taken a physics class? Once again, thanks for the help!
@nimja21, you have a couple options for the math major - can go liberal arts and get a BA, or join CSE and get the BS. Chem Eng. has only one option which is CSE. So that should be your first choice college, with your second being CLA (double major math and chem) just in case you aren’t accepted to your first choice. Although with your stats the only thing keeping you from your first choice would be that they closed further admission due to high volume or . . . that they feel your science prep isn’t sufficient. Here is the science requirement (note the note):
"Science 3 years Including one year each of biological and physical science, and including a laboratory experience.
Note: Biological science, chemistry, and physics are required for the Carlson School of Management, Biological Sciences, and Science and Engineering."
https://admissions.tc.umn.edu/admissioninfo/fresh_overview.html
CSE is a highly competitive college but they might have some flexibility depending on what you have already taken for science. You should call them about this ASAP. One option might be that you take physics before you matriculate. Be sure to review exactly what you have taken for science so they know how to help you make a decision.
Good luck to you!