<p>As of right now, my preliminary academic interests say that I will most likely pursue an AB degree at Princeton, except my top three programs are Economics, Mathematics, and Operations Research and Financial Engineering. The last choice is a program under the BSE degree, but I'm most likely to pursue an AB degree.</p>
<p>On the printed supplement, it says to complete the engineering essay only if you select a BSE degree as a first choice, but the directions for the engineering degree say complete the essay if you are interested in a program under the BSE degree. Even though the BSE degree isn't my first choice, should I still write the essay because my third choice program is ORFE?</p>
<p>Sorry, my explanation was a bit confusing, but I hope you can help me out. Thanks.</p>
<p>I think the engineering supplement is only for those who are truly wanting to pursue engineering from the get-go. I believe there is an option to still switch over to the engineering program once you’re in, so it’s not binding or anything. </p>
<p>Do people have a higher chance of getting in if they apply for engineering though? Seeing as how Princeton is a very social science-centric school?</p>
<p>If you were my child I would advise you to write the engineering essay. It can’t hurt and it shows that you’ve put a bit of extra effort into the application. You could use the essay to explain exactly what type of engineering you are interested in and why.</p>
<p>Also note that the freshman year requirements for engineers are a lot more stringent than for other majors, so you may want to consider being an engineer from the get-go since it’s a lot easier to switch out of engineering than into it.</p>