For essays specific to a college, can I talk about my back-up plan if they ask for my plans there?

IU Bloomington Essay states:

Describe your academic and career plans and any special interest (for example, undergraduate research, academic interests, leadership opportunities, etc.) that you are eager to pursue as an undergraduate at Indiana University. Also, if you encountered any unusual circumstances, challenges, or obstacles in pursuit of your education, share those experiences and how you overcame them. (200-400 words) This essay may be used in scholarship consideration.*

I want to say that I will be majoring in Biomedical Engineering for Med School, but if I lose interest along the way, I have a well-repuatable degree that I can use

Don’t say ‘lose interest’ but discover other interests and have the ability to explore the many other programs IU offers.

I agree with the post above. “Lose interest” is too negative and might give the impression to the colleges that you aren’t really that passionate about the major/program you are applying to.

Which campus are you applying to? Don’t think they have engineering there.

https://sice.indiana.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/index.html

Wouldn’t look good if your essay is about something they don’t offer ?.

Yeah, they don’t have engineering on the Bloomington campus, unless lots has changed in the 3 years since D17 applied. Also I’m sure you know, but any engineering is tough. You want a high GPA when applying to medical school.

Unless there’s another specific question, (or maybe even if there is one,) that qualifies as a Why Us?

So one important point is knowing why. And not just “a well-reputable degree.” Lots of colleges can offer that and IUB adcoms know it.

And when you want to sound positive, don’t imply you could lose interest. It’s not central to the prompt. Read the prompt until you get what it IS asking. Any special interests, eg? That’s not career goals- they state, “…as an undergraduate.”