<p>The problem I have is that I have a really good ACT (34), but my gpa is 3.69... I want to major in mechanical engineering either way, but I also want to apply to the school where I have the best chance of getting in, and I know the engineering school is uber-competitive. Should I suck it up and apply there? Or can I apply LSA and switch my major? I honestly just want to get into Michigan, and I don't care how I do it.</p>
<p>bumpity bump bump</p>
<p>Your GPA is comparatively low. I’d suggest applying to CoE during Early Action, and if you are rejected/deferred, apply to LSA during regular decision and transfer after your first or second year.</p>
<p>3.69 is not low and 34 ACT is very high. Middle 50th percentile in admissions is an ACT Composite of 29-33 for UM. Average GPA 3.8. Between the two, you are doing fine. Do you have extra-curricular activities going for you? What was your ACT for math and science? Are you in-state? I saw elsewhere on CC that 31 is the average ACT for engineering admittance. </p>
<p>Not sure on what strategy to take. I ask about in-state because if you go to LSA and want to transfer, you might have to do an extra semester or two of coursework and that means money. You might have to just go with your gut on this one.</p>
<p>seaslipper, you can transfer from LSA to Engineering without really missing a beat, however you miss out on Engineering 100 which can be pretty cool, and a lot of the advising/registering for sophomore year can get messy. Hopefully your specific holds spots open in popular classes for transfer students though, I believe that most do. Average ACT for engineering is a 32, and GPA is a 3.9, that said I believe that if you write a ****ty essay for LSA your chances will be lower because they really like to see interest.</p>
<p>We really need more information, I.E. what math and science based AP tests have you taken and what grades have you gotten in those classes specifically, rigor of your high school etc. Simply a 3.69 GPA sounds low, but we need the full picture to better judge. I’d personally say apply engineering just because that’s where you want to be, but it’s really impossible to know.</p>
<p>If know you want to go to engineering I would apply to COE especially if your math and science grades and scores are strong.</p>
<p>Apologies, here are my stats everybody:</p>
<p>State: MI</p>
<p>GPA: 3.70 (3.2 freshman year)
SAT/ACT: 2200/33
SAT II’s: 800 Math, 800 Physics
AP’s (All 4’s or 5’s): AP Chem, AP Physics Mech, AP Calc AB, AP Calc BC, AP Stats, AP Physics EnM, AP Biology, AP Gov
Hook(?): I’m a legacy, does grad school count though? </p>
<p>EC’s:
Since Freshman year I’ve been the Principal Bassist of school Wind Ensemble (Featured at national conference), Orchestra (first class which will graduate having been offered orchestra), Jazz Band.</p>
<p>I’ve been involved with the musical, playing in the pit for three years, and was on crew last year as well</p>
<p>Model United Nations Club (may get leadership position)
Key Club
Science Club
Math Club
Founded a charity through music programs which raise money for local district music programs, and to provide opportunities for young musicians
JV Tennis for freshman, sophomore years, Varsity junior and beyond</p>
<p>Volunteering: 400+ Hours of Volunteer work
Work: Three summers as a data analyst at a respected pharmaceutical firm.</p>
<p>Awards: Waiting on results from Siemens, top 1000 MMPC (in state), National merit semi-finalist,</p>
<p>Apply to COE. The legacy may help and the upward GPA trend should help.</p>