Should I apply to the school of arts and sciences or the school of engineering?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Northwestern University
1

Currently I am planning on majoring in computer science, and at Northwestern it is offered in both the school of arts and sciences and the school of engineering. Northwestern is definitely a reach for me, and getting into the school of arts and sciences is easier than the school of engineering, so this makes me lean towards applying to the school of arts and sciences. Also, I am interested in minoring or double majoring in either cognitive science or neuroscience which would be easier to do in the school of arts and sciences. However, I am also interested in biomedical engineering and aerospace engineering, so if I decided I do not like computer science I probably would want to switch to some type of engineering. I’m not even sure which school I would rather go to, but I’m afraid that the school of engineering is just way too hard for me to get into (I know arts and sciences is also hard to get into but at least maybe I’d have a chance).

Here are my stats:
34 ACT
Planning on taking math ll and physics subject test
National merit semi finalist (not officially announced yet, but my PSAT score is definitely high enough)
3.9 UW GPA
4.9 W GPA

APs so far:
APUSH (As both semester)
AP Environmental science (As both semester)
AP Physics C: Mechanics (B first semester, A second)
AP BC Calculus (B first semester, A second)
(mix of honors and a couple academic classes for the rest)

Senior year schedule:
AP Language
AP Government
AP Computer Science
AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
AP Spanish
Honors Linear Algebra
Journalism

Work experience: worked in biomedical lab at Pitt for two summers researching TPI deficiency

ECs: Spanish Club, Science Club, Model UN, write for school paper, Human Rights Club

2
  1. Congratulations on your HS career & yes, you should apply.
  2. You bring up some interesting questions - I recommend emailing and/or calling the Engineering and/or A&S Departments.
  3. Good Luck!
3

“getting into the school of arts and sciences is easier than the school of engineering”

Why do you assume that?

I don’t think that is a correct assumption for NU.

Anyway, once you are in, switching schools/majors is a piece of cake (outside of special ones like MMSS, Theatre, or musical instrument majors, obviously, which require high aptitude with an instrument).

4

Engineering might value the fact that you have completed Physics C and Calc BC before senior year.