I’m applying ED to BU as an international relations major at the CAS/Pardee School, which I’ve heard that that’s become a more competitive major. Where I’m at now I feel like whether or not I get accepted (into the school or just for my major) could go either way, since it is such a competitive school. My GPA and scores are high enough to get in/above average, but considering that I’m from the area and come from a rather privileged background, I’m not sure if I’m the most compelling candidate. Still, the reason I chose to do ED for BU was because visiting the Pardee School reminded me how passionate I am about what I want to study and really made me excited for my future, not just in college but after, and I don’t know if I want to put studying IR on hold for two years. Am I being too finicky and should just select to be considered? Or should I stick to what I know I want? Would not selecting to be considered to attend CGS come across as me not being as in love with BU as I claim to be to admissions?
Seeing your stats in your posting history you will most likely be admitted to CAS. It won’t hurt to choose the CGS option.
So here is the thing… I opted on the application because I really just wanted to get in, and I don’t regret it (I did get in to CAS in the end) but I did it without really thinking. In CGS, you can take an elective course each semester that can pertain to your major, but some of the other coursework may not be helpful to you in the end. If it’s the selective major you are worried about being accepted to, not CAS, I would suggest applying undeclared to CAS, selecting coursework in CAS that pertains to your eventual goal of IR, and then declare your major later. BUT, that’s just what I would do, everyone is different (also by not selecting it will not come across as not in love with BU. I thought the same thing but later asked a friend who works in admission and they heard that it doesn’t really matter. But you could still just opt in like I did, just to be safe)
CGS will take students who don’t need aid if you are not competitive in the college of your choice As @sms122397 states the CGS courses are required as your core requiremtns ( just like the fact you need to take humanities and other courses in other colleges you may not want to. CGS limits the options, in other colleges there will be many courses that will qualify
The CGS style curriculum is actually getting adopted at other top schools ( most notably William and Mary, Drexel University and has been an option at the Ivy’s for many years.
DD graduated from COM with high honors, and she did CGS and thought it was a very strong foundation. Some of her professsors told her that CGS students are actually stronger, as they really emphasize high level reading and writing in their courses. Pretty tough to emphasize writing in big classes in CAS. sHe ended up graduating a semester early, overloading by a class each semester. She did the London summer abroad through CGS,and also an internship in London as a Junior.