<p>So I am applying to Cornell for Bioengineering. Since it is a joint program between CoE and CALS, I was just wondering if I should use the secondary college choice option (apply to both CALS and CoE). I hear that there is a really small chance (like 5%) that my application actually gets passed on to the second choice college anyway. So should I use this? Or should I just take my chances with one college? Also if I do use this, should I put CALS as my second choice since it is (supposedly) easier to get into?</p>
<p>It’s certainly worth a shot, since you do not get penalized. The alternate college only sees your application if and when your primary college rejects you. ALL apps are passed along, but whether they view your application is up to them. Most students choose carefully and don’t make as good a fit to the 2nd school, which is the reason the chances for admission to your 2nd choice is so low.</p>
<p>Do NOT put a college as your first choice simply because it is ‘easier to get into’. All the colleges are looking for different things in an applicant. Go to the Cornell website and view the distribution requirements for graduation from both colleges, as well as the major requirements, then select the one whose goals and requirements match your own tastes (e.g. if you are interested in the hard sciences/computer science as well, choose CoE). After looking at your app again (classes taken, ECs, etc.), you may find you are a clearer fit to one or the other.</p>
<p>That wasn’t the only reason I was considering it…I feel I would be a better fit for CALS since I have a lot more Life Sciences experience/ECs. I ended up applying just to CALS, since I think I would be a better fit for CALS and I am a bit more inclined to the bio part of bioengineering.</p>
<p>Well then there’s your answer. Good luck!</p>
<p>If you think you’re a better fit for CALS, the Cornell admissions team will figure that out, too. I don’t know how many people get into their second choice, but their second choice is other applicants’ first choice, so…I would think that would make a difference.</p>