<p>Apparently one for Engineering and one for others.</p>
<p>Is this true?</p>
<p>If so, how competitive is the Engineering pool (as in Acceptance Rate)?</p>
<p>Princeton definitely does not have two separate pools for admissions. We all change our minds about our majors anyway (=</p>
<p>There certainly aren't two pools...the BSE candidates have to write an extra essay or short answer, I think, and I somehow remember reading that BSE candidates had to take a SAT II test in Physics or Chemistry or something (I could be totally wrong about that), but other than that the application process is generally the same.</p>
<p>I think if you looked at it statistically BSE is probably a bit easier to get into because there are less applicants, but you have to write an essay explaining why you're interested in engineering...which pretty difficult to fake.</p>
<p>Thus, I wouldn't consider BSE as a backdoor into Princeton at all, but people do change their minds about majors frequently.</p>
<p>Sorry, I was browsing around and found this topic to be interesting.</p>
<p>If less people apply to BSE (this does mean Bachelors of Science in Engineering, doesn't it?), then does Princeton admit people based on the "type" of degree they indicate.</p>
<p>LionsOnAPlane, About the "why you're interested in engineering" essay, what exactly do you mean? Like what sparked you interest in engineering (itself) or why are you interested in the specific field of engineering?</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>"Please write an essay describing why you are interested in studying engineering, any experiences in or exposure to engineering you have had, and how you think the programs in engineering offered at Princeton suit your particular interests."</p>
<p>So it's basically a "Why Engineering?Why Princeton?" essay?</p>
<p>
[quote]
If less people apply to BSE (this does mean Bachelors of Science in Engineering, doesn't it?), then does Princeton admit people based on the "type" of degree they indicate.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>One of the most important goals that Nassau Hall has in shaping its class profile is diversity in field of major. For those currently enrolled, the administration has sought to boost enrollment in certain majors (particularly smaller departments) through their "major choices" program. For applicants, the university tries to do the same, albeit in a more general way. Though they can't often predict exactly what field a prospective student will major in, they usually have a good general idea. Most students who apply and indicate a desire to get a BSE end up getting a BSE. Most who apply with a preference for a BA do not switch to the engineering track. Thus, in creating a class that contains a certain proportion of engineers (which in fact the administration wants to raise), they admit the number of applicants who specified BSE as their prospective concentration area that will allow them to reach their target. So, in effect, yes, there is a pool for engineers.</p>
<p>Some have argued that the standards for this group are lower (since Princeton's engineering school is not of the same relative caliber as its liberal arts and pure science departments), but as a practical matter this shouldn't affect your decisions as an applicant. Claiming to want to be an engineer without having substantial proof of interest will only hurt your application: the admissions office is looking for passion and a unique profile, not an inconsistent applicant who seems to lack focused interest. And if you're really committed to engineering, then just emphasize that through your application.</p>
<p>Good stuff. I would think it would be the same no matter which pool you're applying to. While Engineering would probably have a higher rate of admission, I think the pool would be stronger. This is just speculation from Columbia with CC and SEAS. The acceptance rate is higher for SEAS however the average SAT scores at SEAS (if that is to be taken as a measure of selectivity) is higher than that of CC.</p>
<p>Also, the BSE essay cannot just be something well-crafted about how engineering interests you. For example, I applied to Biomedical Engineering programs at about six schools other than Princeton, and I was legitimately interested in the field and could have written a pretty good essay about what exactly in BME piqued my interest. However, I never took SAT subject tests in Chem or Physics, of all of my grades, my lowest are in math classes, I did better on the language arts section of all standardized tests ever (including APs, I guess), and my letters of rec would not have shown that I have a huge proficiency in engineering. Basically, even if you are interested in engineering, make sure that you have something to back yourself up with OTHER than an eloquent and enticing BSE essay.</p>