u/kessekwot

I was recently admitted and can't decide between MechE or EE.

Will I be employable as an engineering undergrad by 2030 or will I have to cook a start up?

(i honestly dont even know why tf i go to school for please help me )

https://preview.redd.it/t41efgbm0e1h1.png?width=1734&format=png&auto=webp&s=d926800937188330577a7a391d84159e21a4f623

I was rejected for the 2nd time from my dream school, and did not even have an interview this year. The fact that I also have an upcoming research at yale this summer hurts even more, I will have to be there in person walking across the campus and be reminded of the misfortune constantly while seeing a door that remains shut.

Demographics

• Gender: Male
• Race/Ethnicity: Wasian
• Residence: Colorado
• Hooks: Low income unstable upbringing, First generation, Veteran

Intended Major(s):

Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering

Academics

• HS GPA: 2.1
• CC GPA: 4.0 (50 credits)

Standardized Testing

SAT: 890 (2018), 1390 (2025)

Extracurriculars/Activities: 

• Aerospace Medicine Admin – Led 20-person admin team supporting 4,000 personnel + NATO allies. Built primary care workflows across 7,800 encounters, managed $1.1M in medical logistics.
• Flight Medicine Admin – Handled 1,000+ specialized service records (missile operators, MPs, generals). Coordinated 290 aeromedical dispositions w/ 3 flight surgeons. Zero deployment readiness lapses.
• Medical Records Tech – Processed 800+ medical docs at near-100% capture rate. Fulfilled 65 urgent VA/legal requests w/in 72hr. Full HIPAA compliance.
• Resiliency Instructor – Led 6 in-person suicide prevention + peer support sessions for 150+ service members. DoD-compliant curriculum.
• COVID-19 Vaccination/Testing Support – Ran high-traffic testing tents in winter conditions, 80+ patients/day.
• Disaster Response Volunteer – Texas Winter Storm 2021 – Helped restore base infrastructure and supported rescue ops w/ emergency response units.
• Volunteer – Catholic Charities (St. Patrick's Gala + Marian House Kitchen) – Event logistics + meal prep for homeless/food-insecure community members.
• Event Volunteer – Setup, day-of logistics, teardown.

(There is more)

Awards/Honors: 

• President's List – Perfect term GPA. Recognized by Military & Veterans Programs for academic excellence as a veteran student.
• Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society – Alpha Gamma Alpha Chapter (Sept 2025) – Inducted based on sustained academic excellence (3.5+ GPA requirement).
• Air and Space Longevity Service Award – USAF (Nov 2024) – Awarded for 4 years of honorable active military service.
• Superintendent's Coin for Excellence – Challenge coin from AF Superintendent for exceptional patient service and dedication to AF medical care.
• Airman of the Quarter – Selected for outstanding performance, leadership, and embodiment of AF core values during the quarter.
• Honor Graduate Distinction (April 2021) – Graduated w/ honors from METC (Joint Base San Antonio-Ft Sam Houston). Dean's List in Medical Administration program.
• Letter of Appreciation (Feb 2021) – Recognized for initiative and teamwork during Texas winter storm emergency response and base recovery ops.
• Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (Rifle) (Jan 2021) – Qualified "Expert" with M-16/M-4.

(There is more)

Essays/LORs/Interviews: 

I got no interviews,

Engineering Professor (10/10): I have great relationship with the prof. and did well for 3 semesters. Attended after hours. Volunteered.

CS Professor (5/10): 1 semester online, filled out brag sheet to the best of my ability, I think.

Decisions (indicate ED/EA/REA/SCEA/RD)

• Acceptances: >!Stanford!<, >!JHU!<
• Waitlists: >!Princeton!<
• Rejections: >!Yale EWSP!<

Additional Information:

I am a transfer student. Every application essay was tailored meticulously to each school I was applying.

I received an updated Yesterday, saying that I was waitlisted. The waitlist statement claims that I do not need to do anything on my end. Do I still prepare and submit LOCI? Does it go directly to admissions officer or it just get placed into my file?