> It is possible to change streams; but you need to take the subject GRE (as well as the general GRE & TOEFL) and get a high score.
> It will not "prevent" you, but it will certainly lower your chances.
> Independent software projects are good, but you need something demonstrable. You should try to get some good work experience. Also, contribute to open source projects.
> You should explain all the backlogs, as they would probably be mentioned in the transcript.
Finally, let me be brutally honest: choosing a career or stream against one's own will because of parent's suggestion is one of the worst decisions one can take. You have already committed that mistake, there is no way you can reverse it; but you certainly can work hard to move on and prosper. I don't mean to hurt you, just hoping that someone else would read this and not make the same mistake.
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