chicagolak23

@cluelessbelle, I hadn't seen your post prior to asking your status.

Another concern of mine is the essay requirements. I am no where close to being a literary person, so I am struggling with the first paragraph of my essays!

I know exactly who I want to work under and what program I want to enroll into, but the essays and low ACT are holding me back!

dqjcr4

To be blunt, Northwestern is most likely not going to accept an unhooked applicant, even as a transfer, with an ACT score of 22. If you do not get in for fall, I would strongly recommend retaking your ACT and applying at a later date. Everything else in your application is solid, but the score is abysmal. With a solid score, i.e. 31+, I would say you have a very good shot.

CluelessBelle

@ mattymark: Do you have time to take it and have scores submitted before the May 1st deadline?

@chicagolak23: I am a prospective transfer student. If you feel like your score will jump significantly by retaking the ACT, then go for it. But as I am advising mattymark, make sure your scores will be in by May 1st. I retook the SAT/ACT last year for USC (which I ended up not applying to), and they remained virtually the same. I would say your GPA and HS ranking cover for your ACT score. How where your SAT scores?

As for the essays, just be honest and direct. Let them know exactly why you deserve a spot in the class. Try and show a little of your personality too. If you're bored writing your essay, the admissions committee will be bored reading it.

mattymark

@dqjcr4 hey Is being full mexican considered a hook for northwestern?

CluelessBelle

@ dqjcr4: I have to agree. NU really loves those perfect scores, but to raise test scores by that many points is very difficult, especially with so little time left.

My scores where no where near that, but I'm applying anyway because other parts of my application make up for it. And if I don't get in for Fall 2012, I'm gonna reapply in the spring. Tbh, I would really like to get my GPA up before I apply there, but I've already gone to far into the process (sent transcripts, recommendations, and financial aid items already, so might as well finish)

dqjcr4

@mattymark

absolutely.

chicagolak23

@dqjcr4 THANK YOU! Finally, an unbiased opinion that supports my assumption exactly. I hadn't thought of retaking it and applying for another term. Would you suggest applying for the Winter or Spring term? And do you know if that means I have to regather all the necessary info and submit NEW essays?


@CluelessBelle I feel that it SHOULD change drastically since I took it three years ago. I'm not sure though. I unfortunately did not take the SAT.
I know what I want to say...the problem is consolidating my 10 pages of info into one page, lol.

mattymark

@CluelessBelle yes i do have time

@dqjcr4 ok thats cool i guess. lol

Oh yeah and just some general questions: Is the communications major (not the theatre and stuff like that) hard to get into? And does anyone know the expetance rate for northwestern as a whole or possibly by majors?

Thanks

dqjcr4

I'm not sure when you should apply. I do not know which term is more competitive.

Just to give you some hope I scored a 1550 (everything) in high school - didn't study, showed up hungover, and ultimately just didn't care. I found out the schools I wanted to attend needed a much higher score about a month before the March SAT. I crammed for about a month and got a 2100. Literally a month. Now I'm not saying it's an exceptional score or even a competitive score for these top colleges, but it is certainly acceptable. You can do it. If I had another month I could have probably broken 2200. Start studying now. Master the test. It really isn't that hard if you are familiar with it.

Regarding the essays - you could probably keep the same main essay, but might have to change your supplements if they change the prompt.

chicagolak23

@dqjcr4 I am 50% Mexican and 50% Polish, however, did not delve into that in any of my essays. Would you recommend I mention that within one of my essays?

Okay, then I will definitely consider that! NU offers the exact program and research opportunities I am looking for in preparation for my career.

Thank you

Are you a current student?

CluelessBelle

@ dqjcr4: Would you consider being African American (specially African) a hook?

CluelessBelle

@ chicagolak23: If being that mix has any special impact on your life, then write about it. Don't just mention it if you really haven't had any life changing experiences because of it.

dqjcr4

Lol, nope. I have a brother at Northwestern though. I'm applying right now.

And yes, if you are a URM (Hispanic, African, etc.), it is a hook. Consider yourself lucky.

chicagolak23

@Cluelessbelle Yes, I suppose you are very correct

And if being Hispanic is a hook, I would definitely consider being African a hook as well...being that they are both minority race.

dqjcr4

I agree with CluelessBelle about only writing about it if it has affected your life greatly. But certainly identify as Hispanic on your application where it asks. It'll help big time.