GUEST STUDENT OF THE WEEK: Rohan is a freshman at Dartmouth (and loves it) having gotten in ED for the Class of 2023. He's here to debunk myths regarding admissions and student life at his school. ASK HIM ANYTHING!
Make sure to check out our May Checklists for HS Juniors and HS Seniors. Consult these quick resources to get you started on the process this month.
As we work to adjust to the current reality, make sure to check out these dedicated COVID-19 resources: our directory of virtual campus tours, our directory of extended deadlines, as well as the list of schools going test optional this fall.
Can I get into Northwestern
Kenna13
33 replies3 threads Junior Member
Apply ED
White female
Got to small catholic school with 90 people in my class, my grades a hard to get...
GPA- 3.9665/4.0
Class rank is not reported at all by my school- we got to competitive...
ACT- 30 - low I know but I got it up from a 23
SAT 2- US History 770, will take lit in October maybe take math level 2
APs- Human geography- as a freshman at old school
None offered sophmore year
Junior year -us history, language, chemistry
Senior year will be calc, literature, government (online)
The rest are advanced classes
Latin is foreign language- only took 2 years because I had to do it online and that was all that was offered
EC- 2 choirs, 2- musicals, alto section leader, drama club, ambassador, vita chrisiti, senior class officer, interact club, raise money for well project in uganda for interact, hopefully in charge of senior class charity, scholastic bowl, law review
A ton of volunteer hours-- beyond the amount required by my school
National Honor Society
Mu Alpha Theta
Great recs from teacher
Hopefully great essay
Baby sitting job
My intended majors are poli sci and history then law school... if that makes a difference
30 repliesWhite female
Got to small catholic school with 90 people in my class, my grades a hard to get...
GPA- 3.9665/4.0
Class rank is not reported at all by my school- we got to competitive...
ACT- 30 - low I know but I got it up from a 23
SAT 2- US History 770, will take lit in October maybe take math level 2
APs- Human geography- as a freshman at old school
None offered sophmore year
Junior year -us history, language, chemistry
Senior year will be calc, literature, government (online)
The rest are advanced classes
Latin is foreign language- only took 2 years because I had to do it online and that was all that was offered
EC- 2 choirs, 2- musicals, alto section leader, drama club, ambassador, vita chrisiti, senior class officer, interact club, raise money for well project in uganda for interact, hopefully in charge of senior class charity, scholastic bowl, law review
A ton of volunteer hours-- beyond the amount required by my school
National Honor Society
Mu Alpha Theta
Great recs from teacher
Hopefully great essay
Baby sitting job
My intended majors are poli sci and history then law school... if that makes a difference
Post edited by Kenna13 on
This discussion has been closed.
Replies to: Can I get into Northwestern
NU's Common Data Set says there are five factors that are "very important" to admission decisions: rigor of secondary school record, class rank, academic GPA, standardized test scores, and application essay (recs and ECs are just "important"). You're wise to point out that you took APs where they were available. We asked S's counselor to include this sort of information in her recommendation to make sure they knew he was taking the most rigorous courseload available to him. Your school doesn't rank; you're not alone. I'm sure Admissions has a workaround. Don't lose sleep over something you can't change. GPA? No worries.
The not-so-great news: A 30 ACT is in the bottom quartile for admitted freshmen. Based on S's experience, I advise kids to take one ACT and one SAT. Chances are, one will stand out as "your" test. Then I suggest repeating the better test once or twice so long as you don't go over three attempts on any one test.
Essay? Still entirely under your control at this point. Work with a good essay book, preferably written by someone either currently or formerly in the admissions business. There are a lot of well-meaning people here, but many (including me) don't have the same perspective as the people who matter in Admissions.
NU is interested in yield, so applying ED is a great idea. On the application supplement, they'll ask if/when you've visited. If the cost of a visit isn't prohibitive, it might be helpful.
Best of luck to you!
There's a separate section devoted to glorifying the school. So you can use the common application essay to talk about why you're so special.
Really, apart from your test scores, I'd say that you're good. There's always an element of chance in admissions, but I think that you're almost in the best situation you could hope for, short of curing cancer or something crazy like that.
Just a side note do you guys think a 30 act is the reason I will not be accepted?
But please, practice your proofreading--even on CC posts, but especially on the essay for NU.
Best of luck!
Oh, an my English teacher is going to proofread everything.
One last question, will only taking two years of foreign Language hurt? even if it was my only option due to a move.
Have you looked at Knox College? Also in Illinois and a great school for a bright, motivated student like you. My son and I loved it when we visited. The students there are more collaborative and friendly than we found at Northwestern, and the faculty is fantastic--completely dedicated to undergrads (which is not often the case at big research universities).
They only require 2 years, but I wasn't sure if they expected or wanted more?
Does anyone know anything about NU choir for non majors? I can't find anything on the website that is very descriptive only the name.
It looks like there are musical groups for non-majors, for all instruments. Might need to audition when you get on campus, but I'm utterly certain that they're there.
As for the interview... if you don't get one, it won't hurt you. On the other hand, if it's offered and you refuse, that won't look good at all.
If you took a foreign language in 7th or 8th grade, have that added to your high school transcript. The course will count, but not the grade.
Your biggest advantage is to apply Early Decision. The NU administration was quoted last year as saying that they will give preference to students who choose them first.
In the meantime, take the ACT and SAT in the fall. A 30 on an ACT might not be a competitive enough number for your gender/race/residence/major grouping.
On the other hand, if you really do not have a second choice apply ED but be prepared to attend a flagship state university.
The good news is law schools do not care at all where you go to UG. Get a 4.0 in college and kill the LSAT, if you want to go to law school. But don't go to law school.
Seriously, take the ACT again. I got in with a 31 ED, and my stats were very similar to yours. And studies show that if you take a test again, your score will go up by at least one point. And that one point makes a huge difference.
But, you don't have a hook. And in today's admissions climate, it seems that hooks can make or break a decision - especially ED.
So, I would suggest writing an essay that really reveals something about yourself that they can't find anywhere else on their application. Even within my tiny class, the people that basically elaborated on their own accomplishments didn't do as well as those that were creative and personal. And be personal with your "Why NU" essay. It seems like you know a lot about the school and really love it, make sure that comes across - but don't just rewrite the wikipedia page.
I feel like, as others have said, you're a really bright student with a great future ahead of you, but I don't think you're a surefire acceptee at this point. I wish you all the best, and if you're supposed to end up at NU, you will.