After reading everyone else's chances, I need the honest truth before I waste $65!

Colleges & Universities Northwestern University
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<p>I just found out my ACT retake score and I got a 30!!! Which is what I was hoping for 'cause when I took it in March, I had a 27. I sent a copy of my scores to Northwestern because it was just a dream sort of floating around ever since I visited Evanston last Thanksgiving, and now that I actually got a 30, which is like the bare minimum for Northwestern, I don’t know if I should apply.</p>

<p>I have a 4.0, but I only took two APs last year and another two this year. (I got fives on both tests last year, though, so hopefully that counts for something.) I did one sport for four years, second year in nhs, one instrument, a couple of minor clubs, extra classes, and volunteering at church. I’m not going to bother with the highly recommended 3 SAT subject tests because I don’t want to stress over it, score badly, or spend the time and money.</p>

<p>So, be honest with me, should I even bother applying to northwestern???</p>

<p>I’m not really thrilled to write another college essay and apparently a research abstract (WHAT IS THAT?!) nor do I want to get my dad’s hopes up, nor do I want to receive a rejection letter, nor do I want to waste $65 dollars, nor do I want to tell my recommendation teacher that I’m applying to another school because then she’ll ask me if I got in later.</p>

<p>BUT, if I honestly have a chance (because I know a 4.0 and two 5s don’t suck) then I’ll definitely apply because I want to go. It’s a dream and I loved the place when I visited last year.</p>

<p>(And lets say I do apply, I am at a loss with this essay prompt:</p>

<p>What are the unique qualities of Northwestern–and the specific undergraduate school you are applying to, which for me would be Judd A. and Marjorie Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences UNDECIDED!–that make you want to attend the university? In which ways do you hope to take advantage of the qualities you have identified?</p>

<p>I don’t know anything about their undergraduate schools or unique qualities! How would I go about this??? Is there a information online or something? And I’m totally undecided, which doesn’t help, I know!)</p>

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<p>How competitive is your school? And did you only take two AP classes last year because of limited options? </p>

<p>If you have a good class rank with the 4.0, I’d apply.</p>

<p>With a great essay (I know everyone says that), I’d say you definately have a shot worth taking. The only way to ensure rejection is to not apply.</p>

<p>As for the statement, if you’re unable to visit before the RD deadline, I’d definately look over the website and newspaper articles posted online from the NU student newspaper. There’s alot of material online that can supplement a visit, and if you have any questions DO email to admissions office with them.</p>

<p>I’ve heard they keep a record of it?</p>

<p>In my opinion, take your shot…</p>

<p>Oh, and I’d have collegeboard send the SAT scores to NU to include in your application. While it they may not offset your ACT too much, it will definately not hurt you in any way.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

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<p>Thanks for you response!</p>

<p>There’s no limit on AP classes, I just wasn’t partly lazy and partly uninterested in the other AP classes because I’m totally not into science or math (I know, not really the best things to be not into.)</p>

<p>My school is sort of competitive. There are kids that go onto Harvard and there are plenty of kids having trouble graduating. I’m in the suburbs, if that helps.</p>

<p>And I didn’t take the SAT (or the subject tests.)</p>

<p>You’re the second person to say the essay is my determining factor. I’m nervous 'cause I’m not a strong writer. My ideas aren’t that original.</p>

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<p>I didn’t the subject tests either, and I hate to also emphasize the essay, but NU really does focus on the essay.</p>

<p>I’d brainstorm and just keep making drafts, I had 6 drafts of my essay because I’m a neurotic pessimist haha.</p>

<p>I think the lack of AP classes might hurt you a little bit, so really focus on the essay and statement.</p>

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<p>Okay, so you still got into the school without subject tests, right?</p>

<p>How many AP classes did you take?</p>

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<p>I’m an ED applicant, and so far I’ve taken five and I have four more this year…
The host I stayed with for my overnight had 5’s on I think 6 AP’s when she applied RD</p>

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<p>apply… it’s better to “waste” (notice the quotes) $65 dollars and get a definite answer from the school than to not pay the fee and never know if you would have gotten accepted or not</p>

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<p>I agree w/Peyton—you have a great shot!</p>

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<p>Thanks for responding, people. I’m convinced I should apply now and I’m working on my Why essay. How long should this be and how formal??? I don’t know how to go about this with out just listing things in paragraph form.</p>

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<p>last year it was 1000 characters (somewhat formal, the writing version of dressy casual!). This is always a good opener: As an aspiring _<strong><em>, I am interested in attending the School of </em></strong> at Northwestern University. Drop the name of a professor and a class, write about how you’re a good fit (I believe I’ll be a good fit at Northwestern because…), be humble (I am excited to attend college with brilliant students and hope to learn from them), and end with some interesting fact (The Rock really interests me. Something like that. Or Dillo Day. Or something else.)</p>

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<p>Since they don’t specify exactly how long the essay is supposed to be, it can be up to you. Mine’s 508 words; others’ are 300 words; some people’s are 700 words. State what exactly (specifically) you like about Northwestern, and explain why. Don’t worry too much about length (really, I think they probably prefer something around 300-400 words max b/c of all the applications they’ll have to read). </p>

<p>Best of luck.</p>