You have until Dec 3 to self report your new ACT scores by updating the portal.
https://admissions.northwestern.edu/faqs/standardized-testing-for-2020-21/
I’d like to talk about the test optional decision, because it’s important and I think you can handle the required nuance. Whether to submit tests or not is a school by school decision, and goes beyond looking at last year’s mid 50% matriculated student data (or admitted if we have that).
For NU we don’t have class of 2026 test score data. We have class of 2025 enrolled student data from the common data set, which shows an ACT mid 50% range of 33-35 (superscored). We also know 82% of matriculants submitted an act and/or sat (there are some who submitted both tests so submitters are something lower than 82%).
This high proportion of matriculants who submitted scores tells us NU likes test scores. They also directly tell us this on their standardized testing page (not all TO schools are this direct and transparent in their words):
For some background on how we use scores, and why we have required them in the past: While high school grades are a strong predictor for academic success in college, the combination of grades and standardized test scores has been shown to strengthen that prediction. (Scores alone do not predict academic success with the same reliability as grades.) So while we feel confident that applications can stand strong without test scores this year, we will still find value in scores if you choose to send them.
So, NU believes the data showing test scores plus GPA is a better predictor of college success than GPA alone. Your 32 strengthens your app if one is looking at things from this angle (like NU AOs are).
https://admissions.northwestern.edu/faqs/standardized-testing-for-2020-21/
Lastly, it is likely that many of the non-test submitters were from groups such as URMs, limited income, first gen, recruited athletes, and/or those from less competitive high schools…meaning it’s likely that most students with your profile DID submit test scores. And remember, 25% of SUBMITTERS had lower than a 33.
This is the reasoning supporting what I said above…that I lean towards you submitting your 32. I know it’s a difficult decision, and up to you. Good luck, you will do well at whatever college you attend.