<p>Hi everyone!
I'm currently a junior in HS, and just took the SAT for the first time a few weeks ago. I didn't prepare much, since I got a 216 on the PSAT and I've always been a good test taker. I got a 2180 on the test: 730 CR, 650 M, 800 V. My parents think my scores are great, but I really want to get into Northwestern University. I have not taken the ACT yet, but I'm signed up for the April and June tests. Should I retake the SAT and shoot for higher math/CR scores, or be happy with the one I got?
Thanks in advance! :)</p>
<p>Northwestern’s acceptance rate plummeted to 18% this year, down from 27% two years ago. Keep that in mind when you hear advise from someone who got in maybe 5-10 years ago when acceptance rates were twice what they are today.</p>
<p>Yes, you should have a higher score on your standardized test. But focus on prepping well for the ACT (Northwestern is in the heart of ACT country) and only retake the SAT if you find that it’s an easier test for you.</p>
<p>Also make sure to keep your grades/class rank up. And develop at least one killer EC that shows passion and commitment – grades are not enough these days to get you into these top 20 schools. Good luck!</p>
<p>I would say retake the SAT. 1). It can be superscored, and your math especially could improve a lot. 2). Northwestern seems to look at CR+M, and writing is your highest. The median CR+M score this year was 1420, which you’re below.</p>
<p>Of course, as pointed out, grades and scores don’t guarantee anything.</p>
<p>Retaking would be an option to consider - especially to raise the math score. It would also give you a better shot at other schools which you may want to go to.</p>
<p>The midpoint SAT score (of the 25% - 75% range) was 2157 (last year - likely higher now), and this includes ALL URMS, Athletes (Div I sports), Hooks, developmentals, legacies, etc. Unless you fall into one of these categories then you are likely gonna wanna shoot for somewhat higher scores. This is just to improve your odds. </p>
<p>NU is not numbers driven, however, and will turn down thousands of SAT/ACT/GPA’s higher than yours and will accept many in your range. Concentrate on the whole picture, passion for your life and EC’s, and work on your writing. Essays responses are an enormous part of the process and their importance is often underated.</p>
<p>D was admitted to Medill last year with a 2180 (660M) but had some nice writing awards to strengthen her app. With the increased selectivity numbers, I would try to improve it if possible.</p>
<p>Your math numbers are low, and your chances will increase with higher scores–why not retake? Try prepping this summer and retaking this
Fall.</p>
<p>I had 2190… 770 M, 700 CR, 720 W</p>
<p>rejected. I’d say shoot for 2250-2300 with 1500-1550 M + CR for top schools. SAT’s DO matter.</p>
<p>How do you people know that their acceptance rate fell to 18% this year? I always hear of people knowing about acceptance rates of colleges before their published by usnews or wherever else. How do you find out the acceptance rates? Is their a website you get this information from or something?</p>
<p>[Stanford</a> and Duke Accepted How Many? Colleges Report 2011 Admission Figures - NYTimes.com](<a href=“http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/30/admit-stats-2011/]Stanford”>Stanford and Duke Accepted How Many? Colleges Report 2011 Admission Figures - The New York Times)</p>
<p>^ In addition to that, this will provide some insight on how competitive Northwestern admissions were this year:</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/northwestern-university/1114541-nu-overall-acceptance-rate-18-down-27-just-2-years-ago.html?highlight=northwestern+18[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/northwestern-university/1114541-nu-overall-acceptance-rate-18-down-27-just-2-years-ago.html?highlight=northwestern+18</a></p>
<p>I’ll take the test again in September. In the meantime, I think I’ll focus on my SAT IIs and ACT. :)</p>