ADVICE for hopeful juniors?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Northwestern University
1

<p>Hi! I'm hoping any alum/current students/fellow high schoolers can answer me here. I'm a junior in California right now looking at NU. I'm going to apply to NU's summer program and hoping I'll get in. If you could tell me where I could buffer up my app before next year, please do. I want at least a chance at their summer program/actual enrollment. In terms of stats, here's where I stand:</p>

<p>SAT l: 1830 (taken in June of sophomore year, going to take again this February with goal of 2000)
ACT: 31 (planning on retaking as well with goal of 33)
Planning on taking subject tests this May, not sure which ones
GPA: 4.07 weighted academic
Ranking: 38/673, top 6%
Extra cirriculars: editor-in-chief of school newspaper for 3 years, writing editor for yearbook and graphic designer with experience in Adobe Indesign and Photoshop CS4, attended three journalism workshops in Anaheim, Pepperdine University, and Cal State Northridge and hopefully Northwestern, nationally ranked competitive show choir for 4 years, varsity golf 1 season, JV swim team 1 season, 100+ service community hours, National Honor Society 2 years, California Scholarship Federation 5 semesters, Sherut L'Olam Jewish youth organization (genocide awareness, leadership, environmental issues group), BBYO Jewish youth organization 2 years with leadership as chapter's newspaper editor and experience planning events, published twice (one short story, one poem) on TeenInk's website, paid copyeditor for two published novellas, counselor for Jewish summer camp, Torah reader at temple, other involvement in French club, Club Marine, and Paperclips (genocide awareness club).
Junior year class load: AP Calculus AB, French 3, APUSH, AP Bio, Advanced Journalism, Advanced Women's Show choir, Honors English 11 (weighted and treated as an AP)
Past APs: AP Euro (3), planning on taking all 4 AP exams for my classes this year
Not quite sure the classes I'll be taking next year-- probably AP Calculus BC, AP French, AP Government/Economics, Marine Biology (not sure on what science yet), Advanced Journalism, Advanced Mixed Show Choir, and AP English Literature.
Recommendations: going to get one from my journalism adviser and hopefully my current English teacher and next year's English teacher.</p>

<p>Do you think this is enough to get me into NU, or at least have a chance? Really trying to boost up my test scores, and hoping my essays will be okay. I want to possibly major in journalism but my dream job is to be an editor in a publishing house in New York and publish books. I'm looking to make connections here that will work in New York. If you know of any good contests that I could enter before next year to get any awards please let me know. Accepting all criticism and comments. Thanks!</p>

2

<p>You have plenty of awards & ECs. Focus on your essays. There are a huge number of applicants with great ECs, lots of recognition, etc. That’s ‘pay to play’ - what keeps your application in the consideration pile. (But you do need to lift that SAT/ACT score). If your writing skills aren’t what they need to be to produce a killer essay, consider taking a creative writing class this summer. Both of my kids were told that their essays were the single most important factor in getting them into elite schools (my son is at NU). That’s where the AO really gets to know you as an individual, and it’s where you can make the case for why NU should offer you a place in the class of 2019. Good luck!</p>

3

<p>It’s rough to ask a teacher you barely know to write you a recommendation, so make really strong bonds with this year’s teachers.</p>

<p>If you want to apply to Medill, aim for higher test scores and bettering your rank. Your ECs are fantastic and volunteering is great (so do lots of that). Obviously, knock the essays out of the park.</p>

<p>Also, if you are going to take subject tests, take them in subject you’re currently in–almost like an AP exam.</p>

4

<p>Your ACT score of 31 is the equivalent of a SAT CR/M score of 1360-1390 (and a CR/M/W score of 2020-2070). NU is known for primarily looking at the CR/M score and not the Writing score. It looks like you may test better on the ACT. So consider concentrating your efforts on improving your ACT score. Then take a couple SAT subject tests and aim for scores in the 700’s.</p>

<p>Rather than list all your ECs, consider focussing on the ones that most reflect who you are and what your passions are such as the journalism, show choir, and community involvement and service work through the Jewish youth organization, genocide, and environmental issues. I believe you can leave off the minor ones like one season of JV swim and varsity golf.</p>

<p>Make sure your essays convey your uniqueness and passions. </p>

<p>Apply ED if NU is your first choice.</p>

<p>If you are able to raise your test scores and convey your passion, I believe you have a good chance of getting accepted.</p>

5

<p>Thanks! I recently retook the SAT and ACT both and increased to 1930 and a 32 on the ACT. Didn’t quite reach 33 and 2000 but I’ll take those scores :slight_smile: Thanks again!!!</p>

6

<p>You have a strong application, but aim for above 2100 on the SAT. 2200+ is better.</p>

7

<p>32 on the ACT is exactly where you need to be. of course, a 33/34 won’t hurt, but a 32 puts you in the race.</p>

8

<p>EC and wise, just focus on what you enjoy the most. You seem fine in that category. I wouldn’t worry about awards too much. They won’t hurt, of course, but don’t fret if you don’t get any. If you can, raise the ACT score up a point or two. It’s not a huge deal if you don’t, but just getting it up one more point would help I think. </p>

<p>As others have said, the most important thing for you should be essays. I firmly believe my essays were what got me in, because the rest of my resume was probably a bit below average compared to most NU applicants. You have less power over this, but also try to get multiple good recs. </p>

<p>Oh yeah, and apply ED if your finances allow. Other than essays, this is the thing I would stress the most</p>

9

<p>Like others have said, apply Early Decision if you can. NU isn’t an easy school to get into no matter how you slice it, but the chances are significantly higher if you apply ED.</p>

10

<p>Thanks for the comments :slight_smile: I’m done with testing. I’m satisfied with a 32. Sending in my app for the NU Medill Cherubs program for this summer tomorrow!!! Results come back around April 4. Hoping that if I get into their summer program it’ll be easier to get into the university.</p>

11

<p>@stressedjunior15 hope you get into cherubs! Best experience of my life! :smiley: </p>