Okay, real talk. I’ve taken the ACT twice and gotten a 31 both times. I’ve been studying so hard and I’m taking it again in September, but it looks like I may have maxed out at a 31. I know that’s like the 25th percentile for Northwestern, so will that hurt my chances a lot? Everything else about my app is pretty great (good extracurriculars, 4.79 weighted GPA, good essays), and I’m applying ED, if that helps. Any input would be really appreciated!
If you are passionate about attending NU (which it seems like you are, since you’re applying ED), and you demonstrate that through your essays, I don’t see why you wouldn’t have a chance. Twenty-five percent of NU students have a 31 or less on the ACT - as you state - so it is definitely not unthinkable. If you/your family can afford to pay the application fee or have a waiver, I say give it a shot!
Do you have any hooks (URM, legacy, athlete)?
I would still try and improve the ACT to around the 50th percentile. Don’t give up, getting 2 31’s does not mean that your third try will be the same. Study hard and you will get a better score.
31 will put you at a disadvantage so you’ll really need to shine through your EC’s, essays and rec letters. A 31 won’t put you out of the running, but the adcoms will be expecting more when they look at other parts of your app to sort of “make up” for a slightly lower test score.
I agree with the above posters; a 31 on the ACT won’t kill your application but you will be a lot more competitive if you can get 32 or 33- preferably the latter. Applying ED and having lots of quality ECs will help you.
I also have a 31 and am applying to NU ED. I am applying for Computer Science, what about you?
so I am in the same boat but I am not sure what to send. I have SAT 800 M, 650 CR, 760W? Good GPA and lots of EC and leadership. Really into CS and did an internship with a major tech company this summer. I have no hooks.
Any advice would help. I am trying to formulate my essays and I think I have a good Why Northwestern, but the common app essay is more about culture, life and relationships. Any advice on how to shine thru. I don’t think I can take the ACT again for ED so I have to deal with these scores.