Chance Me, ED 2023?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Northwestern University
1

Hi everyone! I think I’ve decided to apply early decision to Northwestern this year! Only problem is, I have no idea how I’ll stack up… if anyone could give me an idea that’d be amazing!

GPA UW: 3.64
GPA W: 3.94ish
SAT: 1560
ACT: 36

Course rigor: All honors courses 9-10th grade, all IB courses 11th-12th. Most rigorous curriculum available to me, I attend a magnet school that is one of the top public schools in the nation. IB courses are weighted, honors are not.

Grade trend: Positive, had a rough freshman year at 3.3 but GPA has steadily improved over the years to what will hopefully be a 3.9 UW for all of 11th grade.

I think I’ll apply for biochemistry, maybe dual in communications?

ECs:

  • Science Olympiad for 9 years, team captain for 2, I volunteer with elementary and middle schoolers. Many regional and state awards, one national award.
  • Hoping to do some biochem research with a local professor over the summer.
  • Volunteering at the local hospital this summer
  • Work experience: I worked at a local small business dedicated to promoting environmentally friendly products until it closed.
  • Volunteer on a local campaign for state Congress
  • I play 3 instruments and build my own instruments (I’ve built two harps, a marimba, and a cello)
  • Music summer camp for 2 years for clarinet
  • Competed in speech and debate from 5th grade to 10th grade, had to stop due to scheduling conflicts with Science Olympiad.

Letters of Rec: I have a good relationship with my bio and chem teachers and I am going to ask them for recommendations.

Thank you! :smiley:

2

I would be shocked if you didn’t get in.

3

I think I’d be shocked if I did :confused: my GPA leaves a lot to be desired so that’s my main concern… According to my school’s Naviance, I’m in a grey area. I’m on the lower end for GPAs accepted ED from my school (in range, but barely), and so far no one has applied with higher than a 34. I also come from a small school so its not as though there are tons of data points to reference. I’m really worried that my GPA and ECs won’t be good enough

4

Applying ED gives you the best shot, especially because Northwestern has been taking a large portion of their classes from early decision. However, it is impossible for any of us here to accurately tell you what will happen. I can say that, from what you provided, it sounds like you will be a competitive applicant, but please remember that essays and letters of rec are heavily weighted in this process. They have thousands of applicants, many of whom look fairly identical on paper, so the subjective elements of the application are useful to help determine who fits what they are looking for. Really focus your “Why Northwestern” essay on why Northwestern specifically will be a good fit for you and your interests. Best of luck!

5

Thank you for the advice!

6

You definitely have a good shot
Really good stats and ED will give you a massive boost