I realize it’s a bit of a reach but I would like to know if it’s even worth applying.
I’m a high school junior with an unweighted gpa of 3.89. I have taken an average of about 2 ap/ib classes each year. My act score is 33 and I’m planning on taking it a second time.
My extra curriculars are lacking. I’ve been a girl scout for many years and have participated in a few volunteer opportunities+ a leadership camp. I toured Northwestern and liked it a lot, but I don’t know if it’s worth applying with my stats.
Its a reach but you are within the range on numbers. Can you do something interesting this summer to write about in your essay?
Class rank? Subject test and/or AP exam scores?
With some improvement in ACT score and ECs, you can be competitive in ED. See if you can add a leadership position in a club … NU RD is a low-probability thing for anyone.
It’s definitely worth applying! You still have some time, so I would suggest seeing if you can get an internship/research opportunity this summer and aiming for one or two leadership positions next year. Writing really good essays that show who you are can also help give your application a boost- Northwestern considers essays a lot more than most schools do. It is possible to get in without amazing extracurriculars- I was able to do it- but make sure to make every other part of your app as strong as you can. Good luck!
You need to write a convincing “Why Northwestern ?” essay.
You should shoot for it if it’s your dream, but I’d say it’s a big reach
I disagree with stagemanager1 - your numbers are right in line with the middle 50%. Numbers and statistics are ONLY your ticket to the fight - what sets applicants apart are their stories. It’s not too late to write yours. Northwestern admits HUMANS, not test scores.
What you need to do now, this summer, and until you graduate is focus on finding activities that are meaningful to you and that change the world around you. A point or two on the ACT will not push you over the edge into acceptance, but a compelling answer to the question, “How will Northwestern be a better place with me in it?” will do that.
Think about your volunteer experiences - do you have any meaningful memories? What about your leadership camp? Use puzzle pieces you already have in front of you to complete the picture.
Your story could go something like this:
Being a girl scout was meaningful to you because __. You had incredible leadership training that taught you the value of , or helped you learn . You took what you learned through these experiences and did . changed the world in ______ ways.
Find something that builds on your past experiences and helps you see the world in new ways. Maybe that’s being a big sister. Maybe that’s some other form of leading and volunteering.
The important thing is to be specific - you did not just “learn to be a leader” - do not use that verbiage in your essay. Did you learn the importance of compassion in leadership? Courage? There are many leadership camps out there - what makes yours different? What lessons did you take away? How are you applying those lessons to your life right now?
There are two links I think are worth reading:
On what you should be doing in High School to prepare for college apps (spoiler: not basing your life decisions solely on building a college resume)
http://mitadmissions.org/blogs/entry/applying_sideways
On writing an essay - this is also applicable for finding things on which to write an essay:
https://wordvice.com/what-all-top-tier-colleges-look-for-5-tips-for-writing-your-admissions-essay/
Good luck, and GO 'CATS
It’s not a “huge” reach @stagemanager1 NW Average ACT is 31-34 and the OP has a 33; therefore, not a “huge” reach…
Check stats from your school. Northwestern has become much more selective and told one parent from our suburban school they are hugely popular and they are looking to increase their pell grant and international numbers. Only kids that have gotten in recently from our school are in journalism or music (auditions).