Chance Me for RD?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Northwestern University
1

Objective:
ACT: 32 (34 English, 30 Math, 33 Reading, 32 Science), 10 essay (combined writing score 33)
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 4.0
Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): 1 out of 152
Senior Year Course Load: College Chem, College Calculus, and College English (Composition I and II) [all three are dual credit]. AP Studio Art. Marching Band / Symphonic Band. German IV. Mandatory Government Class and Consumer Ed Credit.
(I have taken all of the Honors Courses and all of the College/AP Classes offered at my high school.)
Major Awards: National Honor Society, State Scholar, All-State Band

Subjective:
Extracurriculars (leadership/details in parenthesis, ** denotes four years of participation)
Scholastic Bowl** (Junior Varsity Captain: 2 years; Varsity Captain: 2 years; Received a Conference-Wide Award)
Art Club** (President: 12th; Secretary 11th; Artist of the Month: March 2014, December 2014)
German Club** (President 12th; Vice President 11th)
Math Team** (President 12th)
National Honors Society (Secretary)
Science Olympiad (Placed at Regionals every year; State Qualifier: 10th)
Delta Epsilon Phi - German Honors Society
Key Club (Chapter’s First Webmaster: 12th, Public Relations Co-Chair: 12th; Member of the Month: March 2014)
Thespian Club**
Fall Play** (Backstage Crew: 9th, 10th; Minor Role: 11th, 12th)
Spring Musical (Chorus: 9th; Orchestra Pit: 11th, 12th)
Marching Band** (Section Leader: 11th, 12th)
Symphonic Band** (First Chair: 11th)
Solo/Ensemble Contest** (Division I Rating: 9th, 11th; Best of Day Award: 11th)
District Band (10th, 11th, 12th)
Honor Band (9th, 10th)

Job/Work Experience: Algebra II Tutor

Volunteer/Community service: Spent two summers volunteering with the public library children’s literacy program

Essays: 9-10/10 Common App, 7.5-8/10 Why NU? Both of my writing advisors loved my common app essay. When I told one that I needed to shorten it, she said it was a shame, because “it was flawless.”
Teacher Recommendation: I waived my rights to read them, but my Science teacher told me that she gave me perfect scores and an outstanding letter. English teacher did not comment, but she loved my essay.
Counselor Rec: Very good, I’m one of his personal favorites and he nominates me for everything.
Additional Rec:
Arts teacher: We are very close and she wrote a very strong letter.
Club advisor: I never had him as a teacher, but he sang very high praises in person.
Interview: None

Other
State (if domestic applicant): IL
School Type: Public
Ethnicity: White
Gender: Female
Income Bracket: 19k-25k
Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): None

Thank you! NU is my top pick. I plan on majoring in Bio.

2

Looks like a complete package. The only unknown here is you are applying RD. Good Luck!

3

You have awesome statistics! I’m hoping you played up your strengths in Biology, however. The key that got me accepted was how I made sure every single activity showed ONE focus, and how that one focus was perfect for my prospective major. After all, NU wants to know that you will take your degree and make something of it. :slight_smile:

4

Looks good, but RD will be really tough this year. ECs are very diverse, I think a big part if your app will depend on how much interest you show in your why NU essay towards your major, and how your recommendations will reflect what makes you unique and what your most passionate about, given you have so many activities. Only real weakness is your ACT, but it’s in the normal range so I doubt that will affect your chances at all. Your grades and ECs are exactly what they’re looking for, and it sounds like your recommendations should make you stand out compared to the generic rec letter most students get, so if your personal essays are good you’ll have a much higher shot than most ppl in the application pool. Good luck!

5

I think you have a good chance of getting in. With that said, RD is much harder this year because NU accepted nearly half the class through ED. I guess it really boils down to your essays and how they portray yourself. Otherwise, based on what is given, your chance should be good.

6

I agree with everyone here! RD is going to be very difficult! I wish you luck and everyone else applying!

7

Thank you all very much!! Time to wait and not let the anticipation kill me! :smile:

8

You have as good a chance as anyone.