Chance me? (:

Colleges and Universities A-Z Northwestern University
1

<p>I'm an Asian female and a junior (class of 2013) at an average public high school in Illinois. I'm applying to Northwestern RD.</p>

<p>Academics:
4.65 (w), 3.75 (uw) GPA; (all A's except for 3 B's in Hon. Physics, AP Chem, and AP Calc BC)
All honors or AP classes with the most rigorous course load possible at my school, I've actually taken some classes a year early
About top 2-3% of my class
ACT composite score of 34; E: 35, M: 34, R: 33, S: 33, writing: 8 (I'm taking it again so hopefully my composite and writing scores will increase)
I'm taking the SAT II in October in Math 2 and English Lit and hopefully my scores will be 700+
I'm definitely going to be at least a National Merit Commended Scholar and possibly a Semi-Finalist</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:
Yearbook junior and senior years; copy editor senior year
National Honor Society vice-president senior year
Spanish Honors Society committee member senior year
Local volunteer organization sophomore, junior, and senior years; in council junior and senior years
Science Olympiad team sophomore, junior, and senior years; vice-president junior and senior years
Math team for 4 years
Student Council sophomore and junior years
Local law-oriented club for freshman and sophomore years</p>

<p>I've volunteered for 250+ hours total throughout high school, mostly in my community. I also volunteered at a local university's science lab for about 50 hours last summer and volunteered about 50 hours teaching English overseas 2 summers ago.</p>

<p>Awards:
Regional Science Olympiad competition: (sophomore year) 1st place in forensics and astronomy; (junior year) 1st place in forensics, 2nd in water quality, 3rd in microbe mission)
School award for leadership
Made it to State for Math Team every year
Cornell Book Club (I don't know if this really helps or not...)</p>

<p>Thanks for the help!! I'll chance you back if you want, too!</p>

2

<p>That’s an amazing ACT score. And lots of good extra curriculars. I would also think about applying to other prestigious universities. I’m pretty sure you would make it.</p>

3

<p>Yeah, I’m definitely thinking about applying to some other prestigious schools, too. Thanks so much for your help!</p>

4

<p>Apply ED if you really want to get in, otherwise it’s a tossup, because everything is solid but nothing exceptional.</p>

5

<p>We can’t really give you an accurate of your chances on here. Everything has to be looked at in context, and we need your essays and professor recommendations to round out the picture. From what you have posted, Northwestern looks unlikely, at least in the RD round. You might be able to get it if you applied just 4 years ago but so much has changed with Northwestern’s admissions process. You’re looking at a 13% acceptance rate this year, which does not leave a lot of room for students with great profiles but who do not jump off the page.</p>

6

<p>@wildcatalum
I know, I’m really nervous about my chances because it’s such a competitive school. My essays and recommendations should be strong, but it’s still going to be tough. Thanks for the insight!</p>