Chance me?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Northwestern University
1

I’m a current junior thinking of applying ED to NU, but I’m not sure if I should even try (given my poor GPA). Also considering ED to Cornell, Dartmouth, Vanderbilt, WashU, Northeastern, Wesleyan - help me decide which would be the best fit?

School: Highly Competitive Public in NJ
Ethnicity: Asian
Gender: Female
GPA: 3.7-3.8 UW, 4.3 W (Bad I know, but school is hard) - strong upward trend
PSAT: 1510 - probably will be national merit semifinalist based on past predictions
ACT: 35 composite (36,36,35,34)
Coursework: H/AP track (most difficult) throughout HS, will graduate having taken 9 AP exams with 8 classes
Awards: Prez volunteer gold medal, National Latin Exam Gold Medal, a bunch of regional/state awards in sports, National Qualifier in Speech and Debate, NHS, probably national merit semifinalist, honor roll

ECs:

  • Varsity sport 4 years (captain senior year) - strong program that consistently won, named MVP, named to All-Scholastic teams (academic and athletic excellence)
  • Speech and debate - nationally ranked, national qualifier
  • Teaching Assistant at language school for 4 years
  • Self-started tutoring business - make bank
  • Interned at a research hospital for a summer
  • Coach students in S&D
  • Organized town-wide events for various community organizations
  • Helped immigrants with learning english, immigration process for one summer
  • NHS

I’m a strong writer and feel like I can write strong essays. With the short time i have left ,what are some things i can do to boost my application?

2

It’ll be tough, but you’re competitive. If you want any real shot, you’re gonna have to apply ED. Their RD acceptance rate is around 5%.

3

I think you’re competitive; ED selectivity will be similar for Dartmouth and Cornell as well.

4

if your uw gpa is closer to 3.7 than 3.8, your selectivity will definitely be less. but that being said, you are not out of the running and have a decent chance, especially if you go ed.

5

I’ve seen lots of people here who have had GPAs in your range. Don’t be discouraged to apply, especially since you have very competitive marks and ECs. As for an application tip, just make sure you really express your interest in attending Northwestern in your essay and your personal reasons on why. I think the essay is one of the most important parts in the Northwestern application. Best of luck.

6

My UW gpa was a little higher than yours but I didn’t take as many APs or win any academic awards besides honor roll, and I got in RD this year, so definitely go for it if that’s really where you want to go. Also, I’m relatively new to CC so idk if private message is a thing here, but let me know if you have any questions :slight_smile: