Chances at Northwestern?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Northwestern University
1

<p>GPA (Weighted): 4.548
GPA (Unweighted): 3.95</p>

<p>Rank: 2/645</p>

<p>Test Scores/Classes:
-SAT: 2270 (740 Rdg, 760 Math, 770 Wrtg)-Considering retake
-ACT: 33 Composite (same score for 2 sittings)
-AP (so far): Calc BC (5), US History (5), English Lang (5), European History (5), Spanish Lang (4)
-SAT Subjects: I haven’t taken them yet, but on diagnostic tests from study books (with no prior studying): USH 790, Spanish 770, Math lvl2 800, Physics 780
-11th Grade: AP Calc BC, AP English Lang, AP Spanish, APUSH, Honors Physics, Wind Ensemble
-12th Grade: Calculus III (Multivariable calc through U of Illinois), AP Gov’t, AP English Lit, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, Wind Ensemble</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:
-Marching Band (all 4 years): Member of Drumline, have won numerous section awards at various state competitions
-Youth & Government: Attorney (10, 11,12)-State awards 2 years running, including best Oral Argument, 2nd best Legal Brief, and 2nd best Case overall
-Percussion Ensemble (all 4 years): Numerous leadership tasks including designing our annual concert
-Church Youth Group (all 4 years): Play drumset in weekly worship band (also frequently tasked with organizing weekend worship), Member of both Leadership Board and Missions Trip Fundraising Committee</p>

<p>Volunteer/Community Service Work:
-About 75 hours tutoring underpriveleged, struggling kids at the elementary school level (through both church and other volunteer opportunities)
-Percussion/Drumset Lessons to Middle School students (about 20-30 hours)
-Volunteer work at Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry (20 hours, will be closer to 50 at application time)
-Missions trips through church involving VBS programs in downtown Chicago, various repair and outreach ministries in Nashville, TN</p>

<p>Awards/Honors:
-Probable National Merit Scholar (with a PSAT score of 220 and SAT of 2270)
-Selected for 2010 IMEA District IX Honor Orchestra (as a percussionist)
-Received “Best of Day” awards for solo work in solo & ensemble contests both Soph. and Jr. years, also selected for 2010 District Honors Recital (one of 15 or so students out of approximately 600-700)
-Began playing percussion in 8th grade, was accepted into school’s top ensemble (in a Grammy-award-winning music program) Sophomore year</p>

<p>Recommendations: Two letters, one from my APUSH teacher (the only one I’ve received; it’s wonderful) and one from my Honors Precalc/BC Calc teacher (who has known me as a student for over 2 years now).</p>

<p>Personally I think the academic side of my resume is strong, but I think my extracurriculars/volunteer services portion is middling. Please let me know how I stack up. Thanks!</p>

2

<p>you’ll get in :)</p>

3

<p>You are a very strong candidate.
You are right, that your ECs are not exactly overwhelming, but they are not weak either. It is the totality of your application that matters, and if you write thoughtful and compelling essays, you should be in good shape.
What do you think you want to study, and what sort of school (size, urban vs suburban vs rurual) are you looking for?</p>

4

<p>Solid Stats, no apparent weaknesses. Solid Candidate!!</p>

<p>I don’t think the ECs are problematic.</p>

5

<p>@WCASParent At the moment, I’m looking to major in something related to the biological/natural sciences, possible Biochemisty or Chemistry. I’d also like to minor in Spanish, and I’m looking to go to medical school as well. In terms of school size, I’m fairly lenient, though I prefer mid-sized, similar to Northwestern. As for environment, I’d say suburban or urban. I’ve lived in the Chicago suburbs for years now, and am fairly used to both.</p>

<p>Thanks guys :)</p>

6

<p>see you in 2012</p>

7

<p>Jeckert, you’re a great applicant, but do not let your head enlarge to the point of explosion with some of this false praise. I’m guessing the acceptance rate will be around 14% next year, and it is a bylaw of colleges that great applicants must get rejected. Out of the three valedictorians who actually applied to NU all with 4.0/2300+, I was the only one who got it. Know that you’re a great applicant and write your essays with your head held high exuberating confidence and passion, but keep it in check with the gnawing inklings of doubt.</p>

8

<p>I can’t remember the exact statistic, but something like 3,000 people with a 1500/1600 or higher SAT were rejected. You still have a really good chance of getting accepted, but don’t get a big head.</p>

9

<p>Oh and my statistic applies to this past year.</p>

10

<p>Given your preferences and goals, especially a possible major in chemistry, i couldn’t think of a better school for you than NU. I would consider applying ED.
Good luck!</p>