Chances for NU ED Applicant?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Northwestern University
1

<p>Early Decision Applicant</p>

<p>Unweighted GPA: 4.0/96.18%</p>

<p>Rigor (transcript is also supplemented with 8 honors courses):
AP World History (3)
AP US History (3)
AP European History
AP American Government
AP Microeconomics
AP Statistics (4)
AP Calculus AB
AP Biology (3)
AP Environmental Science (4)
AP Chemistry
AP English Language and Composition (2)
AP English Literature and Composition
AP Spanish Language and Culture (3)
AP Spanish Literature and Composition</p>

<p>Rank: 2/312</p>

<p>Scores:
Sat Math: 620, SAT Critical Reading: 520, SAT Writing: 540
ACT Composite: 25, ACT Math: 24, ACT: English 26
SAT Biology E: 580, SAT Mathematics II: 640</p>

<p>Activities (Leadership Experience):
-Committee Chair, Georgia State Superintendent Student Advisory Council (11,12)
-Delegate, Douglas County Superintendent Student Forum Council (11,12)
-Co-Founder and Co-Captian, Science Olympiad Team (11,12)
-Founder and Lab Safety Manager, International Genetically Engineered Machine Team (12)
-Ambassador and Mentor, STEM Magnet Academy Ambassadors Program (10,11,12)
-Captain and Competition Director, Reading Bowl Team (10,11)
-Vice President, Mathematic Team (12-seniors only)
-President, Spanish Honor Society (10,11,12)</p>

<p>Academic Accolades:
-State of Georgia and University of Georgia Certificate of Merit Scholar Award Recipient
-International BioGENEius Challenge Georgia Regional Finalist
-Georgia Science and Engineering State Fair First Honors (Top 10%) & Best in Category Winner
-Emory University’s Confucius Institute Study Abroad Scholarship State Winner to China
-DECA State Competition Fourth Place Winner in Job Interview Event & International Competition Qualifier Georgia -Governor’s Honors Program Semi-Finalist in Biology
-Presidential Youth Service Award Winner
-Georgia Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl First Place County, Regional, Divisional & State Champion</p>

<p>Summer Enrichment:
-Studied Chinese Culture and Language in Henan China with merit scholarship
-Studied environmental sciences in the Galapagos Islands with merit scholarship from the Frank Ski Kids Foundation
-Conducted scientific research at the University of Georgia's Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Lab with research research being published by the Journal of Emerging Scholars</p>

<p>Hooks:
-African American/Black
-$25,000>Income
-Father not present in life (if that matters)
-Attend underperforming school were average sat score is in the low 1200's out of all three sections</p>

<p>Basically, I love research and I know attending Northwestern will give me access to perform world-class undergraduate research and participate in prestigious internships relating to my true passion: biology. Any advice you guys could give about improving my application would greatly appreciated. And please do not make fun of my scores as I have truly tried to improve them but this is the best I can do and I don't think this matters much. Thanks!</p>

2

<p>NIHHHH – you ask a very difficult question.</p>

<p>Your grades, activities, accolades, all look truly excellent. As you point out, your SATs and ACT’s are somewhat lower than average for NU.</p>

<p>Absent your hooks, I would have said that your SAT/ACT would be difficult to overcome (sorry). However, you have some truly excellent academic accomplishments and the hooks will certainly be a factor. Will they be enough – I truly don’t know.</p>

<p>I guess my first question would be is there anything you can do to raise your scores (and unfortunately, I know it’s late in the game).</p>

<p>Second, does your school have guidance or other counselors who are, perhaps, more qualified to answer your question. I don’t know whether NU has someone who can give you an honest assessment to help you decide whether to apply ED.</p>

<p>If not – I certainly would recommend applying to NU. As to ED – what are your other options? If you’re not going to apply anywhere else ED (assuming you don’t apply ED for NU), then go for it. If you have other options – as I say, it’s a difficult situation. Sorry I can’t be of more help.</p>

3

<p>Very poor chance due to test scores.</p>