Chances for NU early decision. I have a low gpa because of problem that occurred throughout sophomore and junior year. I have a 3.3 GPA and a 35 on ACT. I really want to go to NU and have showed lot of interest into the school and visited the campus. On the act subject test for math 2 I got a 790 and chemistry got a 780. I have lots of leadership positions like DM corporate exec, relay for life leader, chemistry club president, school board rep, autism ambassador, and staring 6 on basketball team. I feel like my gpa is killing my chances so is there a chance I could get in?
It’s hard to say how much of a chance you have. A 35 ACT and the SAT II’s you listed as well as activities definitely meet the NU minimum criteria. If you write some good essays I’d think you have a chance. NU offers a comment section on the Common App to explain the private issue you had that affected your GPA, which should definitely help you. I can’t really tell much without knowing your grades, what level classes you’ve taken, etc but generally if you have an upward trend from the end of this year and good grades before your issue that show an disparity between your potential and grades NU can obviously tell your a good student. Try to explain as much as possible to admissions they’re usually very understanding and compassionate and it won’t do any good to hide some obvious disparity on your transcript anyways. Applying ED will help, though I’m kind of thinking if they have trouble evaluating you do to a lack of representative recent grades they might defer you or something. I wouldn’t let your GPA deter you from applying or thinking you have no chance-- definitely go for it if NU is your top choice! Good luck!
If you are 7 ft+, and can play in the B1G Ten, I believe that Mr. Collins wants to see you in his office ASAP, and they will be happy to discuss your grades with you.
SRSLY - Yes, your test stats are excellent - well within parameters. If you - and maybe your GC at HS can come up with a story, I mean, if you can write meaningfully about why your GPA sucks, then maybe you can pull it out. Strange things can happen.
But I wouldn’t put all my eggs in one basket - You’ve accomplished a lot of great things in HS - and there IS a great school out there just waiting for you to send in your app. Good Luck!
Without revealing the problem, which I don’t think you should, I don’t think anyone can give you an accurate prediction of your ED chances. You obviously know that your GPA is low for NU. There are so many students applying that have every box checked. Problems can be viewed as a red flag or as an obstacle that could be easily overcome. It just depends on how the admissions office views your particular problem.
Sometimes it might help if you take a personal appointment with the admission officer responsible for your region and effectively present your case prior to even applying!