Chances of getting into Northwestern?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Northwestern University
1

I just visited Northwestern and fell in love. I would be greatly appreciative if someone could give me an idea of how my chances are of getting in.

I’m an incoming senior in high school. I’m white, female, and go to a large, fairly good public school. I come from a middle class background.

My GPA is about 4.19 weighted and 3.92 unweighted.

My school doesn’t release class ranks.

I’ve taken AP World, APUSH, APES, and AP Lang so far and have received all fives on the exams. Next year, I plan to take AP Gov, AP Econ, AP Art History, AP French, AP Lit, and either AP Euro or AP Stats (haven’t decided yet).

All of the other classes I’ve taken have been advanced or honors classes, except for math (I’m much more of a humanities kind of person).

I have taken the SAT once without studying at all, and I plan to retake it in a few weeks. As of right now, my SAT score is 1370, but I’m confident I can raise it a good amount when I take it again. I got a perfect score on reading and close to perfect on writing, but kind of tanked on the math section. I also took the ACT once and got a 30, but I think I’m only going to send in my SAT scores.

I’ve taken the US History SAT Subject Test and got a 770. I think I’ll probably take the Lit and French tests sometime early this school year.

I’ve been the editor in chief of my school’s newspaper since my sophomore year, I’ve been French club president for two years, and have been co-lead critic of my school’s theater critic team for two years. I’m also in a couple other clubs like French Honors Society, Christian Club, and a volunteer-type club. My freshman year, I was also on the second highest level dance team.

I was one of three (maybe four? I don’t remember) from my class chosen for the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Conference. This year, I was chosen for Girls State.

I have two jobs at the moment writing for two different local publications. Two years ago, I worked as a intern writing movie reviews.

I’m planning on studying journalism (possibly double majoring in journalism and political science… I’m not sure yet). I know that Northwestern is known for journalism, so I’m not sure if it will be more difficult for me to get in with that major.

I’m also really worried about community service hours. I really don’t have many as most of my free time is spent working or studying.

Sorry this was long winded, but I just wanted to make sure I mentioned everything that might be helpful. Thank you so much in advance!

2

When you said you want to double major in journalism and political science, do you mean that you want to apply to both Medill and WCAS?

3

Other than standardized tests, you’re in the ballpark, but admissions are tough for everyone if you’re unhooked.
If you have journalism ECs (which include your jobs) and want journalism, apply for Medill. Applying for Medill with strong journalism ECs gives you a better chance than applying to some other school in NU.

And definitely apply ED if you love NU so much. Big difference in admit rates.

4

@PurpleTitan would you consider ED legacy as a hook?

5

@perspectivestude: ED gives a decent boost, but legacy not really. NU just doesn’t value legacy that much.

6

@PurpleTitan I disagree from personal experience, however, what would you consider a hook?

7

@perspectivestude, if you disagree, why do you bother to ask for other people’s opinions?

8

Hi! I was accepted to Medill after being deferred ED earlier this year!! I think you’re in a really great spot. My advice is to really emphasize your ECs, make sure they can see your passion and why each one is so important to you! It’s also great that you’ve been involved in a lot of journalism type ECs. Also, really focus on both your Common App essay and Why NU essay, especially as a journalism major. If you kill those essays (don’t be afraid to be real and personal), then I think you have a good shot!