<p>Anniemac, a friend of my son’s is attending NU with full need funding (some of which was academic merit as he is a very high academic performer), so I know directly that they really can meet full need. Since you live close, why not ask your teacher the name of a faculty member you could contact for a sample lesson and discussion about fit for the program, and then do the ‘campus tour’ this summer and talk to an academic/admissions counselor with respect to your academic performance. I have found them to be very accommodating.
They will be able to give you tips, and you’re early enough in your planning to, if need be, kick up the unweighted GPA a little if need be.
Did you write the PSAT, and if so, was yours a strong score? </p>
<p>Also note that at this point it isn’t an “either/or” proposition. You will want to apply and audition at a full range of schools (eg. lower, mid and reach tier, since auditions are a crap shoot) in order to get the best fit and package. But that said, NU sounds like an obvious selection so I’d trust your teacher and pursue that option further. It never hurts to plan early. That was how my son got into his dream program with generous scholarship – he visited the school a few times starting in grade 11 and sat in on classes and then ALSO raised his GPA considerably (since it was a reach). Because he’d done the early research, he also took a special private summer program in his field that helped improve his portfolio when it came time to apply, and he was careful to receive (and earn) stellar letters of recommendation. Like you, he hadn’t had a lot of regional awards under his belt back in gr. 10, or the full depth of experience he’d desired, nor had he the long background that many in the audition/applicant pool did. He made up for that starting gr. 11, went to summer programs, entered some competitions, had some brutal assessments and sample lessons, won some awards, etc.</p>
<p>You are ahead of the curve right now, and trust me, that will pay dividends! So keep up the good work!</p>