Could I get into Northwestern/McCormick?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Northwestern University
1

I am a female high school junior with a lot of questions about college admissions

I spent my first two years of high school at a small academically challenging private school that gave written reports instead of grades. This year I am on full merit scholarship through the State Department’s KL-YES Abroad program to spend the school year in Oman. Unfortunately, due to the different educational system and lack of explanation of the overall grading scheme here, my grades have slipped seriously and although I am the best student in my maths class I have received a “D” first semester.

Next year once I am home I will be switching schools again, this time into the local public high school. My counselor there has informed me that I will receive a Pass in all classes up until senior year, which means that my GPA at college application time will be based solely on my first semester classes.

I took the ACT before I left for Oman, and received a 33 (English 35, Math 28, Reading 34, Science 36). I am considering retaking this although I do not know if it would make a difference.

Also, not sure if this makes any difference, but my father studied electrical engineering at Northwestern about thirty years ago.

I would like to apply early decision to Northwestern’s McCormick school of engineering to study Mechanical engineering - but I am not sure if I would be able to get in. I would really like to, and any thoughts you have on the subject would be really appreciated. Thanks!

2

From whatever you have posted here, the one advantage that you have in ED is your legacy status.

3

I was hoping to gain some advantage from my year of exchange - it is a very selective program (only 65 high school students are chosen to go abroad).

But failing that, does anyone have any ideas for things to do my senior year to boost my application?
I rowed crew last year, but do not intend to continue this upon my return. I was planning on volunteering at the local boys and girls club and maybe doing some tutoring on the side, but other suggestions for interesting (and college-app boosting) extracurriculars would be appreciated!

4

Show your best upward trend possible, and explain in the comments section they give you the hardships you had while moving and how the different style of school affected your grades. ED if possible and your sure your committed because that’s your best shot and legacy only really matters ED. Also your ACT fine, I would try to think of the best way to show off yourself in your essay because besides grades and legacy that’s the other huge admission factor.