Do I even stand a chance?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Northwestern University
1

Northwestern is my DREAM school, but I’m not sure if acceptance is even a possibility for me.

I have a 33 on the ACT (36 English, 35 Reading, 34 Science, 28 Math), but I have a 4.08 Cumulative Weighted GPA (my school doesn’t do unweighted). This is what I am most concerned about (GPA) as I have two C’s from sophomore year (darn you, Honors Chem). Hoping to hike up my GPA a little next year. I am currently a junior and will have taken 6 APs (all 5s so far). I’ve also taken 3 honors courses and 1 IB. My school also does not provide class ranking because we have 5,000 students. I’m blessed to say that are not an issue for my family, and I could take or leave any financial aid.

As for extracurriculars:
-been doing musicals (including paid equity theatre) since age 9
-varsity show choir for 3 years (we are ranked in the top ten groups in the nation)
-a cappella group for 2 years
-have volunteered in Haiti
-regularly volunteer teaching kids at church
-member of NHS
-participated in many theatre intensive programs (Interlochen, State Conservatories, etc)
-worked as a cashier for a year
-regularly babysit
-honor thespian in state thespian society

I would hope to major in communications or theatre.

Anyone out there with knowledge about Northwestern admissions: should I get my hopes up? Anything I can do to make myself a better candidate for the school?

Thanks so much!

2

You totally stand a chance; if NU is your dream school, then make sure you show your interest, work hard on the essays and (if you can) raise your GPA a bit and you totally have a shot :slight_smile:

I got in this year and I have the same ACT score! My GPA is a bit higher but that isn’t all they care about so don’t worry too much. Best of luck!

3

Definitely apply ED to NU. That’s the biggest thing you can do going forward to raise your chances of acceptance to NU.