Do I have a shot?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Northeastern University
1

<p>Wondering if any of you could tell me about the political science/government programs at Northeastern and my shot of getting in.</p>

<p>I'm American originally from Boston, but currently living in Beijing, China. I've lived overseas here since 5th grade. From what I'm told this experience itself gives me some diversity from other applicants.</p>

<p>I'm a Junior and attending an international school where we take the International Baccalaureate, which is known by colleges to be more challenging than US High School Courses. The problem is it is grades 1 through 7 (7 being the highest), so I am not sure of my GPA. I currently have one or two 7s, several 6's and 5's.</p>

<p>My PSAT scores are fairly average with a 1840. I will be taking the SAT in May and the ACTs at some point. </p>

<p>Currently I am a three varsity sport athlete in Baseball, Basketball, and Soccer. However I am not good enough at any of them to have a chance at playing D1. This is pretty much the extent of my ECs. I am in the equivalent of the sports booster club, trying to build school spirit and organizing events/fundraisers. While also writing pieces to keep the school informed about our teams.</p>

<p>Let me know if you think I stand a shot.</p>

2

<p>I would say you have a good shot. Info below but thats the long story short. No expert, but thats my two cents.</p>

<p>I got accepted this year EA. Based off the trends this year, your SAT/ACT scores will be important. The PSAT isn’t always accurate so don’t use that too much. I got around 1950 range on the PSAT but used a super scored 34 ACT to apply. My GPA was on the lower end of their middle 50%, a 3.63 weighted, but going up since freshman year, up to a 4.0 junior year and a 4.5 in the first quarter of senior year. I have 8 total AP credits and took challenging classes. I think your academics are equivalent to mine in rigor if not better, and from what I know about IB, about the same if not better in quality. I also had 3 sports, two varsity level. I had a hook of lots of experience in my major (Computer Science), including an internship at a web company. At Northeastern with the co-op program, I think that was a big help.</p>

<p>Things to keep in mind:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>They will want to fill their incoming class with international students, so that may make it easier for you. That seems close to my internship and major experience hook. You already mentioned that, but I just wanted to confirm.</p></li>
<li><p>Northeastern is a growing school. Here is a graphic that tells a lot to me. I found this on the admitted students facebook page. Next year could be even more selective than this year (This year almost for sure is going to see a drop in acceptance rate into the high to mid 20’s from the low 30’s). This, along with many other things, also tells me they put significant stock in test scores so once again, those will be key. </p></li>
</ol>

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</a></p>

<p>Overall though, you have at minimum enough chance worth applying. Based on trends I would say this looks like a match to reach school for you, more leaning match if not slightly. Certainly a worthwhile shot.</p>

<p>I can’t help you on the polysci/gov programs, maybe someone else can.</p>

<p>I don’t usually post on here, but this reminded me of myself, getting into the college process extensively and early. Fits the Northeastern type if you ask me, all about going out into the world and doing things. Good luck!</p>

3

<p>Do you speak Chinese? Your international experience is going to give boost to your application like nothing else. Do not worry about International Baccalaureate, I’m sure Northeastern people have come across American students with foreign credentials.
Also do not do what others end up doing, self-censuring. Do not assume things and apply if you think Northeastern is the school for you. You will never know your true potential unless you apply.
Good luck!</p>

4

<p>I speak pretty good Chinese. The language instruction at my school is notoriously bad, but I am pretty much conversational. I really love the idea of going to Northeastern. It has all the potential courses I’m interested in, back in my hometown, the co-op program looks great, plus as the icing on the cake I have season tickets to the Sox so I’ll be able to use them.</p>

5

<p>Hello! I got accepted EA and agree with everything @PengsPhils said.</p>

<p>My two cents:
-Your essay will be a great place to talk about how your experience living in another country has influenced you to wish to pursue a global education, and Northeastern is the place to do this. (Talk about the struggles and joys of learning another language and culture. If you want to do it definitely mention studying abroad)
-Focus on community service. I got a personalized letter of admissions (which is very rare) congratulating me on specific volunteering activities I have done.
-Apply! You never know, and the worst thing you can do is not apply due to fear of getting rejected.</p>

<p>Luck!</p>