I have pretty good stats (3.9 GPA UW and 36 ACT). However, my extracurriculars are somewhat lacking. I’m applying to Northwestern ED as a South Asian but I don’t have many deep activities. I don’t have any research and I’m applying STEM. I just have participation in a few clubs. I’m a rising senior, what can I do to fix this, and do I still have a chance if I apply ED?
What can you do to fix this? Well, your academics are baked. You can do something now - but you won’t have tenure.
You say you’re in a few clubs. Do you have tenure, leadership, and accomplishment in those clubs? They are not looking for superhumans. They are looking for you to engage in a couple things and engage with purpose, not just show up.
Have you run the NPC for Northwestern? Have your parents agreed to pay whatever it says it costs? ED is binding - so there is danger involved.
That said, you may or may not get into Northwestern. I don’t know your rigor (how many APs, etc) but Northwestern is a reach for anyone.
So make sure, even if you apply ED, that you have another reach or two plus targets and safeties lined up.
A great GPA (we don’t know your rank, rigor) and perfect test score by themselves is not enough. Sometimes, the best students get turned down - at that level, it’s a lottery.
But maximize your application and essays to show the best you - and you’ve likely done through clubs, work, sports, or even playing an instrument at home - to demonstrate you’ve kept yourself busy.
Good luck.
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