<p>The title says it all. Does Northwestern put more weight on your GPA or your SAT and/or ACT test scores?</p>
<p>I would say an applicant with very high test scores and a “decent” GPA (given their courseload and the competitiveness of their high school) stands a better chance than somebody with a very high GPA and “decent” test scores. But the more familiar the admissions office is with your high school, the more weight GPA will have. If you’re applying to Weinberg, aim for a 33+ on the ACT (2200+ on SAT) and an A- average with a rigorous courseload and you should be fine.</p>
<p>I absolutely agree with the above.</p>
<p>On the Common Data Set, schools rank the relative importance of eighteen factors in first-year admissions. In its [most</a> recent CDS](<a href=“http://enrollment.northwestern.edu/common-data/2011-12/c.html]most”>http://enrollment.northwestern.edu/common-data/2011-12/c.html), NU says:
[ul]
[<em>]Very Important: rigor of secondary school record, class rank, academic GPA, application essay, recommendations
[</em>]Important: standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, talent/ability, character/personal qualities
[<em>]Considered: interview, first generation, alumni/ae relation, volunteer work, work experience, level of applicant’s interest
[</em>]Not Considered: geographical residence, state residency, religious affiliation/commitment
[/ul]</p>
<p>Common Data Set is every senior’s new best friend :-D</p>