Easiest school to get into?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Northwestern University
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<p>So I know for Northwestern you apply to a particular school. Are there published acceptance rates for the individual schools? Or do we have a rough idea which one is easiest/hardest? Because of the specialization I would think it's hard to tell, but I don't know.</p>

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<p>The general wisdom is SESP is, with school of communications (as a communications major) are the easiest fully academic programs.</p>

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<p>I thought that SESP was the smallest, though? How does that work?</p>

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<p>SESP’s admission pool is self-selective. Most students who apply have a specific career interest (e.g., secondary teacher, policymaker, counselor, etc…).</p>

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<p>[School</a> of Education & Social Policy :: SESP to Welcome Record-Breaking Freshman Class](<a href=“http://www.sesp.northwestern.edu/news-center/news/2007/08/sesp-to-welcome-record_breaking-freshman.html]School”>SESP to Welcome Record-Breaking Freshman Class Northwestern University | School of Education & Social Policy)</p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/northwestern-university/262866-average-sat-scores-schools-enrolled-students.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/northwestern-university/262866-average-sat-scores-schools-enrolled-students.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>[:</a> Northwestern University Newscenter](<a href=“http://www.northwestern.edu/newscenter/stories/2007/10/admission.html]:”>Freshman Class Profile: Record Applicants, Highest SAT Scores: Northwestern University News)</p>

<p>SESP Class of 2011 enrolled mean SAT: 1427</p>

<p>School of Comm Class of 2010 enrolled mean SAT: 1394</p>

<p>Northwestern Class of 2011 enrolled mean SAT: 1422</p>

<p>SESP might also want more specific reasons for applying since it is a more niche program. If you are trying to apply to the school with the best chance for admission, I’d probably recommend comm.</p>

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<p>I apologize if I’m reading too much into this, but:</p>

<p>I hate this question. It implies that you will apply through the school that you think gives you the best chance to get in. There are two factors you’re missing:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>A significant portion of our athletes are in Comm and, to a lesser degree, SESP. NU is small enough that the scores of athletes with, on average, less SATs can tinker with the average.</p></li>
<li><p>More importantly, NU can see right through what you’re doing. I have said on many occasions that is important that you show why you want to attend NU aside from being ranked very highly. The school you apply to is important and it is wise to apply to the school you actually want to be in and worry about admit rates later.</p></li>
</ol>

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<p>I’d agree with CerebralAssassin it’s generally a mistake to “game the system” in deciding which college to apply to based on stats of the entering classes. </p>

<p>The School of Communication, remember as well, includes a large contingent accepted to the Theater and Dance programs, for example. Grades and SAT scores may matter, but certainly are secondary, taking a back seat to demonstrated talents and skills in these very specialized departments. That scores are lower here (and in the School of Music, not surprisingly) is pretty predictable.</p>

<p>Remember as well that these numbers are means, not medians (which have historically been significantly higher). NU has reported these along with medians and 25-75%iles. This is rarely done by other colleges. Make sure to compare apples to apples.</p>