<p>So I got denied from Northwestern this year and Northwestern was on my for-sure college list. Basically I don't think I'm gonna get into my top schools because it's just been unbelievably difficult this year. I really only see two options right now if I want to get into NU: transfer out next year or take a gap year and apply early decision. I really regret not applying early decision because I know that people with much lower grades than me got admitted from my school (people with 31's/32's on the ACT and lower GPAs). If I take a gap year, I'm planning on pursuing internships, research opportunities, maybe abroad programs, and pursing national level merits all starting over the summer (I don't know the specifics yet but rest assured I'll make a challenging list of goals to achieve). Then, I think I'm gonna apply Early Decision next year and get in. As a backup, I would defer my admission to University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Aerospace Engineering. That way, if things don't work out after my gap year, I can always just go there. Now if I were to transfer I think it would be much more difficult since I can't apply early decision and i'll be competing for a very limited number of spots. Also I'll have to achieve exceptional grades. My credentials as they stand are: 34 ACT (35 Superscore), 3.8 unweighted GPA, 4.7 weighted GPA, SATII Math II 790, SAT II Chemistry 750. I took AP Calculus BC as a junior and achieved a 5 on the AP test. I volunteered at 3 places, was a part of 4 clubs (no leadership unfortunately), and 2 sports. Senior courseload includes: AP Macro/Gov't, Anatomy and Physiology, AP Biology, AP Statistics, AP Chemistry, and AP Literature and Composition. I'm applying to NU for economics with the hope of getting into MMSS (i met with the director and he says my grades are in the ballpark range of what they're looking for). What are your thoughts on my situation? Do you think a gap year would be a good idea since I'm a very qualified early decision applicant?</p>