How can I improve my odds at Northwestern?

<p>Northwestern University is the school I want to go to. My GPA, class load, and extracurricular activities are Northwesternish. However, my test scores are bad. I got a 1970 on the SAT (M-780, R-600, G-590), and my tutor told me 2050 is probably my limit. I am an immigrant from Russia that moved here when I was seven, so reading and grammar will be good at best. </p>

<p>Anyway, what can I do to show Northwestern I want to go there? I realize a thread similar to this was started, but I want as much advice as possible. I will apply early, research the school, and try to go in for an interview. Any other recommendations?</p>

<p>A campus visit always helps, if you haven’t done so already.</p>

<p>Any reason not to try re-taking your tests? Also take the ACT as some people do better on one test or the other.</p>

<p>Hope D sees you on campus at NU in a couple years!</p>

<p>The ACT has a science section. If you’re good at science, your ACT might be good for you because the reading and writing sections have less weight to them. Also, since your math score is amazing, maybe getting close to a 800 on the Math II Subject Test would help, if you’re planning on taking or have taken the subject tests.</p>

<p>if you believe NU is your first choice school, apply early decision unless financials are an issue.</p>

<p>my advice: gear your application towards NU.</p>

<p>Work the immigration thing. Make yourself stand out. That’s what they want.</p>

<p>^^THese last two pieces of advice are spot on. Appy early decision and write a compelling essay about your personal experience as an immigrant, which will implicity explain the poor English scores without looking like you are overtly making excuses.</p>

<p>Thanks for all the advice everyone.</p>