<p>I was wondering if anyone had any numbers or even an idea of how competitive the Integrated Science program at Northwestern is to get into. I looked at the website and I am really interested, but I don't really have science research background like I'm sure many do. Also, I'm not a huge math whiz (I like math and am good at it, but I didn't skip ahead in courses or anything). I saw that there were only 25ish kids in each year for that program and I was wondering if it is quasi-impossible to get in or if the applicant pool is pretty self selected. </p>
<p>Well I had the same questions so I emailed them and this was the ISP program guy's response.</p>
<p>"We receive around 200 applications every year. We admit around 70-80 of those and our final class size is usually 25-30 students per year."</p>
<p>to my question about what they look at:
"We here at ISP mainly look at math and science grades and test scores. To get into Northwestern, however, you would need to have good grades in non science areas as well."</p>
<p>Thanks for your response! I'm actually glad it is that simple, and it doesn't sound extremely competitive, though I'm sure the applicant pool is very strong.</p>
<p>One of my friends is at NU right now and used to be in ISP. She was really far ahead in math by the time she graduated high school, but I'm pretty sure she dropped out of ISP by her sophomore year. I think her problem was mostly that she was unprepared to do actually do work--something she didn't do in high school. From what I've heard, the program is very hard and rigorous.</p>
<p>I got into ISP last year and went when they had a special visit day to check it out. There is no doubt in my mind that it is very hardcore, so if you want to do it, be prepared to work like crazy. If that's your cup of tea and something you want, then by all means go for it.</p>
<p>oh, yay, this post makes me happy. I was kinda worried about getting in b/c it seemed really competitive, but now i'm feeling better. Work load, well, i'll think about that if i get in.</p>
<p>Is there anyone currently in ISP that could tell the rest of us how it is?</p>
<p>I know someone in it, the val from last year (its his freshman year), and apparently he is working very hard. I really haven't heard much from him personally, though, just through other people.</p>