I need some help. General Questions?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Northwestern University
1

<p>Hello!</p>

<p>Okay so first of all, is it super important to take the SAT II's? I have study guides and things for the Math Level II and Chemistry tests, but I am just tested out and do not want to take more in November.</p>

<p>Next, is the Early Decision pool more self selective than that of regular decision?</p>

<p>Lastly, I am having difficulty choosing what school I want to apply to. I am interested in a dual degree in Computer Science and Theatre, but I have heard that the wait for the theatre program, if not initially accepted into it, is upwards of a year. My extracurricular's are based entirely upon drama and the fine arts, so I think I have a pretty good shot at the theatre program even though I will probably be more invested in Computer Science.</p>

<p>Here are my stats if that helps:</p>

<p>Unweighted GPA: 3.785
Rank: 19 of 84
Huge upward trend!
Taken seven courses at local university; two of my classes are there in my extremely rigorous class schedule:</p>

<p>Calculus 1 and 2 at University
Physics
Advanced Chemistry
Great and Modern Works (Intensive reading and writing course; we read a book every two weeks then write a 5-7 page paper on it)
Macro and Microeconomics at University
Choir
College Prep English 12
American Political Process and Intro to Psychology at University</p>

<p>Note: My school does not weight any classes, or offer any AP, Honors, or IB courses, and therefore some of our valedictorians (which make up the entire top 10%) are people who have taken the easiest classes and schedules throughout. It's basically pure stupidity. </p>

<p>ACT Composite: 32
Math:29
English:33
Reading:35
Science:30</p>

<p>SAT scores were really low (1860) so I had them taken off my transcript.</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:</p>

<p>Show Choir
-Student Leader since sophomore year, choreographer and set designer
-Easily most invested in activity</p>

<p>Drama Department
-Eight shows; top role in each
-Student Drama Director and Choreographer this and last year
-Costumed four shows
-Choreographer for two years
-Assistant and Artistic Director for 3 shows
-Lighting Head and Stage Manager for choir concerts</p>

<p>Men's Chorus
-President; prestigious group that has sang at many big events including the OHSAA championship basketball game in OSU's huge stadium</p>

<p>Student Senate
-Treasurer</p>

<p>Class Officer
-Vice President</p>

<p>Mu Alpha Theta
-Three Years</p>

<p>Spanish Club
-Vice President last year (Three years)</p>

<p>Writing Club
-Three Years</p>

<p>Work Experience:
-Lifeguard for two summers at local pool
-Barista at local coffee shop for two months
-Just got hired at Old Navy</p>

<p>Recommendations are fantastic from teachers, pretty good from counselor.</p>

<p>My essay is fantastic (or so I think).</p>

<p>Also, I am gay, so maybe that could be a hook? I know UPenn has began to actively recruit LGBT students...</p>

<p>If it matters, family income is $140,000 a year. </p>

<p>Feel free to chance me. :)</p>

<p>Thanks so much for answering and reading!</p>

2

<p>Zach - I was told by a NU AdCom that SAT II’s are not required - and that if my son had any low scores in any area (grades or AP’s) that the SATII’s could then be taken to show a strength in those areas. Since he had no holes, and he decided against appplying to Penn and MIT, he decided not to take the SAT IIs for NU.</p>

<p>I think your grades and scores are plenty good, and you have tons of Outstanding EC’s. - But keep in mind I am NOT an AdCom, and nobody really knows. </p>

<p>Good Luck</p>

3

<p>Indeed, they are not required. However, at the information session I attended on Monday they said they were recommended which I thought implied that they are expected but not mandatory. The only reason I was considering taking SAT II’s is because the math subscore is my lowest on my ACT despite getting almost all A’s in every math course throughout high school. </p>

<p>Thanks for replying!</p>