I'm a jr, how can I improve my chances for NU?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Northwestern University
1

<p>I'm really interested in Northwestern, and I know I'm not the best applicant but I still have another year to improve my application.</p>

<p>SAT
M 690, CR 700, W 620</p>

<p>Practice ACT:
Composite 32
E 31 M 29 R 36 S 31</p>

<p>Unweighted GPA: 4.2
Not sure what my weighted is.</p>

<p>AP's I've taken:
European History, 5 on the test
This year - US History, Calculus AB, English Lang and Comp
Next year - Government, Comparative Government, Bio, Spanish, Literature, Statistics</p>

<p>All honors classes possible.</p>

<p>Ranked in the top 10% of 370 students.</p>

<p>Involved in SADD, Link Crew (freshman orientation, etc.) Student Council, and Class Council
Class Officer Soph and Junior year</p>

<p>Volunteer Work
I coach an elementary school cheerleading team every year.
Altar serving for 6 years.</p>

<p>Sports:
Cheerleading for 3 years in HS, more before.</p>

<p>Work Experience:
This summer worked at Six Flags.</p>

<p>And I'm Catholic. Confirmed, etc.</p>

<p>When I was younger I took gifted classes through the Northwestern program. I'm not sure if that will help, but it can't hurt, right?</p>

<p>Also- I started school a year early and am a year younger than all my classmates, will that help at all?</p>

<p>Unfortunately, I'm a white girl from a middle class family in a suburb of Chicago.</p>

<p>I'm already looking to get more involved with my church and with more volunteer work. I still have a year and a half to improve things, so any ideas?</p>

<p>thank you!</p>

2

<p>Do something outrageous!</p>

3

<p>i agree, you have to do something that really stands out</p>

<p>try being a licensed physical therapist or taking up a unique hobby
volunteer more, and summer programs</p>

4

<p>I’m going to do student athletic training in the spring, do you think that counts?</p>

<p>And for unique hobbies, uh, I knit? I’ve played the piano since I was 5? I sound like someones grandmother.</p>

5

<p>Looks like yeah just get some more volunteer hours like im trying to do and maybe take the tests again? idk if u really want to but it cant hurt you.</p>

<p>just a side not here since we are on this topic would an intership/research position at Fermi Lab be something that stands out? My dad can most likely get me in.</p>

6

<p>^^ I think so. I’m looking at internships too, I just can’t find the hours in my schedule to cram it in.</p>

7

<p>yeah, i interned at harvard med school last summer in a lab. do you think that this will make me stand out?</p>

8

<p>Um, yes. Of course.</p>

9

<p>definitely focus on something unique about yourself. Seems like cheerleading is really important to you, so I’d focus on that especially since NU probably doesn’t get a lot of cheerleaders applying given the nature of the school. Really emphasize that and maybe bulk up your math test scores and you’ll have a really strong chance!</p>