<p>Anybody applying to the sciences also get this? IM assuming so lol. </p>
<p>Dear _____:</p>
<p>By way of introduction, I am the Program Director of the Integrated Science Program (ISP) at Northwestern University (NU). I understand that you may be interested in studying science and mathematics at Northwestern - I am writing to encourage you to consider applying to our unique program. I would also like to remind you that our application deadline of March 1st is rapidly approaching.</p>
<p>ISP is frequently described as one of the most outstanding undergraduate science programs in the United States. The program was founded on the principle that science education is best taught in an integrated format. Today, the most significant modern discoveries and advancements often take place at the interfaces between disciplines.</p>
<p>In our program, we offer advanced students the opportunity to develop both strength and breadth in all the sciences. Many ISP students are strong in science and mathematics, but are not sure where their future focus lies. We help develop that focus through a combination of accelerated course work and independent research experiences in NU's world-class research laboratories. Together, this research experience and challenging course work give our students a unique preparation for the future. ISP can lead to a three‑year bachelor's degree or, after a fourth year at Northwestern, to a dual major. For more information, please visit our Web site: Integrated</a> Science Department. Talking with our faculty and current students is the best way to discover what ISP is all about so, if convenient, I encourage you to plan a visit to campus.</p>
<p>Financial aid possibilities and tuition are the same as for all Northwestern applicants. Requirements for distribution courses, freshman seminars, and language are the same as for all College of Arts and Sciences students. To be considered for ISP, you should take three SAT II Subject Tests: the Math Level II, Physics, and Chemistry. We will consider the SAT Biology test, AP test scores, and college level (not AP) course transcripts in place of one or more of these tests.</p>
<p>The ISP deadline for applying for regular decision is March 1. Please note that the admissions decisions for ISP and Northwestern are separate. You may be admitted to NU without being accepted into ISP.</p>
<p>If you have questions about your qualifications and preparation please don�t hesitate to contact the ISP Program Coordinator at (847) 491-7219 or <a href="mailto:ispadmin@u.northwestern.edu">ispadmin@u.northwestern.edu</a>.</p>
<p>Students in ISP can double in an engineering major (or any other major, really…I think someone graduate with ISP/Dance and Theatre, so variety is obviously possible) - you just need to be careful about the workload associated with each program. You can go about it by being a student of McCormick or of Weinberg - the difference between the two is largely the requirements for graduation in addition to major courses, so EDC and a theme for McCormick, and distribution requirements and a foreign language for Weinberg. I’d look into which route gives you the best deal on your existing AP credit. </p>
<p>Also, if you don’t have the necessary test scores right now, you should probably contact Steve Daut, the ISP administrator (<a href=“mailto:ispadmin@northwestern.edu”>ispadmin@northwestern.edu</a>) and ask him if you could apply without them, or use something in lieu of them. The program is pretty flexible.</p>
<p>How many students are admitted to this program each year? When will students be notified of their acceptances? Are there pre-meds in this program?</p>
<p>I’m not sure about admission rates (ISP will quote you something like 10%, but I’ve only heard of one person attending Northwestern who was rejected by the program). There are premeds in the program, but you’ll want to be careful with that - the happiest premeds are the ones who enjoy math and physics as well. When I applied to ISP, I was told that the program tends to decline applications by premeds who seem exclusively interested in biology, since they are more prone to dropping out. The typical class size at the beginning of freshman year is around 35 students, but at the end of the year, it’s around 20.</p>
<p>Insofar as applying without physics goes - it’s probably possible, and if you’re concerned, contact the ISP administrator or director. Be warned in advance that you’ll be taking ISP physics freshman year, and while approximately half the class won’t have taken AP physics, they usually struggle a bit with the pace. It’s likely not a big deal, but it might be worth picking up a calculus-based physics book over the summer to try to learn some of the material yourself if you decided to go through with ISP.</p>
<p>Hey does anyone know what the word limits are supposed to be for the ISP app? Especially the “interest in science and maths” and “why ISP” questions.</p>
<p>I agree with post #7 regarding some flexibility for acceptable qualifying tests. My S has not tested yet in chemistry (he’s taking AP now and took honors chemistry his sophomore year, so timing wasn’t great for taking the SAT II.) They said they’d look at his first semester grades. His testing is otherwise strong, and he’ll have completed linear algebra and multivariable calc by the time he completes HS.</p>