<p>I am applying early decision to NU in the fall, and would like to know if I've got a fighting chance
I'm a 17-year-old Caucasian female
GPA: 3.99 (unweighted)
ACT: 30 (English- 33, Reading- 31, Math- 25, Science-29)- I am retaking this on the 9th as well.
Speech captain (3 years on team, 1 year a captain, 1 year as assistant captain, 2 years section finalist, 1 year state participant)
4 years Drama club (1 year vice pres., 1 year pres., dance captain for musicals, state-wide award for "Honorable Performance in a Lead Role")
Madrigal Singer (an elite chorus)
Show choir- Dance captain
Youth teaching youth coordinator/teacher
National Honor Society member
All-Conference Singer
Superior Ranking soloist (regional contest)
Varsity letters in: Speech, Choir, Academics, Youth Teaching Youth, LINK crew (a group that organizes freshman orientation), NHS, Student Congress</p>
<p>If you think I've got a shot, what will make me stand out? What can I put in my essay or on my application that will really make me a good candidate for Northwestern? </p>
<p>To be honest, nothing stands out but you have an okay chance. I say this because I don’t know how good your recs or your essay will be. </p>
<p>For your essays, write about something that you’re passionate about, don’t be cliche, don’t be pretentious, and let them know how you could be a good addition to their class (without explicitly stating it). You want to let them get to know you a bit without going:</p>
<p>“Hi, I am Bob. I like cheese. I am a good singer. I like your school. I would be good for your school because I am smart. Accept me now.” </p>
<p>The above statement is what they should be reading between the lines not what is on paper. </p>
<p>Also, I am in all available Honors/College-on-Campus Classes:
Honors English, College Geography, College Economics, College Algebra, College Trig, College Psychology, AP Algebra & Geometry, AP Probability and Statistics, AP Chemistry, College Writing & Rhetoric.</p>
<p>Well, ‘singing’ really stood out to me, at least. NU doesn’t take the common app arts supplement, but you could always play that bit up, if you like.</p>
<p>Reeses had it right–emphasize your passion and individuality in your essay.</p>
<p>And love the school. Visit, talk with reps whenever they’re in town, know what you’re writing for the ‘Why Northwestern?’ bit. They’re driving for people who really want to go to NU.</p>
<p>First…pat yourself on the back. You obviously have not only challenged yourself academically, but also very involved with performing.
Take your time to craft an essay that shows WHY you feel NU is the university you want to attend/graduate from…and what you feel you can bring to the table.
IF you are applying to the theater program…remember…they accept approx 50 males/50 females…so even with your stats…tough to get into their program.
Good Luck!
APOL-a mum</p>
<p>Remember that the common app essay is supposed to tell them something about you, not just about why you like them! That’s why the ‘Why Northwestern?’ short essay gets its own bit.</p>