Losing sleep. Chances for ED.

Colleges and Universities A-Z Northwestern University
1

<p>Ever since I found this forum, I have wanted to go to Medill at NU. I currently consider this school a low reach for me. Let me know where I stand on your scale.</p>

<p>GPA: 3.70 UW (A- average)
Rank: School does not rank
Courseload: All honors or AP except science classes
Senior Schedule: AP Psychology, AP Composition, AP Statistics, Personal Law, Business Law, Student Publications: Newspaper and AP Macroeconomics.
ACT: 31 (35/33/33/24). I retook the test this month and am hoping for a 32 or 33.</p>

<p>Leadership: Editor-in-Chief of School Newspaper (Grade 12), Associate Editor of School Newspaper (Grade 11), Lead Writer for Newsletter Publisher Internship (Summer Before Grade 12), Junior Varsity Lacrosse Captain (Grade 10)
Activities: School Newspaper (I started our website and... well, I can't explain everything I've done for it in this space), Key Club, Red Cross Volunteering (more than 100 hours), Student Literacy Tutoring (wrote my activity short answer about this. The kid I tutored received what is basically the "top-of-your-class" award), Personal Elementary School Student Tutoring, JV Lacrosse.
Professional Experience: Internship with City Newspaper (first byline within three weeks of starting) and Internship with Newsletter Publisher.
Employment: Technology Blogger for National Blog Network, Summer Assistant at Local Library, Dunkin Donuts
Awards: Honor Roll, AP Scholar, NHS, national journalism awards, state journalism awards, city design awards, high school award for Digital Design class, Presidential Volunteer Service Award, Member in Good Standing (Key Club). </p>

<p>Demonstrated Interest: Medill info sesh, general info sesh, small group meeting, campus tour, traded e-mails with regional admissions rep.
Essays: I'm not going to judge these, but writing is my strength and people who have reviewed them have given me glowing feedback.
Recommendations: Guidance counselor (beautifully composed by counselor rec standards), district superintendent (brief but concisely convincing that we actually know each other on more than a professional level), newspaper adviser (uber legit), and advanced physics teacher (I struggled the most in his class and he talks about how I overcame my disdain for science and maintained a strong work ethic).</p>

<p>So, please. Let me know what my chances look like come December. Thanks.</p>

2

<p>Fair chance. Not overwhelming.
ACT and GPA are not on the stronger side for NU.
If you get a 33, that would of course be materially better than the 31. As for the GPA, have your grades been consistent or has there been an upward (or downward) trend?<br>
Finally, getting great grades first term senior year would help.
Good luck!</p>

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<p>There has been an upward trend. My counselor even addressed it in her rec. I actually started high school with easy classes and B+'s and ended my junior year with hard classes and A’s.</p>

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<p>That is certainly something they will want to hear!</p>

5

<p>Update: I went up to a 32 on the ACT. Also, can anybody confirm that Medill looks a little more at the “journalistic” aspect of your app?</p>

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<p>i would say you have great chances. your act and gpa make you competitive, and your extracurriculars are fantastic and reflect your interest in journalism</p>

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<p>Uppin’ for feed.</p>