<p>I'm interested in Northwestern but I feel like I have next to no chance of getting in. Although I have a good GPA (3.8ish unweighted, 4.45 weighted) and good test scores (35 ACT, 2210 SAT), my extracurriculars are weak (no leadership positions and nothing that really stands out except one internship) and I'm an international student applying for financial aid... Also, I was deferred at Case Western EA, which has a much higher acceptance rate than Northwestern. I was also deferred at UChicago EA, but that's a little different because I didn't apply for aid there for other reasons.
Of course it doesn't hurt to try, but I feel like I would just be wasting time and money (essay, app fee, FA forms and fee, etc.). Do you think it's worth a try or should I focus my efforts elsewhere?
Thanks for your time.</p>
<p>casual bump</p>
<p>I wouldn’t bother unless your super passionate for the school, this is going TOUGH year applying regular decision because they filled so many extra slots than normal ED. Northwestern tends to look more to see who cares the most about attending, and with so little slots for so many people it’s going to be hard to get in unless you show a lot of interest by visiting campus (which understandably would be hard for you if your an international student and need aid) spending lots of time writing an emotional essay, asking for an interview, etc. But your stats are right for NU, so you have just as much as a chance as anyone else! If you really like the school, you should try it-- it’s a wonderful place to be. I think your the best judge at the end of the day if NU would be a good fit for you or not. No matter what you decide, Goodluck I hope you end up attending where you want to go 
!</p>
<p>@Heisenbergyk I actually have visited the school (I’m international but live in the U.S.), but it probably won’t help me much. And yeah I just saw that article, and I probably won’t apply anymore… I like Northwestern but only moderately. I really appreciate your advice!</p>