Is it possible to get into Northwestern ED with a 1310 on the new SAT? I have really strong extracurriculars leadership positions and very good grades plus I do independent research on a topic that interests me which is something I know Cornell looks for in engineering students but I don’t know about NU. Northwestern is my absolute dream school and I am taking the SAT test again in June but I want to know where I stand now with a 1310.
Google is your friend: http://www.northwestern.edu/newscenter/stories/2013/05/lets-hear-it-for-the-class-of-2017.html
“By standard academic measures, the Class of 2017 is the strongest in Northwestern’s history. Ninety-one percent of incoming freshmen ranked in the top 10 percent of their high school class, and the so-called “middle 50 percent” SAT score is 1390 to 1550 (meaning one-half of the class scored within this range, while one-quarter scored below and above the range, respectively).”
Yes, it is possible, though not highly probable, as 25% of new students had less than a 1390 SAT score, meaning that some (though probably few) probably had a 1310 or lower. It certainly would not hurt to take the test again, as you are planning to do.
If your score doesn’t get any higher than it currently is after taking the SAT again (also you could try the ACT if you haven’t yet), I’d say to still apply if you / your family has the financial resources for it and you remain enthusiastic about NU. As I said earlier, some people with 1310s may still get in, and your high school academic performance, ECs, recommendations, essays, and the like may be enough to make up for your test scores. Who knows.
Since NU is your “absolute dream school”, you might want to consider applying ED if you do plan on applying; applicants have a much higher chance getting in there than in RD.
im in the same situtation as you haha… really want to go to northwestern and have around the same new SAT score… hopefully may results look good and the june test is easy for the both of us!
Please also check the concordance table before comparing your scores with the new SAT and the mid 50% range for admissions with the old SAT. It seems that the curve has shifted. It seems that new 1310 is more like old 1250.
https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/pdf/higher-ed-brief-sat-concordance.pdf
I would encourage you to retake the SAT and shoot for a higher score.
Thank you all this was helpful
And keep in mind that many/most in that bottom quartile have hooks or something pretty compelling. Maybe the research could be. I can’t say.