PLEASE HELP ME. Thanks

<p>I know this topic is probably discussed frequently, but I would like an honest opinion about my chances of being accepted at Northwestern University.</p>

<p>Class Rank: 2 out of 220</p>

<p>GPA: 4.0 unweighted
4.3ish weighted</p>

<p>ACT Composite- 27 yuck</p>

<p>AP Tests:
Calculus AB-5
Calculus BC-5
US History- 4
Government- 3</p>

<p>Average amount of EC's</p>

<p>Also, how much of a difference does it make if I applied ED? Will it help out my chances any?!? Also, will it hurt if my ACT score is relatively low?</p>

<p>Thanks and please comment back</p>

<p>are you a junior? because if you're a senior, the ED deadline already passed =(</p>

<p>Nope, I'm a senior and completed the ED application on time.</p>

<p>Now for the hard part of getting in...:-(</p>

<p>lol I am in the same position as you. I have a great class rank but my standardized test scores are blah. (28). If you apply early, it certainly does help, but I don't know how test-driven Northwestern is. I'm actually applying to the University of Chicago, and they don't care as much about standardized test scores than some other universities may. Anyways, good luck to you! You have alot of things going for you.</p>

<p>oh okay i applied ED too and am nervously awaiting NU's decision. like boo21 said, applying early definitely increases your chances b/c they accept almost half of all their ED applicants opposed to only about 1/3 in the RD pool. and your other stats besides ACTs look very good so hopefully NU can see past your scores. good luck! :)</p>

<p>That's what I was wondering about too...</p>

<p>How much are test scores weighed in the admission process compared to class rank/GPA/difficulty of classes?</p>

<p>It seems like everything else besides my ACT score is in the top quartile of applicants applying so I should have a fairly decent shot that way, unless they just outright throw out any low ACT scores.</p>

<p>Any advice?</p>

<p>test scores are weighted about the same as GPA/rank, although I believe it looks worse if you have high test scores and a low gpa than the other way around; they definitely don't want to see you slacking off if you're smart. you definitely have a shot, but the scores might hurt you. in any case, you'll find out really soon! good luck!</p>

<p>So would Northwestern be a reach for me? slight reach??</p>

<p>Yuck...waiting these last few days for a decision sucks on so many levels</p>

<p>i'd say reach/slight reach, it's really hard to put any top school as a target. the act scores definitely doesnt help, but gpa helps quite a bit. what's average ec's? anylong term stuff, stuff that makes you stand out as a person?</p>

<p>i find it odd that people dont' really say much about the essays, those are generally important too...</p>

<p>Thanks, bver100</p>

<p>As for essays</p>

<p>I'm not really certain what would make an extraordinary essay at NU or how much of an impact they can make on your admission.</p>

<p>Any thoughts on this?</p>

<p>Just thought I would let you know that my daughter was accepted with lower class rank but higher test score...31...GPA was the same. She applied RD but received an email weeks ahead of acceptance letter that they really enjoyed her essays and wished her well with the remainder of her senior year. I think her essays really did it.....FYI</p>