SESP Admissions

Colleges and Universities A-Z Northwestern University
1

<p>Hey all, I applied last month for the Human Development and Psychological Services major, and was wondering if anybody knew anything about how admissions works for this program/peculiar school? In particular, I was wondering how much a display of interest would be worth in this case.</p>

<p>I personally have an extremely strong interest in the major, as I want to pursue a degree in clinical psychology. At the age of 15, I entered a substance abuse treatment center, where I spent the subsequent four months. This experience gave my already existing interest in clinical psychology a direction, and has made me become interested in working with adolescents with substance abuse problems. I wrote my essay on why I'm interested in this major on this topic. </p>

<p>I have extracurriculars that relate to my interests as well as a 34 ACT score. However, I have grades that would average out to be in the B+/A- range (this is largely due to the time I spent in rehab). This would be the main detriment in my application.</p>

<p>If anybody with any knowledge of the admissions process for this particular school could help give me their opinion, that would be great.</p>

2

<p>That sounds like a really good narrative, especially the way you wrote it right there. I wouldn’t hesitate to draw on that at all.</p>

3

<p>Do you think it would be good enough to make up for my bad grades, though? Although my school does not calculate GPA or class rank my grades are still really low, and I’m not sure if missing all that school sophomore year will make up for it. I even had some B’s junior and thus far senior year.</p>