Sorry to litter the boards with another 'chance me' thread...

Colleges and Universities A-Z Northwestern University
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<p>I’m considering applying regular decision (possibly early decision) to Northwestern this year. I am an upper middle-class, Caucasian male from a suburban school (around Chicago). </p>

<p>Rank: 6/500 (weighted—and I have a huge upward trend; my initial freshman rank was 86…let’s just say my small k-8 parochial school didn’t prepare as well as I’d have liked)</p>

<p>ACT: 32 (sans preparation; I may retake—and prepare for--it and attempt to get a 33)</p>

<p>I'm also a National Merit Commended student, and I cited Northwestern as one of my two top-choice schools.</p>

<p>AP: World History (4), U.S. History (5); taking exams in English, Biology and Psychology this year</p>

<p>ECs: Symphony Band (the lower band)- 1 year
Wind Symphony (higher band—now first chair)- 3 years
Marching band- 3 years (section leader 2 years)
Orchestra- 2 years
Church orchestra- 6 years
District Honor Band
(Trying out for IMEA next week—we’ll see what comes of that)
NHS- 2 years
TDP- 4 years (I know—probably not worth mentioning)</p>

<p>Obviously, the extracurriculars are mostly music related. I should point out that I am first chair clarinet in our Wind Symphony, which participated in the Bands of America concert band festival last year (only 16 or so bands in the country are admitted), and we’ve been to Superstate the past two years (I mention the band’s accomplishments only to underscore the competitiveness of the activity at the school). My band experience is similar to my GPA/rank story; I started out in our lowest band and progressed, through hard work, to the higher group—needless to say I’ll probably emphasize this in the personal-activity essay). Hopefully my leadership roles in band and my strong commitment to it will shine through; I certainly do not have a laundry list of ECs!</p>

<p>RECs/ESSAY: I have two shining letters of recommendation and a counselor rec. I may also tap my band director for a supplemental one. I haven’t written the essay yet, but I expect it to be pretty good.</p>

<p>Thanks for any insight.</p>

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<p>I am surprised that so many people have read your post, but have not responded. OK---IMO---you have obviously worked very hard-and show growth/upward trend. You are better positioned to have a few strong/active ECs rather than the "laundry' list. I think you have a shot-spend time to craft your essay-G'Luck!</p>

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<p>I'm also surprised about the lack of responses. Anyone else?</p>

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<p>I also think you have a great shot. Your stats are fine.</p>

<p>As far as the ECs go, one can't participate in everything. </p>

<p>Your resume shows that you are committed to your chosen activity and interest (music) and have stuck with it. My guidance counselor told me that ad committees recognize commitments that consume a lot of time at the expense of scattered participation in other activities. It's the same with competitive athletes whose time is spent honing their skills.</p>

<p>Best of luck!</p>