Transfer Advice for Northwestern University

<p>To begin, technically I am still a high school student living in Chicago who is hoping to get a (very) early start on the transfer process. I am going to be a student at either UIC or Connecticut College - pending the reception of the award letters. It is obvious that NU is a HIGHLY competitive university with a high retention rate, making transfers doubly difficult. I feel it is necessary to add that I did not apply to NU as a senior because of a lack of confidence in my resume, but my twin sister (I am a male) got into NU recently with extremely similar stats. We both got a 26 on our ACT with a 3.5-3.8 GPA at a non-competitive high school. Her AP's were not impressive (she had taken 3 and passed none), while I had passed 4 of them with 4's and 5's. To be clear, I don't want this to turn into a total "chance me" post, but I would like some advice on the next steps I should take to become a competitive applicant. My known steps are below. Feel free to modify and criticize or add to the steps I have. Also, it would be helpful if you could imbue a sense of confidence if I am so deserving or crush my hopes as you see fit. </p>

<p>Also, my intended majors/minors are Philosophy and Environmental Science, eventually leading into Law (JD) and Developmental Psychology (PhD). Here's that list:</p>

<p>Retake the ACT- I have the utmost confidence that I can get a 30 or above. </p>

<p>Get a high GPA- My low high school GPA was due to a 4 year existential crisis, not total incompetence. I hope to get a 3.7 or above (if I go to UIC, I WILL try my hardest to get a 4.0, which I think is within reach). </p>

<p>Volunteer at the campus legal services office? </p>

<p>Volunteer at the Writing Center (qualified).</p>

<p>Become close to teachers in my field of study, ultimately getting recommendations from them. </p>

<p>Concoct "profound reason" for transferring. In progress. Thoughts? </p>

<p>Volunteer at their hospital (which I have already started doing for personal, unrelated reasons). I don't know how helpful this is. </p>

<p>Join UIC honors College in the fall/spring. </p>

<p>Any glaring gaps in this plan? </p>

<p>Thanks for the help!!!!!</p>