<p>I was under the impression that NU was looking at the writing section this year, but after reading all the recent articles about how ridiculously competitive admissions is this year, I noticed that the SAT scores are all being reported out of 1600. So is NU disregarding the writing section or not? I'm just looking for a little relief since my chances of getting in are already uber slim and the writing section is my lowest one. Also, NU takes the highest from each section right?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>When I was at the Discover NU program in October, they said they'd take notice of the writing section if it was particularly eye-catching, but the focus is definitely on math and English. I don't think it will keep you out unless you got a remarkably low score in combination with poorly written essays.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>Would a 660 be eye-catching? I think my essays are ok.</p>
<p>"the writing section is my lowest one"
So does mine. I got 650 on writing and I think it is definitely not impressive for a NU applicants.</p>
<p>Ugh, my math section was lowest and my writing was highest. I sure hope they look at it!</p>
<p>I got the impression that a 650 would be fine. An "800" would be eye catching.</p>
<p>They are focusing on math and reading, your transcripts, your letters of rec., your interest in the school, your ECs, your letters of recommendation, your strength of schedule and how well you did on the math and reading sections of the SAT - or your ACT scores. </p>
<p>If you took SAT IIs (which are not required, but recommended), they will take a look at those if you choose to submit your scores. </p>
<p>They told us that the emphasis is not on the written section of the SAT, but it will taken into account if you achieved a score that really stands out.</p>
<p>Hope this helps.</p>
<p>I got a 690 in math and a 730 in reading with a 690 in writing and got in. My essays and recs were strong, my ECs were many (passionate hours of service to others in areas of interest to me, but I wasn't an Eagle Scout and didn't do anything "remarkable" when compared to what some others have done). </p>
<p>I am very busy with clubs, hold offices, am very involved in my high school. I took one AP in my junior year and scored a 5 and have a strong senior schedule with maintained grades (a top student in my class). I applied ED because I was very interested in NU and it showed because I attended presentations in my geographical area, flew out for the Discover NU weekend, took a class, did the things I wanted to do to find out about a school which also ended up demonstrating strong interest. (i.e., I didn't do it BECAUSE it demonstrated interest). Many applicants have done much more/maybe better or more interesting things than I, some have done less/worse than I, but got in. It all depends what the admissions people are looking for. </p>
<p>I know they want passionate students who want to be there and are capable of doing the required work, but I don't think they are looking for a class of kids with 2400s on their SATs or 36s on their ACTs. Because there are so many applicants this year, they can hand pick a pretty interesting freshman class that may (I hope) scan the spectrum of abilities and interests vs. "a bunch of smart kids."</p>
<p>If you fall in the stated RANGES they provide for consideration, go for it! You just don't know what they are looking for and you may be it!</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>