CAN I GET IN????? Northwestern University or University of Chicago?

Question

Hi i am a sophmore that is really interested in going to these universities. Can i get in. Here are my qualifications.

GPA 4.7 out of 4

Rank Top Ten Percent

Race INdian

ACT 29

Teams. GOLF AND TENNIS TEAMS

Clubs. Debate, Science Olympiad, Science Club, Physics CLub, Model UN

Positions Captain of Debate Team, =Secretary of UN

Awards Presedentials Award, Student of the Quarter, NAtional Honor Society

I am taking many AP classes,

'CAN I GET IN?

Answer 1

If your ACT is not above the average for entry into the schools, then you should retake it.  If you keep up your grades and AP courses, there's no reason you would not be competitive.  Ethnicity is a factor, but with your extra-curriculars you should be OK.  Keep up the leadership roles, retake the ACT and I think you should be OK.  Take the SAT as well, as you want to apply to a diverse group of colleges in your interest area, and some may offer substantial scholarships.  

Answer 2

Not with your ACT. As an Asian, you're in the most competitive pool and a 29 is about 4 points too low for even a white candidate who isn't an athlete.

Answer 3

Yes, I believe you can.  My application wasn't as impressive as yours and I know friends whose applications weren't as good as yours either, and they and myself got into both universities.  Make sure you visit both campuses.  What is important for you is do to well this year of high school (don't slack off but don't stress yourself either, relax but don't let everything fall behind), get good recommendations, and write a really good essay.  Your essay and the recommendations are the best way for the colleges to get to know you and not your grades or your ACT (which is important but not as important as many people make it seem).

Good luck and have a great senior year!