2014-2015 Northwestern University Application Thread

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Does Northwestern still have the 2-week deadline for secondaries? Or did they change it?
I don't think that deadline exists anymore. My initial secondary email said nothing other than the november deadline.
 
Finally marked complete as of this morning (didn't receive an email, just updated on the portal).
 
Hey All,

I was wondering for the diversity prompt, is it exclusively in reference to race, socioeconomic, sexual, and gender diversity (i.e. an expansion of the selections)? Or could other types of unique experiences or a "why am I unique" essay fit?

Did some people leave this blank?

Thanks!
 
Hey All,

I was wondering for the diversity prompt, is it exclusively in reference to race, socioeconomic, sexual, and gender diversity (i.e. an expansion of the selections)? Or could other types of unique experiences or a "why am I unique" essay fit?

Did some people leave this blank?

Thanks!
I recall the wording around the prompt suggesting that it was pretty clearly intended to be an expansion on the range of topics covered on that page. I left it blank.
 
I recall the wording around the prompt suggesting that it was pretty clearly intended to be an expansion on the range of topics covered on that page. I left it blank.
Yeah, thats what I was leaning towards. Thanks for the feedback, GTLO.
 
Does Northwestern still have the 2-week deadline for secondaries? Or did they change it?

From the Secondary email: "We recommend that you complete the electronic Supplemental Application and pay your application fee as soon as practical" So doesn't seem like there is a deadline! Received mine 7/29 and just started working on it today...so just hit 2 weeks
 
Hi folks, I've been having trouble submitting my secondary and payment for most of yesterday/today and emailed the Admissions Office. Apparently they're having technical issues, which should be fixed soon (no estimate on what "soon" means, though). FYI in case anyone else is also experiencing problems.
 
Got an II earlier today! I was complete on July 28 and have a LizzyM of ~75. I already selected my interview date so I can't see the choices anymore, but I *think* the first date was Sept 17 (it was either that or the 10th).
 
Hey guys! it's my first time posting anything but i had a quick question. I submitted my amcas in july was verified early august. generally how long does it take to get a secondary from NW? also i wanted to ask what do you think of my chances with this school [4.0 gpa and 34 mcat 12/10/12]
 
Hey guys! it's my first time posting anything but i had a quick question. I submitted my amcas in july was verified early august. generally how long does it take to get a secondary from NW? also i wanted to ask what do you think of my chances with this school [4.0 gpa and 34 mcat 12/10/12]

Feinberg doesn't screen for secondaries, so you should get it pretty soon--unless anyone else has a different experience?

If you post your stats / extracurriculars in the WAMC subforum ("what are my chances") people can give you feedback on your school list and chances for each school!
 
II! ~pterodactyl-like screech~ Stats and complete dates in mdapps.

Well, this more than makes up for my U Chicago silence. Really really excited to see Chicago and curious about this panel interview! 😍 The II dates currently open are from Sept 17th to Oct 6. Hope you guys are besieged with a flood of IIs!

FYI: I checked off some of the "diversity" tabs, but did not write an essay since these aspects had little to no bearing on my decision to pursue medicine, so that essay truly is optional.
 
II! ~pterodactyl-like screech~ Stats and complete dates in mdapps.

Well, this more than makes up for my U Chicago silence. Really really excited to see Chicago and curious about this panel interview! 😍 The II dates currently open are from Sept 17th to Oct 6. Hope you guys are besieged with a flood of IIs!

FYI: I checked off some of the "diversity" tabs, but did not write an essay since these aspects had little to no bearing on my decision to pursue medicine, so that essay truly is optional.

Killing it this cycle! Congrats!!
 
II today, my day is made

Complete: 7/28, LizzyM >72
Congrats! Was it an email or just a status change? Thanks

EDIT: Also is anyone else having trouble logging in to the app status? I try to open the status page with my ID and name, and it just opens up the same page.

RE-EDIT: Internet explorer worked!
 
Last edited:
Congrats! Was it an email or just a status change? Thanks

EDIT: Also is anyone else having trouble logging in to the app status? I try to open the status page with my ID and name, and it just opens up the same page.

Gotta use an incognito browser (like on Google Chrome). Not sure why, but that seems to be the consensus!
 
II! Complete 7/28. Had dates from Sept 17-Oct 20th available when I signed up
 
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Does NW do rolling admissions of any kind? Is it better to interview early here?
 
Does NW do rolling admissions of any kind? Is it better to interview early here?

As per last year's thread it's semi rolling; they release a portion of the acceptances in early November and anyone who is not accepted then is deferred until March, which is when they release more acceptances in addition to rejections and waitlists.

I believe only a minority of candidates are accepted in November, while the bulk are deferred till March. (There was also some waitlist action last year).

I don't have the US News numbers, but I heard about 60% of interviewees are ultimately accepted? NW has a large class (170) so that may be very plausible... but don't quote me on that. Gahhhh I am so excited to interview here. Pls love me back, Northwestern.
 
US news says 70%, but their applied/interviewed/accepted numbers weren't consistent with MSAR for several schools that I applied to so I'm not sure how accurate that is.
 
My son has an interview at Feinberg on 10/1. I am making travel arrangements for him. Can anyone suggest a hotel in the area for the night before? He doesn't seem to think they are providing housing. Thanks for your help.
 
MSAR doesn't show number of acceptees, only matriculants.

Right but the applied/interview numbers between US News and MSAR are significantly different for a lot of schools so that makes me question US News acceptance statistics.
 
Hey has anyone sent an in the area email and how was the response? I am going to be in Chicago for another interview and live a LONG ways away so I was hoping to send one. I was complete on 7/29 so I should be relatively close to getting an II if I am going to get one. It is just expensive to wait too much longer to book my flight. THanks
 
My son has an interview at Feinberg on 10/1. I am making travel arrangements for him. Can anyone suggest a hotel in the area for the night before? He doesn't seem to think they are providing housing. Thanks for your help.
By October 1st, there will likely be some kind of student housing offered, although it is more informal at some schools than others. The typical recommendation I've been given is to reserve a room at a hotel based on three important criteria, in no particular order:

1) Proximity to Campus/Admissions Office. Walking 0.5-1.0 miles to the interview makes practical sense (no last minute panic over a taxi running late), and is a very relaxing way to start an otherwise unrelaxed day.
2) Free Cancellation. This way, if student housing opens up at any point in the week prior to the interview, you can cancel your reservation with no harm done. Book early for peace of mind, but allow yourself the ability to be flexible should other alternatives arise.
3) Accommodations. (I know I said no order, but this is definitely the least important). I'm not talking about "star-rated" hotels. Frankly, I couldn't care how many stars a hotel has, as long as my door locks at night. But (free) Wi-Fi is imperative for reviewing the school's curriculum and resources the night before, just as a refresher (obviously don't stay up until 1am "cramming" for your interview...). Additionally, some hotels might offer to press a suit/skirt/whatever for you the night before, which is quite handy.

To answer your question more directly, however, Feinberg posts a list of potential hotels, all of which are quite pricy. I would have to look around a bit more on expedia or other relevant sites for cheaper options, i.e. red roof inn, motel 6, w/e (perhaps this one if I really wanted to treat myself, although still a bit out of my price range).

Wish your son good luck from me!
 
By October 1st, there will likely be some kind of student housing offered, although it is more informal at some schools than others. The typical recommendation I've been given is to reserve a room at a hotel based on three important criteria, in no particular order:

1) Proximity to Campus/Admissions Office. Walking 0.5-1.0 miles to the interview makes practical sense (no last minute panic over a taxi running late), and is a very relaxing way to start an otherwise unrelaxed day.
2) Free Cancellation. This way, if student housing opens up at any point in the week prior to the interview, you can cancel your reservation with no harm done. Book early for peace of mind, but allow yourself the ability to be flexible should other alternatives arise.
3) Accommodations. (I know I said no order, but this is definitely the least important). I'm not talking about "star-rated" hotels. Frankly, I couldn't care how many stars a hotel has, as long as my door locks at night. But (free) Wi-Fi is imperative for reviewing the school's curriculum and resources the night before, just as a refresher (obviously don't stay up until 1am "cramming" for your interview...). Additionally, some hotels might offer to press a suit/skirt/whatever for you the night before, which is quite handy.

To answer your question more directly, however, Feinberg posts a list of potential hotels, all of which are quite pricy. I would have to look around a bit more on expedia or other relevant sites for cheaper options, i.e. red roof inn, motel 6, w/e (perhaps this one if I really wanted to treat myself, although still a bit out of my price range).

Wish your son good luck from me!
Thank you so much for your reply. It is very helpful,
 
By October 1st, there will likely be some kind of student housing offered, although it is more informal at some schools than others. The typical recommendation I've been given is to reserve a room at a hotel based on three important criteria, in no particular order:

1) Proximity to Campus/Admissions Office. Walking 0.5-1.0 miles to the interview makes practical sense (no last minute panic over a taxi running late), and is a very relaxing way to start an otherwise unrelaxed day.
2) Free Cancellation. This way, if student housing opens up at any point in the week prior to the interview, you can cancel your reservation with no harm done. Book early for peace of mind, but allow yourself the ability to be flexible should other alternatives arise.
3) Accommodations. (I know I said no order, but this is definitely the least important). I'm not talking about "star-rated" hotels. Frankly, I couldn't care how many stars a hotel has, as long as my door locks at night. But (free) Wi-Fi is imperative for reviewing the school's curriculum and resources the night before, just as a refresher (obviously don't stay up until 1am "cramming" for your interview...). Additionally, some hotels might offer to press a suit/skirt/whatever for you the night before, which is quite handy.

To answer your question more directly, however, Feinberg posts a list of potential hotels, all of which are quite pricy. I would have to look around a bit more on expedia or other relevant sites for cheaper options, i.e. red roof inn, motel 6, w/e (perhaps this one if I really wanted to treat myself, although still a bit out of my price range).

Wish your son good luck from me!
Thank you so much. I will tell him to watch for that and book something I can cancel if housing cones up.
 
Congrats on interviews guys! It seems like they are coming out in order of complete date, but who knows!
 
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