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Getting into Northwestern
Started by doomknight
1
1956Goldtop
37? wowza that is right on par with WashU's median. Has WashU gone up then?
WashU is a 38...yeah, it's bad.
That is the correct median for the individual sections for all accepted ppl. However some ppl probably chose to matriculate elsewhere, So I would guess the actual median of matriculants is 35-36.
good point...
OK, so where are you getting this number? Adding up the median score for each individual section is NOT the same as finding the actual median score. For proof, look at an MCAT score report. It shows you the percentile you are in for each individual section right? Now look at the total percentile your total NUMBER is in. Bet it's a lot higher than any of the individual parts right? That's because, for example. Maybe 20% of people get at least a 10 on verbal, 15% of people get at least a 12 on bio and 13% of people get a 12 in physics, but only 10% of people get a 32 OVERALL. So your score (or potential score) is not as mediocre as you think.
Bottom line: don't freak out. Just do the best you can.
sometimes i wonder where usnews(or whatever source you are using) gets their numbers. i certainly did not have a 37 and many others in the class did not either. with that said there were certainly people who did meet or surpass the number you cite. but it is not by any means an absolute number one must reach to have a chance.
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According to the Feinberg site, the average stats for the Class of 2011 are 3.7, 34.2. That's average, not median. The true median is probably around 35 (sure to crawl up in the next few years).
Doom, I'd write the admissions office a letter every day. Including blood in the signature is totally neccesary. Doing so will show your determination and they MUST let you in.
I believe Northwestern looks for very special candidates who have done amazing things. They all have the MCATs and grades and research... with over 7500 applicants for 130 spots, they can carefully select and build a class of outstanding individuals. If they want the candidate who won a gold medal and lived in Tibet, they can probably get him or her.
As for me, I was accepted in the early pool (Nov) this application cycle. I made sure I put together a very solid application from start to finish, I mean solid. I had everything turned in as early as possible, and wrote very strong essays. But I also had the accomplishments and life experience to back them up.
Good luck!
As for me, I was accepted in the early pool (Nov) this application cycle. I made sure I put together a very solid application from start to finish, I mean solid. I had everything turned in as early as possible, and wrote very strong essays. But I also had the accomplishments and life experience to back them up.
Good luck!
Don't forget being willing to drop many a g to attend as it ain't cheap out there.
1
1956Goldtop
Same here. I had a really great conversation with one of my interviewers (not the panel interviewers) and I think that got me in despite a crappy panel interview. As much as I hate saying it, I think my MCAT and GPA were a pretty large part of me getting in, though I know my life experiences, volunteering, and research supplemented.
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IMHO I wouldn't mention much of what you say here to an ADCOM. Your MCAT's good, and your grades... but leave the gentic predisposition and "shadowing" out. ADCOMS do seem to like Dr. kids as they have lifestyle experience. They also may not give you much useful advice...you can buy advice much cheaper than an application cycle.
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