What's an average SAT score for Northwestern?

Hey folks, trying to get a sense of how competitive my SAT score is for Northwestern. I'm sitting at a 1400 right now, does anyone know how this compares to the average accepted SAT score?

Hey there! To give you some context, the middle 50% SAT range for Northwestern University often falls between approximately 1500 and 1560. This means that 50% of accepted students have SAT scores within that range. So, your 1400 is slightly below that range, but not by that much.

While it's true that score is a critical part of the application, it's also important to remember that a strong score isn't a guarantee of acceptance nor is a score slightly below the average a definitive bar to admission. Admissions officers also look at grades, extracurricular involvement, demonstrated leadership, and the personal context in which your accomplishments occurred.

For instance, your essays and letters of recommendation could provide the admissions committee with a compelling narrative about your academic rigor, personal qualities, or achievements in or out of the classroom. Furthermore, supplementing your application with a well-defined "spike" (showing a highly-developed specialty in a specific field) could also enhance your profile.

If Northwestern is your top choice and you feel your application is strong in all other areas, consider retaking the SAT to strive for a higher score. However, if you've already taken the exam multiple times or don't believe you can improve significantly, it might be better to focus your energy on strengthening other aspects of your application, such as your essays or extracurriculars.

Remember, as an applicant, you are more than just your SAT score. Northwestern uses a holistic admissions approach, meaning they consider all parts of an application in making their decisions. Good luck!