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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]yes, what is the latest at Northwestern?  Are there any freshmen parents who can comment?

I think traditionally it was mainstream work-hard, play-hard but more recently has gotten very quirky and not-fun (no one goes to football games, grinds 24/7, super competitive with each other for any resources and the party scene has moved to U of Chicago, etc) but [b]then I've heard that Northwestern corrected this a bit this past cycle and admitted more mainstream kids.  [/b]

What is the word on the street from current parents, preferably those with freshmen?

Thank you![/quote]

What does this even mean (bolded?)

Do you really think admissions officers are sitting around that giant conference table and saying things like, "You know, Joe, we've gotten too many weirdos in the last few years. Not good for the reputation. Let's look for more mainstream kids."[/quote]

DP.

My guess is that some AOs are getting guidance on admission standards and these standards are creating the result of admitting more mainstream kids.

Less credit given for political activism, personal crisis stories, and “quirky” personal statements.

More credit given to well-rounded kids, kids with leadership positions, etc.

This is a WAG based on how some leading institutions are behaving in non-admissions areas. Schools like Penn, Pomona, Harvard, Stanford, and Columbia have been publicly embarrassed by student conduct over the last 10 years. I suspect they’ve realized that admitting at the fringes leads to fringe behavior on campus, which leads to brand problems.

It’s great to have places like Oberlin and Reed, but most colleges do not and should not aspire to be like them.

[/quote]

I agree with this. Not directly relevant to Northwestern but my student who was an early in at H/Y/P this year is not the least bit pointy but very much is a good old fashion “well rounded” applicant.  Three sport varsity athlete, lots of leadership, extremely active in two of the bigger but very mainstream school clubs and at top of class academically.  Common app essay focused on a theme that showed ability to bring different groups of kids together, and sense of humor.  I think the tide is starting to turn and this type of kid will be sought after again.[/quote]

These types of kids have always been accepted to the top schools. Congrats to your kid, but your kid's acceptance doesn't mean the tide is turning. Top schools always accepted well rounded, active kids who've made an impact on their immediate community. They also like niche, talented kids too. [/quote]

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