Northwestern financial aid application Forum

[ny1111]

I got accepted into Northwestern and need to do their additional application to get my financial aid offer, but I'm not really sure how to go about it. Here is the description:

1) Leading practitioners throughout the world who participated in focus groups for Northwestern Law’s “Plan 2008: Preparing Great Leaders for the Changing World” frequently highlighted the importance of strong project management skills for career success. Please describe the most significant project you have managed and any lessons you learned from that experience. (300-500 words)

2) Northwestern Law administers an extensive program of scholarships and grants, all of which are awarded on a combined basis of merit and financial need. Please assess your position for merit aid and discuss your financial need for aid. (300-500 words)

For 1) I haven't really "managed" any projects - I've had some leadership roles but nothing that sounds like what they're describing. I have experience teaching, which seems the most relevant, but that doesn't seem "significant" in the sense they want. I've had some experiences related to leadership (giving talks, conferences on the subject) but they weren't "projects".

For 2) I'm not really sure what tone to take - should it be like "I'm really great and deserve money" or "I'm gonna do awesome things when I graduate" or what? Also, should I mention scholarships I've gotten from other schools?

Finally - does it really make a big difference to the chance or amount of aid you get?

Thanks!

[sumus romani]

The first essay is definitely hard for those without significant work experience. People on TLS mean it when they say that NW really loves those with work-experience. Unfortunately, there is no magic: if you don't already know what to say on the essays, then you'll definitely have a hard time getting financial aid. I had a hard time with the essays too: and I got an e-mail yesterday saying that they were out of financial aid already.