How I Got Into Northwestern (feat. Ben Yost)

[@robertharrison9161]

Happy Holidays! There's no place like Northwestern, and you both are prime examples of the bright, engaging students who are chosen to join the Wildcat family. Jay Towns, you will surely join the ranks of the most memorable actors that NU has ever produced. That spark is present, in every second of all your freshman year videos here. I spent three years in The School of Music, and was forever changed, by the magic of Northwestern. In October, I returned to the campus for five days, and was glad to see that the tradition is as strong as ever. Much success to you, and I will be following your career.#GOUNorthwestern

[@ayeshamohammed1725]

I remember watching this like 2-3 years ago when I was at the very beginning of my college search and now I’m an incoming freshman to NU. Thanks for all the help!😁

[@JayTowns]

that's so amazing to hear! congrats and welcome to northwestern 🥳

[@ayeshamohammed1725]

@@JayTowns thank u!!

[@afuaaddae7134]

Why is Harry Potter disguised as your roomate

[@bezajemal3415]

😂😂😂 dead... so fricking true

[@kadenmoss8904]

Thank you Jay! I applied ED as a theatre major, and it was very reassuring to hear your story. I have almost the exact same stats you, and it’s great to hear from someone that doesn’t have 15 5s on their AP tests and a 36 SAT. Wish me luck with decisions coming out soon!

[@kendallc9806]

Kaden Moss i applied ED too! Hope we both get in :)

[@JayTowns]

best of luck to you Kaden!

[@chivo1454]

best of luck to you!!

[@kadenmoss8904]

Kendall C I got deferred :/ How about you?

[@kadenmoss8904]

@ItsDaDannyBoy RoadTo10KSubs nah I got a 31

[@anniepstein]

I've watched all of your vlogs about northwestern and it looks so fun! I just got admitted ED on Thursday and I cannot WAIT for September! Go cats💜💜

[@melissatarrant464]

Northwestern is my dream school (I do the discovery program) so I appreciate this a lot and definitely subscribed 💛

[@JayTowns]

thanks Melissa! hope you got some useful info

[@colenorthup8205]

Young Scholars pursing knowledge is absolutely the leading reason Ben got into Northwestern.

[@stephanieyu318]

What is that

[@sheeltanna1927]

I’m so confused why do people keep on saying YSPK???

[@okey1805]

@@stephanieyu318 I'm pretty sure it's some scholarship for people with financial aids. Basically for people that have parents with low income.

THANK YOU FOR VLOGGING AT NU PLS KEEP GOING NEVER STOP

[@JayTowns]

I'll try my best

[@samizaidi2252]

Hey Jay! Thanks so much for making these types of videos for prospective students, it really helped a bunch with me trying to figure out if NU was the right fit for me. I'm lucky to say that I'm NU '23, and it would be awesome if you could make a video about the different dorms and stuff like that, or like debunking different NU stereotypes. See you next year!

[@JayTowns]

Congrats Sami! I'll be doing dorm tours next quarter, hopefully. glad the videos helped.

[@davantecooper6397]

Why did Ben not mention yspk in how he got into northwestern I feel like it was a big factor in how he got in

[@Shamson]

Ben Yost, you did not mention YSPK (currently the biggest club at the high school you attended) which I believe had a huge reason why you got into Northwestern.

[@bailey5867]

Applied ED to Medill and I’ve been practically pooping myself every day since...keep making these videos ❤️ They’ve been very informative and fun to watch!

[@JayTowns]

Thanks Bailey! Good luck!

[@sebinbok5602]

As a fellow nu freshman this was a trip to watch

[@JayTowns]

hopefully your trip ended in a desired destination

[@thehobbies4life]

Got accepted! Class of 2023!!! Hope to see you around campus next year!

[@JayTowns]

sounds like a plan! Congrats Brennan!

[@ericbfeng]

YSPK gets people far ...

[@Jigglybutt139]

somebody please inform me what the hell is all this YSPK stuff im assuming its an inside joke but idek

[@jnad626]

Please do a video about the YSPK club Ben was required to start at Northwestern

[@stephanieyu318]

What is that club and y was he required to start it

[@joseeduardoisaacpiresmacha1204]

What is it?

[@ericbfeng]

Ben Yost, you forgot to say that YSPK got u in northwestern, hows the branch you started in northwestern

[@jovanal3217]

I love how they're rather different!

[@JayTowns]

me too. there's no one northwestern type!

[@living11for11love]

Awesome video! I've been enjoying checking out your channel... I got into Northwestern Early Decision this year 😀 I'll be a Theatre major too!

[@JayTowns]

thanks, and congrats chris! i'll see you next year 🤠

[@living11for11love]

@@JayTowns thank you! Very excited

[@ariluvspenguins]

I'm applying for NU for 2020 with ED and this was very helpful as I do have a pretty good GPA and ACT, nothing like a 4.4 or 36, but still pretty decent, and I have over 8 extracurriculars, including like presidencies and VPs for clubs, so it was reassuring when you said clubs do really matter in some cases bc clubs were the best times i had in HS. I also loved when you said they value well-rounded people because i wanna go premed but i also am an artist, a film maker, in a cappella, and in tech theatre so i would be like the most "artsy" science major around. This video really made me love NU more, so thank you, and I hope you're doing well in your studies!

[@JayTowns]

Thank you Ari, I just saw this! It seems as though you are the type of student that NU would LOVE to have. And, if for some reason you apply & are not admitted, that's their mistake & you will thrive wherever you decide to go!

[@ariluvspenguins]

@@JayTowns Thank you so much!:')

[@yesimkhanh9932]

did u get in?

[@ariluvspenguins]

@@yesimkhanh9932 No lol i go to the university of wisconsin-madison now

[@generalglover831]

Maybe if Ben wouldn't have refused to attend YSPK his application wouldn't have been "grossly lacking" in extra curriculars.

[@coreycrawford4742]

How come Benjamin didn’t mention YSPK as one of the main reasons he got into Northwestern?

[@JayTowns]

he never brought it u to me, I don't know what that is! feel free to send him a message through Instagram to ask about it!

[@maddy3455]

i want to go to northwestern so sos o bad but i’m not applying early decision and i have no journalism experience and i’m applying to the school of journalism 😞😞😞😞

[@nimratkaur437]

OMG!!!! The Yost looks just like Harry Potter!!!! Btw thanks for making such a great video, many of my doubts regarding Northwestern got cleared!!

[@JayTowns]

apparently he gets that a lot. glad we could help!

[@benjaminsarver4225]

Let's be honest and address the elephant in the room: The only reason Ben got in is because Northwestern saw he was a Young Scholar Pursuing Knowledge.

[@hobo1476]

“I,myself, and me, pledge my body, my mind, and my spirit to the pursuit of knowledge. All of my conduct will be done in a scholarly manner, regardless of the repercussions of my inferiors. I will value knowledge over all abstract ideas, such as honesty, respect, and friendship. Hazzah!” Ben this use to mean something to you now what you think your better then YSPK?

[@joshuamessmore5146]

Lmao all you thirsty Yspk peeps

[@xyzxyz3917]

what happen to ben? where is he now? his IG isnt there anymore

[@theorangecouchproductionsr9658]

I thought ben host just lied about being a young scholar to get into North Western ?

[@stephanieyu318]

I feel better about myself. Cause i am getting like solid -A and stuff. And like B+

[@petervonpanda]

NU alum too! I probably got in because of a clerical error.

[@equalaccesscollegeadmissio3300]

Breaking it down. Jay Towns had a 4.06 Weighted and 3.76 Unweighted + 30 ACT, which are lower scores for Northwestern Admissions. Did not receive any AP credit. Ben, his room mate, took hardest classes he could, Sr. Year had a full AP courseload and all A’s. 3.97 Unweighted and 4.4 Weighted GPA + a 34 ACT. Good on you two to show two sides of the scale in terms of scores with the same outcome of being admitted to Northwestern. Thanks for sharing! We'll feature this as well on our college admissions site. XO Unknown Admissions

[@CobyResnick]

Hey Jay! Just got accepted to class 2023 and I’m super excited! Can’t wait to follow up and meet you someday!

[@JayTowns]

dope man, can't wait! enjoy the rest of your year!

[@asha.ranatunga2581]

Would you mind posting your stats? I am applying RD. Thank you

[@realitycraft591]

Ben what about YSPK?!

[@stephanieyu318]

Whats yspk? Ik what it stands for but what is it

[@morganadams4008]

Ben What about YSPK???

[@JuliaMencher]

hoping to get in this weekend! see you next year 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻 loved the vid!!

[@slimjim_7735]

What about YSPK yost ? Cmon now... 🤷‍♂️

[@justindecolongon6406]

I’m a freshman in high school and Northwestern is my dream school. This video really helped me reflect on my future. Thanks Jay.

[@JayTowns]

That was the main purpose! So glad I helped Justin. Enjoy high school :)

[@SP-xg1fw]

I want to get into northwestern so badly, but I'm way too stupid :(

[@safiyamenk5239]

What's YSPK and how can you apply for it?

[@JayTowns]

I literally have no idea, maybe you should message Ben for more info

[@oliviafleming5065]

i love your videos :) keep up the good work

[@JayTowns]

thank you so much! ☺️

[@russianbluecat]

Class of 2023 now!:)

[@nickiminajah6119]

What was the lofi song in the background? 😩

[@ethankim1089]

My sister just got in as well! Congratulations

[@subeymarchen419]

I love your videos so much!!! My ED decisions are coming out this Friday so nervous, I love Northwestern!!!

[@JayTowns]

thank you! I hope you're not stressing out too much! you'll end up where you're meant to be.

[@subeymarchen419]

@@JayTowns Aww thank you!! Good luck to your finals!!

[@subeymarchen419]

@@JayTowns Update: ended up in UChicago lol

[@JayTowns]

@@subeymarchen419 Woah that's great man! A fantastic school, what's your intendes major?

[@subeymarchen419]

Jay Towns Thank you! I haven’t decided yet😉

[@liviadeborba6194]

That explained a lot! Thank you guys

[@JayTowns]

truly, it was our pleasure 😌

[@moniquepetty-ashmeade3537]

I’m honestly so scared that i won’t get in but i think it’s the doubt talking because i’m still gonna apply its my dream school so let’s get it 🤧

[@JayTowns]

you got it!! believe in yourself

[@rashirashi04]

did u?

[@nathanjasper3197]

Thanks for making this, I just applied!!

[@JayTowns]

that's great! thanks for watching!

[@slimjim_7735]

Jay what’s you’re prejudice against young scholars ? Why did you kick Ben out ?

[@JayTowns]

you lost me chief

[@generalglover831]

The scholars are a powerful enemy to have. They are not to be fucked with.

[@JL-zo1wd]

this honestly makes me feel better about my very "hmmm" future

[@JaffreyH]

I got a 30 on the act, have an aunt who went to northwestern and have an average unweighted of around 3.82 with a 2 AP'S and a few honor classes and many regular classes in High school. I do really well academically and am involved in a half dozen or so extracurriculars. I also visited northwestern. I am applying RD. Do you I'm unlikely to get accepted or? May be hard to justify. Thanks!

[@rashirashi04]

did u get in?

[@bitspieces.2718]

Northwestern is an awesome school and has a lot to offer - but it’s flippin’ expensive. Are you doing anything//are there any valuable ways to cut the cost?

[@JayTowns]

Yes! So most importantly, I have been awarded the Northwestern Scholarship, which, in my case, counted for a large amount of my tuition. In addition, I have been awarded a number of grants and scholarships. Lastly, I am doing work-study, so I work an on-campus job (concert photography) and the money that I make from it goes to my tuition costs.

[@bitspieces.2718]

Thank You!

[@171TITO]

Is that the piano version of Drake in the background? Northwestern is way more fun than the Ivy League.

[@akbargafurov9244]

Hey Jay Towns. Did you apply to NW by early or regular decision?

[@JayTowns]

hey Akbar. i applied ED!

[@akbargafurov9244]

@@JayTowns I applied by ED too. They say admissions decisions start to come in mid-December. Do you remember when you received your acceptance letter? thanks in advance

[@JayTowns]

Akbar Gafurov yes! i received my letter mid december, probably sometime in between the 15-17th

[@akbargafurov9244]

@@JayTowns thanks for response! I'm looking forward to join NW next year)

[@JayTowns]

Akbar Gafurov best of luck to you!

[@simondoku]

do you have any tips for international students apply for aid?

[@JayTowns]

i don't have any international-specific tips, but i'd say make sure you know all of the scholarships & grants you qualify for!

[@jnad626]

Hey Jay I got a serious question. I’m really trying to get into Northeastern it’s my dream school! Can you please ask Ben about YSPK? I’ve been reading all the comments and it sounds like I should join it. Thanks

[@JayTowns]

Northeastern, you say? Haha I think it would be easier if you just contacted him yourself! No need for a middle man!

[@binkbonl]

Okay, but what's Ben's @??

[@JayTowns]

watch till the end or check the description 😂

[@DoItSoonTutorials]

NU does super score! I freaked out when he said that and had to Google it... god that almost gave me a heart attack. Also, the vast majority of NU applicants seem to submit their ACT score instead of an SAT score (70-80% prefer ACT)... any insight as to why there's such a clear preference there?

[@JayTowns]

Oh, I didn't know they did, sorry about that scare! I honestly don't think it makes much of a difference; my ACT tutor said some schools only accept one or the other so it's best to take both. I guess the ACT is just more widely accepted, and maybe in general the scores are just easier to talk about on a 36 point scale instead of 1600. both are totally fine from what I know!

[@DoItSoonTutorials]

@@JayTowns For sure. It's just weird because it's usually a pretty even split, or SAT is favored. I don't think I've seen such a large preference for the ACT like that.

[@alannar.8701]

It's a midwestern thing. Most people on the east coast take the SAT, the midwest takes the ACT - probably bc some states in the midwest require it. You're probably looking at schools on the east coast for the most part, that's why you think the SAT is favored. Since most applicants to Northwestern are from the midwest, most people take the ACT - it doesn't really make a difference, it's just demographics.

[@the0603shk]

Northwestern DO superscore ACT!!

[@catmom00]

shoutout to all my fellow ed applicants also fReaking tf out

[@catmom00]

got rejected 😎😎😎😎😎ha

[@Raisa-gb4fh]

@@catmom00 ouch. Hope you're not demotivated. You'll get in the next one, there are tons of colleges dw

[@nadiastoyanova8737]

Great video Jay

[@JayTowns]

thank you! hope it helped!

[@andrewvasquez2164]

Nice video dawg 👍🏽

[@JayTowns]

thank you!

[@mallorybecker4964]

God bless. Also, I find out if I got accepted this Saturday and if I did I’m comin for ur roommate lmaooo

[@JayTowns]

LOL you better run cause he's fast

[@ileridosunmu9261]

Is Ben doing the BS/MS Program?

[@JayTowns]

no he's not!

[@morganhoffman4076]

Ben: "I got a 34 on the ACT and took all AP classes my senior year" "Northwestern is definitely not easy to get into, it's an Ivy League of the Midwest" * holds book upside down and pretends to read from it still upside down *

[@JayTowns]

a true engineer can read with any given text orientation

[@12varietyflavors98]

YSPK...?

[@Moneybags65-y3y]

"ITS FUN TO STAY AT THE YSPK, YSPK, YOUNG SCHOLAR I WAS ONCE IN YOUR SHOES, YOUNG SCHOLAR, ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME, YOUNG SCHOLAR, DODODODOOOOO, WHHYYYYY EESSSS PPPP KAYYY, WHYYYY ESSSS PEEEE KAYYYYY". I put yspk on my resume and got into U Chicago. If Ben had done the same he probably wouldn't have been forced to go to Northwestern community college.

[@nityanair9788]

How did you apply to 8 schools if you applied to NU ED? Was everything else EA?

[@JayTowns]

not all were EA, but a couple were cause I didn't fully understand what it meant at the time. I had already filled out and sent in all of my applications by the time I got into NU, and had already received acceptances from a few places including Mizzou and UCF. I remember because I had to eventually rescind all my applications all after I confirmed my ED at NU.

[@nityanair9788]

@@JayTowns Ah, I see. Thanks!

[@katyperry2516]

Lmaoo the black guy said “I was student body president, which didn’t matter and was for my resume” and Ben said “some people did extracurriculars just do them, which didn’t matter to me and was pointless” and black guy said “right”

[@JayTowns]

haha I see how that can seem hypocritical! I was actually very excited about student government at my school because I wanted to do things, but the administration didn't really allow for the student body reps to do much about schoolwide legislation. so although I liked the idea of student government, at my school, it didn't mean much. I didn't just do it for the resume, but it certainly helped because people think certain things when they hear president, which unfortunately didn't actually apply to me. don't do extracurriculars if you're not actually interested in them!

[@thefamiliarwill5595]

wait no him i change my vote to him. i really hope you guys didn't lose touch and that you flirted with him by making fun of his arm piece!

[@JayTowns]

hahaha i'm glad you continue to stay invested in my ventures in love

[@christ5635]

Thank you Jay, very cool!

[@genekim5417]

Thank you Jay. This my dream school I hope I get in

[@JayTowns]

you'll be lucky if you make it past theatre prescreens, Gene

[@ileridosunmu9261]

Did you get in ED or Regular.

[@JayTowns]

I got in ED!

[@sadlexyy1261]

I kind of needed this when I applied in October 😂

[@KrishnaSharma-vv6tp]

Hi guys, Northwestern is a very good school! I am in love with this school. Please apply! I hope you get in!😃 #GoCats

[@JuliaMencher]

follow up! officially see you next year! NU 2023

[@JayTowns]

dope, happy to hear it! keep in touch and we'll meet up one day!

[@JuliaMencher]

@@JayTowns sounds dope! sounds great!!!

[@davidmbagu4909]

Any international applicants here?

[@sunnyheo1591]

Panamanian Korean here :)

[@nityanair9788]

here!

[@Raisa-gb4fh]

Bangladeshi!

[@cynthiamwaura6196]

Kenyan?

[@davidmbagu4909]

@@cynthiamwaura6196 Wow! Am kenyan too. Too bad Northwestern shoved their middle finger at my college application. Waiting for RD now.

[@RmsinEshaya]

Good job fellow Cat!!!

[@mrsunj2]

music too damn loud

[@alhollywood6486]

More importantly, did you go to Indy? Go Cats!

[@JayTowns]

I didn't because I had an improv show that day! I heard it was a lot of fun though.

[@s.barasa]

My RD applicants😅😅

[@khulanerdene5985]

ok, but ur roommate is very handsome

[@maroonhorizon1693]

Y’all cute or whatever 😆

[@maroonhorizon1693]

But your roommate low key looks like Harry Potter and I’m not really rocking with it so yeah

[@marcd3382]

Go U

[@krxs6ixix674]

Hey i go to a camp that involves northwestern people for kids whos parents have had cancer so thats how i got into your videos one of my counselors told me to watch you i love northwestern. You should try to be a counselor i would love to have as one of my counselors if you need any further questions contact me in instagram @kris_jones23

[@JayTowns]

that's really cool to hear that I was recommended to you! I'll check it out!

[@krxs6ixix674]

Yes my i hope you do if you ask a couple might know about my camp name was spongebob from what i see in your vids you would be a chill counselor thanks for reading my comment camp kesem would love to have you

[@amarachimezie]

drop your roomates at frfr