There are reasons why this essay would not reach the level it ought to.
1) This is very formal writing, you see... it lacks emotion in the essay. Be a little eased out and a little informal in your writing. The beginning or ending have to be really good and should make an impact.
2)In the second para where you talk about university--- your sentences lack a sequence. I feel its a little jerky. Make the thing flow.
I had only looked into each university's statistics Northwestern University was not an institution I had actually looked into
The first one is not showing that you were so mature and aware about college work but is an unnecessary statement which sounds a little over mature person. You're a freshman and not a fifty year old. Show your different (but don't make it slack). ;)
The second sentence is again not good because neither witty nor informative nor an achievement nor ... I mean why write this?
3)
I am a student that yearns to learn and develop my skills as an intellectual, and Northwestern's moral of teaching is one that is best suited for reaching realistic and worthy aspirations
I am a passionate student
My need for intelligent and well-educated professors
I will find every method of learning, from even the least significant of lessons, discussions and projects.
My passion, dedication and commitment is what fuels me
high stature as a top school appeals to my constant hunger to learn through
ISN'T IT AN OVERDOSE...????
You need to improve your style and thought. The point is that this essay is long, boring and more "I" oriented where every few lines later there is a line showing your "passionate" ... and nothing else.
I mean, the committee would wonder.." If so passionate, have you written any journals, gone for extra camps like rafting, hiking... what have you done?" Everyone researches, so that doesn't make you different. If, you have done something then write that.
Just make these changes and others what you may feel... also what others post up. Second draft would help us give more suggestions. Its like if you keep posting with changes the next person can immediately work on the corrected one so, the improvement becomes faster.
Hope this helps... :)