Northwestern University Admissions 2024: Process, Requirements & Deadlines

In the United States, Evanston, Illinois, is home to Northwestern University (NU), a private research institution. The oldest chartered institution in Illinois, it was founded in 1851 to serve the former Northwest Territory. In the Chicago metropolitan area, the university's main campus is located on the shores of Lake Michigan.

Acceptance Rate 

Northwestern University has the highest admissions standards, with a 9% acceptance rate. It suggests that just 9 out of every 100 applications are accepted by the school.

Admission Eligibility Criteria 

• preferably 4.1 or above, with a high school GPA of at least 3.92
• Earn grades of A- or above in AP or IB courses in high school.
• Score at least 1490 on the SAT, ideally 1520 or better.
• the ACT with a 33 or higher, preferably a 34 or higher
• Top 10% of your high school graduating class
• Please provide teacher recommendation letters.
• Apply by January 2nd
• complete at least 32 units across nine quarters at the university.

Documents Required 

1. Applying through the Common Application or applying in coalition with the Northwestern Supplement (with additional writing supplements)
2. transcripts and school reports from your secondary school
3. advice from a counsellor
4. a minimum of one teacher's recommendation
5. Early Decision Agreement (applicants for early decision)
6. Applicants whose first or primary language is not English or whose secondary education has not been in English must provide official documentation of their English language competency.
7. English language tests that are accepted:

• DET (Duolingo English Test)
• IELTS, such as the IELTS Indicator
• TOEFL iBT, which does not include TOEFL ITP Plus for China Solution but does have TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition

Test Requirements  

For the 2023–24 cycle, Northwestern University offers a test-optional policy for first-year and transfer applicants. Northwestern will look at a "superscore" for both tests if students decide to take the SAT or ACT. There is no preference for either test. For students who take the SAT or ACT more than once, this means that our system will combine the highest section scores across many test dates and calculate a "superscore" that will replace the high score from a single sitting in our database.

Popular Courses 

Every year, Northwestern University provides a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional courses to students from abroad. Popular courses at the university include those in the social sciences, communication, journalism, engineering, computer science, and statistics.

Tips for admission  

• Study hard and maintain a good GPA throughout high school.
• Join Clubs: Participate in organisations or events to demonstrate your interests.
• Well-written essays are essential for applications.
• Score well on necessary exams like the SAT or ACT.
• Apply Early: Send in your application as soon as possible.
• Obtain solid letters of recommendation by asking for references.
• Examine your choices for financial aid and scholarships.
• Be Timely: Complete all tasks by the due dates.

Application Deadline  

The following are the application deadlines for Northwestern University: 

• Application for QuestBridge is due on September 26, 2023. 
• Early Decision Applicant: November 1, 2023 is the deadline for applications. 
• Routine Decision The deadline for applications is January 3, 2024, applicant. 
• Transfer Applicants: The deadline for applications is March 15, 2024.