Should I submit my personal essay to Northwestern?

While we no longer require the personal essay with your Common Application or Coalition Application with Scoir, should you choose to submit one we will still be able to review it, just as we can any optional or supplemental application materials.

How much do essays matter for Northwestern?

Our supplemental questions touch on areas we see as important for shaping our incoming transfer cohort, but you should feel free to repurpose essays you've written for other applications (including the personal essay, which we no longer require) if they tell the story you'd most like to share.

Should you submit common app to Northwestern?

We welcome either application. All we ask is that applicants submit either the Common Application or Apply Coalition with Scoir—not both.

How important is the why Northwestern essay?

This allows the Northwestern admissions officer to quickly understand what is important to the writer. It's clear that this author has specific career goals. Instead of just mentioning those goals, they explain how attending Northwestern will help them reach these goals.

Should I submit my ACT to Northwestern?

Even if a student is able to take an SAT or ACT, they may prefer we don't consider it as part of our application review. Our process will respect that preference; there is no need for applicants to report scores. That said, if you have test scores you feel duly reflect your academic potential, we welcome them.

The Essay That Got Me Into Northwestern

Should I submit my 33 ACT to Northwestern?

Average ACT: 34

The 25th percentile ACT score is 33, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 35. Even though Northwestern likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 33 or below, you'll have a very hard time getting in, unless you have something else very impressive in your application.

Can I get into Northwestern with a 3.7 GPA?

Northwestern University does not have a strict minimum GPA requirement for undergraduate admissions. However, admitted students typically have very high GPAs, ranging from 3.7 to 4.0, with an average GPA of 3.8.

What kind of students does Northwestern look for?

Successful applicants also have relevant extracurricular activities, a compelling essay, and strong recommendations. Northwestern also looks for candidates who demonstrate academic growth, intellectual curiosity, involvement in school or the community, and positive traits.

How important is demonstrated interest at Northwestern?

As Northwestern does consider demonstrated interest, showing this interest is a simple way to increase your chances of admission.

Does Northwestern require personal statement?

Personal Statement

Applicants to master's programs (excluding MFA programs) are encouraged to do so, though this statement is not required for the submission of the application.

Should I submit a 1450 to Northwestern?

SAT scores from 1450 to 1480 are on the very low end of the range where students are accepted. Scores in this range are not competitive with most other applicants but you still have a chance. We estimate scores in this range have less than a 3% chance of admission to Northwestern.

Can I get into Northwestern with a 3.5 GPA?

Though Northwestern doesn't publicly report GPA for admitted students, Northwestern applicants' GPAs should ideally be between 3.9 and 4.0 to be strong candidates. Having less than this will require compensating by having outstanding extracurricular activities or personal statement.

What are my chances of getting into Northwestern?

The acceptance rate at Northwestern is 7%.

In other words, of 100 students who apply, only 7 are admitted. This means the school is very selective. Scores are vital to getting past their first round of filters. After that, you will need to impress them beyond just your academic scores.

How many Northwestern essays should I write?

Translation: applicants should write two 200-word essays in addition to the aforementioned required essay on the Northwestern supplement because (1) that which is optional in elite college admissions should never be considered optional and (2) it gives applicants more real estate to make their case for admission.

Do all Northwestern applicants get interviews?

Admission interviews are not required and are an optional addition to your application for admission. All interviews are conducted off-campus by Northwestern's regional Alumni Admission Council (AAC), situated throughout the United States and abroad.

Does Northwestern care about class rank?

An applicant's high school class rank, when available, is considered very important and letters of recommendation are considered very important for admissions officials at Northwestern University.

Does Northwestern look at common app essay?

While we no longer require the personal essay with your Common Application or Coalition Application with Scoir, should you choose to submit one we will still be able to review it, just as we can any optional or supplemental application materials.

Does Northwestern care about demonstrated interest?

Yes, demonstrated interest is considered by the Northwestern admissions team. To show demonstrated interest, you'll want to engage as much as you can with Northwestern. Open their emails, attend virtual programming, sign up for an interview, email your admissions officer, and visit in person if you can.

Can I get into Northwestern with a 3.8 GPA?

Admission Requirements Summary

Because Northwestern is extremely competitive, you have a very low likelihood of acceptance. It is critical that you earn at least a 3.92 GPA to have any chance. Additionally, you need to score at least a 1520 on the SAT and optimally 1570 to put yourself in a competitive position.

Why is Northwestern so hard to get into?

To be seriously considered for admission to Northwestern, students must perform very well academically. In addition to having a high GPA, students should challenge themselves within the curriculum available to them at their high school. This means that students should display a high level of rigor in their coursework.

What do Northwestern admissions officers look for?

A GPA close to or above the Northwestern average GPA; standardized scores at or above the average Northwestern SAT scores; and other aspects of your application. Ultimately, with a highly qualified candidate pool, Northwestern undergraduate enrollment is a game of chance.

Does Northwestern like well-rounded students?

They're seeking innovators and students who are changing the world. While the high school education system pushes for well-rounded students, Northwestern want you to break the mold.

What is the lowest GPA Northwestern will accept?

The admissions process is holistic so having a good GPA isn't everything, but you have to remember that Northwestern's acceptance rate is around 10%. Unless other aspects of your application are truly incredible, it will be extremely difficult to get into Northwestern with a sub 3.5 GPA.

Can you get into Northwestern with 3.2 GPA?

Students entering Northwestern in Fall 2023 or later must earn a minimum GPA of 3.2 in the three prerequisites. You must opt for a letter grade in all prerequisite courses.

Can I get into Northwestern with a 1430?

Applicants to Northwestern typically score between 1430-1540 on the SAT and 33-35 on the ACT. Higher scores within these ranges may further improve your odds of acceptance.