What does Northwestern look for in their applicants?

The most important criteria for Northwestern admissions is academic record. The application aspects which are factored into the overall academic record are GPA, test scores, class rank, course rigor, and the application essay.

What values does Northwestern look for?

How can I increase my chances of getting into Northwestern?

What kind of student gets into Northwestern?

It is extremely difficult to get accepted to Northwestern. The grade point average of people who get accepted to Northwestern are in the top of their class. People who successfully get into Northwestern also tend to have impressive extracurricular activities and college applications essays.

What does Northwestern prioritize?

Northwestern is committed to excellent teaching, innovative research and the personal and intellectual growth of its students in a diverse academic community.

Northwestern Admissions Answers Your FAQs

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.

Does Northwestern look at class rank?

There are four factors that Northwestern University ranks as being “very important” to their admissions process: rigor of secondary school record, class rank, GPA, and standardized test scores (test-optional through at least 2024).

Does Northwestern care about grades?

The evaluation of your secondary school transcript is an important part of the admission process. We are not simply looking for high grades; the strength of your academic program is also considered.

Does Northwestern offer interviews to everyone?

Given the limited availability of alumni volunteers, it is not possible for us to offer interviews to all applicants. Interviews are not a required component of the application, therefore applicants who are unable or choose not to interview are not at a disadvantage in the admission process.

Can you get into Northwestern with B's?

With a GPA of 3.62, Northwestern College requires you to be above average in your high school class. You'll need at least a mix of A's and B's, with more A's than B's. You can compensate for a lower GPA with harder classes, like AP or IB classes.

What are the odds of getting into Northwestern University early decision?

Of the accepted students, approximately 50% of them were accepted through Early Decision. For that same admissions cycle, Northwestern's Early Decision acceptance rate was around 20%, which is considerably higher than the overall acceptance rate.

How important are interviews for Northwestern?

The Role of the Interview in the Admissions Process

It also helps Northwestern measure your genuine interest in the institution and the extent to which you align with its values and objectives. During the interview, alumni will delve deeper into your experiences, interests, and aspirations.

Is it easier to get into Northwestern early decision?

Northwestern's early decision acceptance rate is 24% because 4,545 students applied to Northwestern through the early decision process and 1,105 were accepted. Early action or early decision acceptance rates tend to be a bit higher than regular decisions acceptance rates.

What does Northwestern look at the most?

The most important criteria for Northwestern admissions is academic record. The application aspects which are factored into the overall academic record are GPA, test scores, class rank, course rigor, and the application essay. Other important factors are extracurriculars, recommendations, and talent.

How do you demonstrate interest to Northwestern?

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.

Does Northwestern look at your personal statement?

Yes! 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.

What does Northwestern ask in interviews?

Personal Questions

What short and long-term goals have you set for yourself, and how do you plan to achieve them? What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What is the most important lesson you've learned in or outside school?

Does Northwestern look at common app essay?

To that end, we welcome—but by no means expect—your submission of a personal essay or additional information in the Common Application. The following question is required for all Common Application and Coalition with Scoir applicants (optional for QuestBridge applicants).

What percentage of applicants get into Northwestern?

the 9.02 percent admit rate for the Class of 2024. In recent years, Early Decision applicants have comprised roughly one half of the incoming class. The number of Early Decision applicants, which rose about 3.5 percent for the Class of 2027, was 5,200 students.

Does Northwestern care about extracurricular activities?

Find or create leadership opportunities and investigate paths that could lead to your future major or career. There are no “right” or “wrong” activities to do in high school. Instead, Northwestern analyzes your character, interests, and skills through your involvement in different activities.

Is Northwestern an elite school?

Northwestern University is a highly regarded private research university in Evanston, Illinois, with additional campuses in Chicago and Doha, Qatar. It is known for its strong academic programs, including highly-ranked sciences, engineering, and business programs.

Should I submit my personal statement to Northwestern?

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.

How to prepare for a Northwestern interview?

Reflect on your education, experiences, accomplishments, strengths, weaknesses, interests, and values and how they relate to opportunities you're seeking. Review your résumé and practice how to articulate your skills and accomplishments.

Does Northwestern admit by major or school?

No. Undergraduates are admitted by Undergraduate Admissions of Northwestern University, not by individual departments.

Can an average student get into Northwestern University?

The acceptance rate at Northwestern is 7%.

For every 100 applicants, only 7 are admitted. This means the school is extremely selective.