What does Northwestern University look for?

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.

What students does Northwestern look for?

What is Northwestern University Looking For In Applicants? To be a competitive candidate at Northwestern, you should have a GPA between 3.9 and 40 and minimum SAT/ACT scores of 1530 and 34, respectively. Successful applicants also have relevant extracurricular activities, a compelling essay, and strong recommendations.

What values does Northwestern look for?

What does it take to get into Northwestern University?

Admissions Summary

Northwestern University is extremely selective with an acceptance rate of 7%. Students that get into Northwestern University have an SAT score between 1500–1560* or an ACT score of 33–35*. Regular applications are due January 3.

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.

what I wish I knew before attending Northwestern University & a small campus tour

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).

How can I increase my chances of getting into Northwestern?

Does Northwestern care about extracurriculars?

Admissions Criteria:

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.

What is Northwestern known for academically?

Northwestern is a leading research university that is home to more than 90 school-based centers and 35 University research centers. With an interdisciplinary culture, our research spans a spectrum of areas including neuroscience, nanotechnology, biotechnology and drug discovery.

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.

Does Northwestern look at legacy?

But it does, on applications to hundreds of selective universities across the country. Locally, both the University of Chicago and Northwestern have held on to the practice, called legacy admissions — despite concerns about its impact on students from historically marginalized communities.

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.

How elite is Northwestern University?

Northwestern University's ranking in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #9. Its tuition and fees are $65,997. Northwestern University is a Division I school in the Big Ten athletic conference. Northwestern's women's lacrosse team has won multiple NCAA national championships.

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 Northwestern University stressful?

There's probably never been an undergrad at Northwestern who hasn't felt some degree of academic stress. Pressure to make the required pre-med grades, to meet family expectations, to maintain the GPA needed for a scholarship, or simply to meet your own expectations can all create feelings of stress.

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.

Can I get into Northwestern with low grades?

You will need an incredibly high GPA and will likely be graduating at the top of their class in order to get into Northwestern. If your GPA is lower than suggested at the time you apply, you may have to perform above average on your standardized tests.

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.

Can I get into Northwestern with a B?

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.

Is it easier to get into Northwestern early decision?

Is it easier to gain acceptance if I apply ED? Our overall admit rate for 2021 was 7% with nearly 48,000 applicants, and you may be aware that our Early Decision applicant pool typically sees a higher admit rate than our Regular Decision pool.

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.

Is Northwestern a white school?

Enrollment by Race & EthnicityThe enrolled student population at Northwestern University is 43.1% White, 15.5% Asian, 9.24% Hispanic or Latino, 5.67% Black or African American, 4.01% Two or More Races, 0.128% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.0354% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders.

How prestigious is Northwestern?

Northwestern University is ranked #9 out of 439 National Universities. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence. Read more about how we rank schools.