What is Northwestern University looking for in applicants?

Students who are passionate, intellectually curious, and academically driven fit into the idea of Northwestern. For extracurricular involvement, Northwestern is looking for passionate, focused students, as most other elite universities are.

What does Northwestern look for in their applicants?

Academic growth and intellectual curiosity

What topics are you excited to explore? What kinds of questions drive you forward? How have you shown initiative in learning more about the world around you? How have you challenged yourself?

What values does Northwestern look for?

How can I increase my chances of getting into Northwestern?

What kind of student does Northwestern want?

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.

how i got into Northwestern

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.

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 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.

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.

What is the lowest GPA Northwestern will accept?

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.

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.

What GPA does Northwestern want?

With a GPA of 4.1, Northwestern requires you to be at the top of your class. You'll need nearly straight A's in all your classes to compete with other applicants. You should also have taken plenty of AP or IB classes to show your ability to excel in academic challenge.

Does Northwestern care about interviews?

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. Note: Interviews are only available to first-year applicants.

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).

Why is it so hard to get into Northwestern University?

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.

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.

Can I get into Northwestern with a 3.5 GPA?

Average GPAs for accepted applicants are typically 3.0 - 3.5 or higher.

Does Northwestern look at 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. In addition, the admission committee makes note of any accelerated, honors or Advanced Placement courses taken.

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.

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 are the most common majors at Northwestern?

Does Northwestern look at AP scores?

You may receive Northwestern credit for your Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) test scores and/or be able to skip introductory courses in some sequences.

How many essays does Northwestern require?

In addition to one required essay prompt, Northwestern also gives applicants the opportunity to respond to at least one (and up to two) optional prompts. Essentially, every applicant has three opportunities to stand out in the eyes of admissions officers and showcase what makes them uniquely qualified for admission.

What to expect in a Northwestern interview?

They will ask thought-provoking questions to gauge your intellectual curiosity, problem-solving skills, and ability to think critically. It is an opportunity for you to showcase your unique perspective and demonstrate your readiness for the challenges Northwestern offers. These schools care about yield.