Northwestern University

It is extremely difficult to get into Northwestern University. The acceptance rate at Northwestern University is 7%. In 2023, just 3,321 out of the 47,636 students who applied were accepted.

If you are considering submitting an application to Northwestern University, the regular decision application deadline is January 1 and the application fee costs $75.

Students who submit their applications to Northwestern University for fall should anticipate a decision by April 1.

Northwestern University Admissions Stats at a Glance

The following is an overiew of some of Northwestern University's admissions stats.

Northwestern University 2023	Admissions Statistics
Admitted Students in Top 10% of Graduating Class	95%
Admissions Test Policy	Test Optional
Applicants Who Submit SATs	43%
Applicants Who Submit ACTs	39%
Waitlist	Yes

Northwestern University Application Deadlines

These are the application deadlines for Northwestern University.

Application Type	Offered	Application Deadline	Notification Deadline
Early Decision I	Yes	November 1	–
Early Decision II	–	–	–
Early Action	No	–	–
Regular Decision	Yes	1 1	April 1

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Applying Early to Northwestern University?

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Northwestern University offers early decision but not early action. Early decision is binding, meaning you must attend if you are admitted, while early action allows you to apply early without committing.

🗓️ Early Decision I applications are due by November 1

The early decision acceptance rate at Northwestern University is 24%, compared to an overall acceptance rate of 7%. Last year, Northwestern University admitted 1105 of the 4545 students who applied early decision.

Some students apply early because they hope it will boost their chances of being offering admission. When you apply early, your application is considered before all the regular decision applicants apply. Applying early may increase your chance of being admitted, since it is a way to show that you are very interested in a school.

➡️ Explore a list of some selective colleges that accept significantly more applicants during early decision or early action than during regular admission.

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More on Northwestern University Admissions

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Transferring to Northwestern University

Transfer student admissions is extremely difficult.

For Students Waitlisted to Northwestern University

Northwestern University has not reported data for waitlisted and admitted students.

What's Most Important for Getting Into Northwestern University?

Colleges consider a range of factors when determining who to admit for their next incoming class. Each college determines which factors are are most important when choose which applicants to admit, and which to deny. When assembling your list of schools to apply to, you may want to consider your strengths and any possible weaknesses in your application, and apply to colleges that prioritize the areas where you shine.

Admissions Factors at Northwestern University

Curious about the factors that are considered by Northwestern University during the admissions process? Take a look at the list below to see which factors are most important during the admissions process.

Admissions Factor	Level
Character/Personal Qualities	Very Important
Class Rank	Very Important
Application Essay	Very Important
Extracurricular Activities	Very Important
Recommendation(s)	Very Important
Talent/Ability	Very Important
Academic GPA	Very Important
Rigor of Secondary School Record	Very Important
Alumni/ae Relations	Considered
Interview	Considered
Racial/Ethnic Status	Considered
Standardized Test Scores	Considered
Volunteer Work	Considered
Work Experience	Considered
Level of Applicant's Interest	Considered
First Generation	Considered

Make sure to check with Northwestern University for more information on admission factors.

Northwestern University 2022-2023 Application Requirements

To apply to Northwestern University, all applicants must submit the following items. Check in with Northwestern University's admissions department to confirm all application materials and requirements.

Area	Required	Recommended	Required for Some	Details (If Any)
Written Essay or Personal Statement	–	–	–	–
Interview	–	–	–	–
Other Requirements	–	–	–	audition for music program
Letter(s) of Recommendation	–	–	–	–
Transcript(S) of College Record	–	–	–	–
Transcript of High School Record	–	–	–	–
Standardized Test Scores	–	–	–	–
Statement of Good Standing From Prior Institution(S)	–	–	–	–

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GPA and Testing

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What GPA Do I Need To Get Into Northwestern University?

Northwestern University has not provided an information about GPAs of accepted students. Any questions regarding applicant expectations should be addressed directly with the school. At Northwestern University 95% of students ranked in the top 10% of their graduating class in high school.

About GPAs

Your high school grade point average (GPA) is a number that highlights your high school academic performance. A weighted GPA or an unweighted GPA are the two possible GPA scores considered by colleges.

An unweighted GPA is an average of your scores from each class on a four-point scale. Unweighted GPAs range from 4.0 to under 1.0. A weighted GPA considers your average grade and the difficulty of your classes. A weighted GPA boosts your average by adding extra points for honors or Advanced Placement courses.

Standardized Test Scores

Northwestern University is test optional. Test optional schools allow students to choose if they want to submit ACT or SAT scores with their applications or not.

In 2022, 43% of Northwestern University's first-year students submitted their SAT scores with their application. 39% of admitted applicants sent ACT scores.

What is a Good SAT Score for Northwestern University?

To be competitive with other Northwestern University applicants, you should aim to score between 1490 and 1550 (or higher!) on the SAT. At Northwestern University 25% of admitted students scored higher than 1550 and 25% of scored lower than 1490, but the majority of students scored somewhere in between these two numbers.

On the SAT Math Section, 25% of Northwestern University students scored 790 or higher and 75% of students scored 720 or higher. On the SAT Critical Reading section (formerly called the Verbal section), 25% of Northwestern University students scored 770 or higher, and 75% scored a 720 or higher.

To be most competitive at Northwestern University, you should strive to earn between 33 and 35 on the ACT.

An ACT score of 35 means you fall in the 75th percentile for Northwestern University's admitted students. One out of every four students scored above a 35, and three out of four students scored lower than 35 on the ACT.

A 33 on the ACT is the 25th percentile for Northwestern University students. Only one out of every four students scored below 33.

More Information on Transferring to Northwestern University

For transfer students, it is extremely difficult to get admitted to Northwestern University.

For transfer students wishing to start in the fall, the deadline to apply is March 15. Transfer applications are processed on a on a rolling basis as they are received.

Transfer students can enroll in Northwestern University during the following terms:

• Fall Term

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Northwestern University Admissions FAQs

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Can I defer my acceptance to Northwestern University?

✅ Yes, admitted students can defer their admission to Northwestern University.

Does Northwestern University accept transfer credits?

✅ Northwestern University accepts eligible transfer credits from accredited institutions.

Do I have to submit test scores to Northwestern University?

❌ No, Northwestern University is test optional, so it's up to you if you want to submit test scores or not. If you have higher than average scores, you should strongly consider submitting them. If your scores are average or below average, you may want not want to include them in your application.

What is Northwestern University's acceptance rate?

✅ Northwestern University has an acceptance rate of 7%.

What is the early decision acceptance rate at Northwestern University?

✅ Northwestern University's early decision acceptance rate was 24% in 2021.

Want To Learn More About Northwestern University?

Click below to find out more about the admissions requirements and deadlines, student life, academics, majors and more.

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