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.
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 |
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 |
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.
Transfer student admissions is extremely difficult.
Northwestern University has not reported data for waitlisted and admitted students.
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.
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.
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) | – | – | – | – |
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Click below to find out more about the admissions requirements and deadlines, student life, academics, majors and more.
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Admission Difficulty
How hard is it to get into Northwestern? Northwestern is a selective institution. The Northwestern acceptance rate is 7%. This means that the institution accepts 6 out of every 100 applicants.
First-Year Applications are Due
Transfer Applications are Due
The deadline for Fall first-year applications to Northwestern is Jan 1.
The deadline for Fall transfer applications to Northwestern is Mar 15.
Check the school website for more information about deadlines for specific programs or special admissions programs
Composite SAT Range
Math SAT Range
Reading SAT Range
Avg. High School GPA (non-weighted)
Data Source: IPEDs and Peterson's Databases © 2022 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved
Total Enrollment
Campus Setting
Acceptance Rate
Fall Freshmen
Application Deadline
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