Graduate Application Process
The Northwestern University Graduate School has a variety of programs you can choose from. If you’re interested in applying to the university, please read this guide to get an overview of the application process.
Complete the online application.
To complete the online application, you will need to:
- Provide basic personal information such as your name, address and email address.
- Upload a résumé that includes all relevant job experience (include dates of employment). You may list any internships or other relevant work experience here if you have not yet graduated from college.
- List any awards or honours received during your time in school; include the name of each award and its year(s) received if applicable.
Once you submit these items, along with an essay detailing why you wish to pursue graduate studies at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management (please see below), our Admissions Office will review your application and contact those students invited for an interview with us!
Individual program requirements
The application process for graduate programs at Northwestern University is similar to that of other universities. You’ll need to complete a master’s or doctoral degree program application, write an essay and submit transcripts from previous colleges or universities attended.
Application fee
The application fee is $70 and is non-refundable. Applicants must submit the fee with their online application, or they cannot move forward in the process. Students admitted to Northwestern’s MD/PhD program are exempt from paying this fee, but all other applicants must pay it at least once during their undergraduate careers.
Include Personal Statement
The personal statement is your opportunity to tell the admissions committee why you want to study at Northwestern, what you hope to get out of your time there, and what you believe you can contribute to the school. It’s also a chance for them to see if this program and school are a good fit for you.
So what should go into writing this essay? Well, there are no set rules or guidelines when it comes down to crafting a personal statement–it’s all about showing off who YOU are! So let’s start with some basic tips:
Transcripts
You will need to upload unofficial transcripts with your application. This means you can scan and upload copies of your transcripts or manually type in their information. You’ll want to submit all post-secondary academic work completed at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including any international schools whose records are not in English (transcripts must be submitted in English or include an official English translation).
Test Scores
All applicants must submit official test scores. Please note that the GRE and TOEFL are only required if you did not receive your bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited United States or Canadian institution.
You can send your scores either electronically through ETS (Educational Testing Service) or by mail directly to Northwestern University using this address:
Office of Admissions
Northwestern University
2025 Sheridan Road Suite 101 Evanston IL 60208
Include Resume
- Include a resume highlighting your academic achievements, work experience, and volunteer activities.
- Make sure it’s two pages at maximum.
- Include relevant coursework, extracurricular activities, and leadership roles you have held in the past six years (including summer jobs).
- List honours, awards, scholarships and fellowships received during this period.
Letters of Recommendation, English language proficiency, Applicants upload unofficial transcripts with the online application.
In addition to the application form, you must submit two letters of recommendation. These should be from faculty members or employers familiar with your academic performance and research experience. If you are an international student, please note that we require official TOEFL or IELTS scores (see below).
You may upload unofficial transcripts with your online application if they are from colleges/universities located in the U.S., Canada or Europe; however, all applicants must submit official final transcripts by December 1st for fall admission and June 1st for spring admission (and summer applications must include final transcripts).