Graduate Degree Application Requirements
Graduate Admissions Steps
The following is a step-by-step guide for applying to Northwestern University’s graduate programs. We’ll cover how to submit an application when to do so, and what information you’ll need before applying. We’ve also included tips on creating your application, which will help make the process easier for you!
Find a program that fits your interests and academic goals.
There are many ways to fund your graduate education. The first step is to find a program that fits your interests, academic goals, and budget.
To help with this process, we’ve compiled an extensive list of scholarships and fellowships offered by Northwestern University. You can also find out if you qualify for special grants or assistantships from our Financial Aid Office. And finally, if all else fails (or even if it doesn’t), remember our tuition discounts!
Check your selected program requirements
The next step is to check the program requirements. This is an important step since you will want to ensure you have met all of the requirements before applying.
It would help if you also considered checking each program’s requirements separately, as they may differ. For example, one program might require applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores while another does not; in this case, you would want to ensure that your application contains all appropriate sections (or “parts”) for both programs before submitting it.
Submit online application
You must complete the online application on our program’s website to apply for admission. Once you have submitted your application, it will be reviewed by our admissions committee. If we determine that you are qualified for admission and have met our requirements for financial aid, we will send an email notification letting you know whether or not we have offered you a spot in our program. If admitted, please note that acceptance into Northwestern University does not guarantee funding from any source (including government loans).
View your admissions decision.
To view your admissions decision, log in to your application and look for a message on the dashboard. If you are not admitted, you may reapply next year by submitting another application (and fee). If you have been offered admission, please accept or decline the offer via the link in your acceptance letter.
Apply for aid
The process for applying for financial aid is the same as for applying for admission. You must complete an online application and submit the required documents, including your FAFSA. You can apply for aid at the same time as you apply for admission, but be aware that some departments may have their deadlines in addition to those set by Northwestern University.
Once you’ve been admitted into a graduate program, you’ll receive instructions on how to apply for financial assistance through your school or department.
If admitted, review the next steps.
If you have been admitted, the admissions office will let you know by email. If you have been denied admission, find out why and decide what to do next.
If you’ve been accepted, review the next steps in your application process:
- Visit Northwestern’s financial aid site to learn more about their available scholarships and grants.
- Complete any special requirements for admission (such as an interview or test score).
Check Deadlines.
The deadlines for graduate admissions vary by program. Some programs have rolling access, meaning you can apply any time during the year. These programs usually have a deadline of six months to nine months before the start of the program. Other programs have only one deadline for all applicants and will not accept applications after this date has passed.
For international students who need an F-1 or J-1 visa, it’s important to note that some schools have earlier deadlines than others (usually in April). Check out Northwestern’s Office of International Students & Scholars website for more information about applying from abroad!
You must apply to each program separately, but you can do this from one application.
You can apply for multiple programs at once. Once you’ve completed your application, you can see your status and update your information in one place.
The application process is simple, but there are a few things that could trip up even the most prepared of applicants:
- Reviewing the requirements and deadlines for each program before applying will ensure that you get everything important.
- If you’re applying from outside the United States, check with us about required documentation (such as English proficiency tests) or use our international applicant checklist for more information on what’s required of non-U.S.-based students who want to attend Northwestern University Graduate Admissions Steps.