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Undergraduate First-Year Application Requirements

Northwestern University is one of the top universities in the US and is also the alma mater of some very influential people. The University is located in Evanston, Illinois, and it has a beautiful campus recognized by several architectural organizations as one of the most beautiful in America. If you’re interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree at Northwestern University, here’s what you need to know about its application process:

Northwestern University Undergraduate First-Year Application Requirements

Northwestern’s application requirements are different for each major. The University requires students to have a high GPA and good SAT/ACT scores, but it does not have an Early Decision program or offer any scholarships that require you to commit early in the application process.

Eligibility

To be considered for admission, you must meet the following requirements:

  1. Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4-point scale (or equivalent) and rank in the top half of high school class.
  2. SAT Reasoning Test (SAT) or ACT score of at least 1200 on each test section, taken within two years of the application date (for Fall 2019 admission). We do not require that you submit your scores at this time; we will obtain them directly from ETS/ACT when we review your application file.
  3. Two recommendations from teachers or counsellors who know you well and can comment on your academic potential and leadership qualities.
  4. Both letters should be sent directly from recommenders to Northwestern University Undergraduate Admissions Office via mail or email attachment as PDF files only (.pdf).
  5. If these recommendations are sent electronically, they may not be opened by our office staff due to security reasons. Please note: if you have fewer than three letters submitted by the deadline date listed above, it will adversely affect the evaluation process; therefore, all materials must arrive before then!
English Proficiency
  1. English proficiency is required for all international applicants.
  2. Northwestern accepts TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE scores.
  3. The University requires a minimum score of 100 on the Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) or seven on the IELTS if you are applying to our medical school or law school.
ACT
The ACT is required for all first-year applicants to Northwestern University. The minimum score needed to be competitive is 24. This exam is not required for international students who are non-native English speakers or have taken their secondary school education outside of the United States; instead, they may submit one or more of the following as part of their application: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores
SAT
  1. All applicants must submit SAT scores.
  2. Applicants must have their SAT scores sent directly from the testing agency and electronically to Northwestern's code (2040).
  3. Applicants may not submit paper copies of their test scores or faxed copies of their test scores.

Additional Requirements

Your application will be complete when you submit the following:

  • a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to write clearly and effectively
  • a resume listing your academic achievements and extracurricular activities
  • letters of recommendation from three individuals who know you well, ideally in an educational setting (such as teachers or professors).

Northwestern requires students to have a high GPA and good SAT/ACT scores.

Northwestern is a highly selective university. The school requires students to have a high GPA and good SAT/ACT scores to be considered for admission.

Northwestern University is a private research university in Evanston, Illinois, United States, with campuses in Chicago and Doha. Methodist leaders founded it as an institution for educating the children of farmers and tradesmen. Today it offers more than 100 undergraduate majors across its nine schools and colleges and graduate programs through its Kellogg School of Management (MBA), Feinberg School of Medicine (MD) and McCormick School of Engineering & Applied Science.