Northwestern University Admissions
Northwestern University is a highly selective private research university with an acceptance rate of 7.2%. Renowned for its strong academic programs across a wide range of disciplines, Northwestern offers a vibrant intellectual community and numerous opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. With a prestigious reputation and a commitment to excellence, Northwestern attracts applicants from around the globe.
Undergraduate Admissions
- Northwestern seeks students with exceptional academic records, demonstrating a strong commitment to learning and intellectual curiosity.
- While there’s no minimum GPA requirement, successful applicants typically have a GPA of 3.85 or higher.
- For the 2024-25 application cycle, Northwestern is test-optional. Applicants may submit SAT or ACT scores, but they are not required.
- Northwestern employs a holistic review process, considering various factors beyond grades and test scores.
Graduate Admissions
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required for admission to graduate programs.
- A competitive GPA is expected, though specific requirements vary by program.
- Minimum 75%-85% in an undergraduate degree for the PG programs.
- GRE or GMAT scores may be required for some programs. Check with your specific program of interest for details.
- Letters of recommendation from faculty or professionals who can assess your academic and professional qualifications.
- A well-written statement of purpose outlining your research interests, academic goals, and career aspirations.
- Some programs may have additional requirements, such as writing samples, portfolios, or auditions.
Northwestern University Admission Requirements for Graduate Programs
From admission to graduation, The Graduate School (TGS) supports graduate students throughout their experience, awarding doctoral and master’s degrees in more than 70 disciplines. International students seeking admission at Northwestern University will have to fulfill the following admission requirements:
University Eligibility
- Bachelor’s degree in a related area of study (75%-85%)
- GPA: 3.0 – 3.5
- English language proficiency scores:
- IELTS: 7.0
- TOEFL: 80 – 90
- Test Scores:
- GMAT: 731
- Median GRE: 163
Documents Checklist
- Official/academic transcripts
- 2-3 LORs
- Passport
- US student visa
- Program specific requirements
- Personal statement
- Updated resume
Northwestern University Admission Requirements for Top Graduate Programs
Following are the specific admission requirements for the top graduate programs at Northwestern University:
|
Program |
GPA |
TOEFL |
GMAT/GRE |
Documents |
|
Integrated Science Program (ISP) |
3.85 |
100+ |
Not required |
Common App, essays, recommendations, transcript |
|
McCormick School of Engineering |
3.8 |
100+ |
Not required |
Common App, essays, recommendations, transcript, potential portfolio for some majors (e.g., Design) |
|
Medill School of Journalism |
3.7 |
100+ |
Not required |
Common App, essays, recommendations, transcript, writing samples |
|
Bienen School of Music |
– |
100+ |
Not required |
Common App, essays, recommendations, transcript, audition recordings |
|
School of Communication |
3.7 |
100+ |
Not required |
Common App, essays, recommendations, transcript, potential portfolio for some majors (e.g., Theatre) |
|
Kellogg School of Management (MBA) |
3.7 |
100+ |
720+ (competitive average) |
Online application, essays, recommendations, transcript, resume |
|
Pritzker School of Law (JD) |
3.3 |
100+ |
165+ (competitive average) |
LSAC application, essays, recommendations, transcript, LSAT score |
|
McCormick School of Engineering (Master’s/Ph.D.) |
3.5 |
90+ (minimum for Ph.D., 80+ for Master’s) |
Program-specific, often 155+ (Verbal & Quant) |
Online application, essays, recommendations, transcript, GRE scores |
|
Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences (Master’s/Ph.D.) |
3.5+ |
90+ (minimum for Ph.D., 80+ for Master’s) |
Program-specific, often required |
Online application, essays, recommendations, transcript, GRE scores, writing sample (often) |
|
Feinberg School of Medicine (MD) |
3.8 |
Not specified, high proficiency expected |
MCAT score required |
AMCAS application, essays, recommendations, transcript, MCAT score |
Northwestern University Admission Requirements for Undergraduate Programs
Northwestern University offers more than 100 undergraduate majors and minors. International students seeking an undergraduate degree at Northwestern University will have to fulfill the following admission requirements:
University Eligibility
- High School Certificate with a minimum 70%-75%
- English language proficiency scores:
- IELTS: 6.5 – 7.0
- TOEFL: 79 – 90
- Test Scores:
- SAT score: Minimum 1500
- ACT: 36 (recommended)
Documents Checklist
- Passport
- US student visa
- Academic transcripts
- Personal statement
- Letters of Recommendation
Northwestern University Application Deadlines for UG
International students have to fill and submit their application before the following application deadline:
|
Particulars |
QuestBridge Applicant |
Early Decision Applicant |
Regular Decision Applicant |
Transfer Applicant |
|
Application Due Date |
September 26, 2024 |
November 1, 2024 |
January 2, 2025 |
March 15, 2025 |
|
Financial Aid Due Date |
September 26, 2024 |
December 1, 2024 |
February 1, 2025 |
March 15, 2025 |
|
Decision Release |
December 2024 |
December 2024 |
March 2025 |
Begins May 2025, ongoing |
Northwestern University Selection Criteria
Northwestern University is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of around 7%. Some of the factors that Northwestern considers when making admission decisions include:
- GPA: While Northwestern doesn’t have a minimum GPA requirement, the recommended GPA is between 3.9 and 4.0. 96% of admitted students are in the top 10% of their graduating class.
- Standardized test scores: The middle 50% of scores for the 2025 class were 1430–1540 on the SAT and 33–35 on the ACT. If your GPA is lower, you may need to score higher on the SAT or ACT to be competitive.
- Letters of recommendation: Applicants should submit one letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, or other individual who can speak to their abilities.
- Essay or personal statement: All freshmen must submit an essay or personal statement.
- Audition: Some freshmen may be asked to audition for the music program.
If your grades aren’t as high as they could have been due to life experiences or hardship, you can consider writing about it in the additional information section of your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students at Northwestern University?
While Northwestern doesn’t list specific score minimums for the TOEFL, competitive applicants generally score 100 or higher. For graduate programs, minimums may be lower (around 90), but higher scores are always better. You can also demonstrate proficiency through other standardized tests or by having studied in an English-medium curriculum for a significant period.
Can I submit my academic documents in my native language for Northwestern Admission?
No, all application materials must be submitted in English. If your original documents are not in English, you must provide certified translations along with the original documents.
How does Northwestern University evaluate international academic credentials?
Northwestern has extensive experience reviewing international transcripts and qualifications. They consider the rigor of your curriculum and your academic performance within your educational system. You may also submit predicted scores if your final results are not available by the application deadline.
Is it compulsory to submit SAT or ACT scores as an international student for admission at Northwestern University?
For the 2024-25 application cycle, Northwestern is test-optional for all applicants, including international students. You may submit SAT or ACT scores if you wish, but they are not required.
What are the visa requirements for international students admitted to Northwestern?
Admitted students will need to obtain an F-1 student visa to study in the United States. Northwestern’s International Office provides guidance and support throughout the visa application process.
What support services are available for international students at Northwestern?
Northwestern offers a range of support services specifically for international students, including:
- International Student and Scholar Services: Assists with visa issues, cultural adjustment, and academic support.
- English Language Programs: Offers language courses and tutoring for non-native English speakers.
- Cultural and social events: Provides opportunities to connect with other international students and experience American culture.
What is the average GPA for international students admitted to Northwestern University?
While Northwestern does not publish specific data for international students, successful applicants generally have a GPA equivalent to 3.85 or higher on a 4.0 scale. However, they use a holistic review process, so other factors are also considered.
