Northwestern admissions requirements

Hi! I'm a junior planning on applying to Northwestern University, but I'm not quite sure about the admissions requirements. Could someone provide some information about their expected GPA, test scores, and any other important requirements? Thanks a lot!

Hi! I'm glad you're interested in Northwestern University. Here's some information about the general admissions requirements for Northwestern.

1. GPA: Northwestern is a highly selective school, and most admitted students have a strong academic record. While they don't have a minimum GPA requirement, their admitted students usually have a high unweighted GPA, often around 3.9 to 4.0. However, remember that GPA is just one aspect of your application, and they will consider your course rigor and academic excellence in the context of your high school environment.

2. Test Scores: As of the 2024-2025 application cycle, Northwestern is still test-optional. If you are submitting test score, to be competitive for admission you should aim for scores within their middle 50% range. For the SAT, it's generally around 1460 to 1540, and for the ACT, it's around 33 to 35. Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and your overall application will be evaluated holistically.

3. Extracurricular Activities: Colleges like Northwestern are looking for students who have demonstrated involvement and leadership in extracurricular activities. Aim for a mix of local, regional, and national involvement. Quality is more important than quantity; Northwestern wants to see a "spike" or a highly developed specialty in a particular field.

4. Essays: Northwestern requires a supplementary essay in addition to the main application essay. This essay will usually ask you to explain why you're interested in attending Northwestern and why you think it's a good fit for you academically and socially. Make sure to be specific and showcase your research about the school, as well as how you plan to contribute to the campus community.

5. Letters of Recommendation: Typically, Northwestern requires two letters of recommendation from teachers and one from your school counselor. Choose teachers who know you well and can highlight your academic strengths and personal qualities.

6. Other requirements: Depending on your intended major, you might need to submit additional materials, such as a portfolio for art or a resume for theater. Check Northwestern's website for detailed information about requirements for specific programs.

Make sure to keep track of deadlines: the Early Decision deadline is November 1, and the Regular Decision deadline is January 3. Remember that applying Early Decision can give you a slight statistical advantage in the admissions process, but it's a binding agreement, so only apply ED if Northwestern is your top choice.

Best of luck with your application to Northwestern!