Northwestern University scores – what's the ballpark?

Hey, Northwestern University is pretty much my dream school right now. Anyone knows what SAT scores or equivalent ACT scores they're usually looking for? Just trying to figure out if I stand a chance!

Northwestern University is quite competitive and typically attracts students with strong academic profiles. As of the 2024-2025 application cycle, Northwestern requires submission of an SAT or ACT score.

While Northwestern University does not publish official score ranges, data from previous years can give us a hint. Many admitted students have scored in the top 5-10% nationally. Historically, for SAT scores, most admitted students have scored between 1490 and 1530 out of 1600. For the ACT, scores generally range from 33 to 35 out of 36.

Please note these are general ranges, not strict cut-offs, and there are students who get accepted with scores lower or higher than these ranges. Your test score is a key piece of your application, but it's not the only thing that Northwestern will look at. They'll also be considering your extracurricular activities, any leadership roles you've held, your essays, and your teacher recommendations.

Remember to give as much effort with other parts of your application as you would with studying for standardized tests. A well-rounded application will stand out, perhaps even more so than an application with a high-test score but little else to show for it.

Lastly, should your scores fall below these ranges, you may want to consider applying test-optional at other selective schools. For reference, as of the 2024-2025 application cycle, Columbia University, Princeton University, Stanford University, University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins University, New York University, and the University of Chicago are still test-optional. Keep in mind that policies can change from year to year, so be sure to check the updated testing policies of the colleges that interest you. Good luck with your applications!