What are Northwestern's requirements?

Hey team! I'm seriously considering Northwestern as one of my reach schools, but I'm a little unclear on what their requirements are. Does anyone here have a good understanding of what's needed to apply?

Sure, I can help outline the Northwestern application requirements for you. Northwestern uses the Common Application for applicants, and there are some other materials required to complete your application as follows:

1. Common Application: This is the primary application that most colleges in the United States use. It includes basic demographic information, a list of your extracurricular activities, and your Common App essay.

2. School Specific Questions & Supplemental Essays: In addition to the Common App, Northwestern has a few school-specific questions and supplemental essays on their portion of the Common App. These often revolves around why you're applying to Northwestern and how you plan to make use of the school's resources.

3. High School Transcript: You'll need to submit your transcript, which should include grades 9 through 11, and your senior year courses.

4. Testing: For the 2024-2025 application cycle, Northwestern is test-optional, which means you can choose whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores.

5. An Unweighted GPA: Northwestern doesn't have a minimum GPA, but the vast majority of admitted students have a GPA of 3.8 or higher.

6. Letters of Recommendation: Northwestern requires 1 counselor recommendation and 1 teacher recommendation. The teacher should be someone who has taught you in a major academic course during high school.

7. Early Decision Agreement (if applying Early Decision): Northwestern offers an Early Decision program, which is binding. If you choose to apply this way, there's an agreement you need to submit.

Final thing to note is that deadlines are also pivotal here. The early decision deadline is typically in early November, while the regular decision deadline is usually early January.

I hope this gives you a clear view of what you'll need to apply to Northwestern. The admissions process can seem daunting, but as long as you stay organized and start early, you'll be set!