How to Get Accepted to Northwestern University

Is Northwestern an Ivy League School?

Northwestern University is not part of the Ivy League. The Ivy League is an athletic conference consisting of eight private institutions in the Northeastern United States

The Ivy League schools are:

• Brown University
• Columbia University
• Cornell University
• Dartmouth College
• Harvard University
• University of Pennsylvania
• Princeton University
• Yale University

Admission Requirements for Northwestern University

Application Process for Northwestern University

To apply to Northwestern University, follow these steps in the application process:

• Choose between the Common Application or the Coalition Application via Scoir for your application platform
• Complete the Northwestern-specific supplement, as well as any additional writing requirements
• Submit an official high school transcript along with the school report
• Include a recommendation from your school counselor
• Obtain at least one teacher recommendation for inclusion
• For Early Decision applicants, submit the Early Decision Agreement
• Deadlines are November 1 for Early Decision and January 3 for Regular Decision applicants
• Note that interviews are not compulsory for undergraduate applicants
• Optional alumni interviews are available off-campus
• Your application will only be reviewed once all required items have been received
• Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis post-application deadline
• Expect Regular Decision outcomes to be announced in late March

Standardized Tests: What Tests Are Required for Northwestern University

For the 2023-24 application cycle, Northwestern University is adopting a test-optional policy for both first-year and transfer applicants. If you opt to submit SAT or ACT scores, the university doesn’t have a preference for either test. Additionally, Northwestern will consider “superscores” for both the SAT and ACT when reviewing applications.

Scholarships and Financial Aid at Northwestern University

In the 2022-2023 academic year, Northwestern University awarded over $200 million in scholarships to its undergraduate students. About half of the undergraduates received a Northwestern University Scholarship. Financial aid is typically limited to four years for first-year students and three years for transfer students. Multiple types of scholarships are available, and students are automatically considered for all types when applying for financial aid.

Types of Scholarships:

1. Northwestern University Scholarship: Awards based on financial need, ranging from $250 to over $40,000 annually.
2. Northwestern Endowed Scholarships: Funded by alumni and friends, these scholarships do not change the total financial aid awarded but might replace NU grants dollar-for-dollar.
3. Good Neighbor, Great University: Specifically for students from Evanston and Chicago high schools, awards range from $1,000 – $5,500.
4. QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship: Partnering with QuestBridge, Northwestern offers scholarships to low-income, academically talented students.
5. Chicago Star Scholarship: For students transferring from City Colleges of Chicago, the scholarship amount is need-based.
6. Native American and Indigenous Studies Scholarship: New from the 2023-2024 academic year, it focuses on students committed to Native American and Indigenous issues.

Average Scholarships by Family Income:

• Income $0 – $29,999: 96% receive aid, Avg. $65,216
• Income $30,000 – $59,999: 95% receive aid, Avg. $67,118
• Income $60,000 – $89,999: 93% receive aid, Avg. $63,113
• Income $90,000 – $119,999: 91% receive aid, Avg. $55,875
• Income $120,000 – $149,999: 88% receive aid, Avg. $48,328
• Income $150,000 or more: 42% receive aid, Avg. $31,378

Note: These figures are averages, and other scholarships and grants may add to these amounts.

Top Undergraduate Programs at Northwestern University