Hey everyone! I'm a junior and I've been researching colleges lately. I'm interested in Northeastern University, but I'm not entirely sure about their admission requirements. Can someone help me understand what they're looking for in terms of GPA, standardized test scores, and extracurriculars?
Hey there! Northeastern University is a great school to consider, and I'd be happy to help break down their admission requirements for you.
GPA: Northeastern doesn't have a strict minimum GPA requirement, but their admitted students generally have strong academic records. The middle 50% of accepted students have a GPA ranging from around 4.2 to 4.6 on a weighted 4.0 scale. While there's no guarantee, aiming for a GPA within or above this range may improve your chances of admission.
Standardized Test Scores: Northeastern was test-optional for a few years due to COVID-19 policies but has returned to being test-flexible. This means that while you are encouraged to submit your SAT or ACT scores (if you have them), you can also submit AP, IB, or other equivalent scores in lieu of SAT or ACT scores. The middle 50% SAT score range for admitted students tends to fall between 1490 and 1540, and for the ACT, the range is between 32 and 35.
Extracurriculars: Northeastern is looking for students who have demonstrated significant involvement and leadership in extracurricular activities. While there's no set number of activities you need to participate in, many successful applicants to top colleges have 8-10 total extracurriculars, with a focus on quality over quantity. Aim for a mix of Tier 1-3 activities that showcase your passion and commitment to your interests. For example, you could hold a leadership position in a club, excel in a sport, or participate in regional, state, or national-level competitions.
Of course, these are just general guidelines. Northeastern uses a holistic review process, which means they'll consider your entire application, including your essays, letters of recommendation, and demonstrated interest, to make their decision. It's important to focus on crafting a well-rounded application that highlights your strengths, unique experiences, and what you would contribute to the Northeastern community.
Best of luck with your application process!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.