What are the requirements for Northwestern University?

As a junior, I’m starting my college search, and Northwestern University has really caught my attention. Could you let me know about the admission requirements? Is there any specific GPA or course requirements that I should be aware of? Thanks a bunch!

Northwestern University operates on a holistic admission process which considers a variety of factors, not exclusively GPA. That being said, the most successful applicants usually have a rigorous academic record and high GPA. Given the competitiveness of admissions, most admitted students have GPAs in the very top portion of their high school class.

As for course requirements, Northwestern does not have specific high school coursework that it requires. Rather, it expects applicants to have a broad and rigorous academic foundation. This generally translates to four years of English, math, and sciences, with a strong emphasis on writing, and a minimum of two years of social science and foreign language classes.

Highly selective universities including Northwestern also value AP or IB courses, as these demonstrate the ability of a student to perform at a college level. If these are offered at your school, it could be important to take a few, particularly in the areas of your academic interests.

Standardized tests are required at Northwestern. They require either the SAT or ACT. As of the 2024-2025 application cycle, Northwestern does still require these scores, so you'll want to plan to take one or both of these exams, and do your best to prepare to achieve high scores.

Extracurricular involvement is another significant aspect. Top colleges tend to look for students who have a "spike," meaning a deep involvement or achievement in one or two areas, rather than many different activities with little depth.

Letters of recommendation are also a required part of the application. Northwestern requires one from your counselor and one from a teacher. Making strong connections with these individuals can ensure they write compelling recommendations for you.

Finally, Northwestern requires a few essays as part of its application. The Common App personal statement is your chance to tell your unique story, while the "Why Northwestern" essay is your opportunity to show your interest in and knowledge about Northwestern specifically. Spend time crafting thoughtful, well-written essays, as these give admissions officers insight into who you are beyond your statistics.

Keep in mind that admission to Northwestern is highly competitive, and meeting these requirements doesn't guarantee admission but will definitely give you a strong footing in the application process. Good luck!