西北大学 FAQs

How important is my secondary school transcript?

The evaluation of your secondary school transcript is an important part of the admission process. We are not simply looking for high grades; the strength of your academic program is also considered. In addition, the admission committee makes note of any accelerated, honors, or Advanced Placement courses taken.

Every secondary school is different in its level of competitiveness and in the range of courses offered. These factors are also considered when admission decisions are rendered.

What classes do you recommend I take in preparation for Northwestern?

The Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, the Medill School of Journalism, the School of Education and Social Policy, the Bienen School of Music, and the School of Communication recommend that entering students complete a minimum of 16 courses (most applicants present more) in the following academic areas:

English: 4 full-year courses

Foreign language: a minimum of 2 full-year courses of one foreign language

History and social science: a minimum of 2 full-year courses

Laboratory science: a minimum of 2 full-year courses

Mathematics: a minimum of 3 full-year courses

Additional subjects: 1-3 full-year courses in the academic areas listed above

The McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science encourages strong preparation in mathematics and science. Recommended coursework includes:

English: 4 full-year courses

Laboratory science: a minimum of 3 full-year courses; chemistry and physics preferred

Mathematics: 3.5-4 full-year courses; calculus preferred, if available; the minimum requirement includes 2 full-year courses of algebra, 1 full-year course of plane geometry, and 1 semester of trigonometry

Additional subjects: 5-6 full-year courses; these should include courses in foreign language, history, and social sciences

Will I receive credit for Advanced Placement and/or International Baccalaureate exams? What about classes taken at other colleges?

Northwestern awards credit in nearly all areas for Advanced Placement (AP) examination scores of "5" and for International Baccalaureate (IB) higher-level examination results of "5" or higher. In some circumstances, credits taken at other universities can also be applied towards a Northwestern degree. Please refer to our credits page for more detailed information.

What other factors do you consider in making an admission decision?

Each application is reviewed carefully by several members of our admission committee. Seeking information beyond school transcripts and test scores; we take into account your involvement outside the classroom as profiled in an activity chart, and read your essays to get a better sense of your interests, thought processes, and writing ability. Recommendations from secondary school teachers and counselors add additional perspective to your achievements.

Are interviews required for admission?

Admission interviews are not required and are an optional addition to your application for admission. All interviews are conducted off-campus by Northwestern's regional Alumni Association Admission Council (AAC), situated throughout the United States and abroad.

Alumni admission interviews provide applicants with an opportunity to learn about the Northwestern student experience through an alumna/us perspective. Given the limited availability of alumni interviews, only a very small percentage of our applicants are ultimately able to schedule an appointment. Interviews are not a significant component of the application, therefore applicants who are unable or choose not to interview are not at a disadvantage in the admission process. Learn more about alumni interviews.

Does Northwestern accept supplemental materials?

Unsolicited items, such as artwork, portfolios, recordings (CDs, DVDs, etc.), and websites (including social media) will not be reviewed. 

Who needs to take the SAT Reasoning Test and/or ACT with writing?

All freshman applicants will be required to submit results from one of the two tests.

Does Northwestern require the optional writing portion of the ACT?

Yes.

Does Northwestern prefer to receive results from one test rather than the other?

No. Results from either the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT with writing or both can be submitted to Northwestern as part of an applicant's record.

Will Northwestern receive my test scores automatically?

No. Students must request that scores be sent officially to Northwestern. The Northwestern SAT Reasoning Test code is 1565; the ACT code is 1106.

Does Northwestern require results from SAT Subject Tests?

Northwestern recommends that all applicants take two SAT Subject Tests but requires scores from SAT Subject Tests only for applicants to the Honors Program in Medical Education (HPME), the Integrated Science Program (ISP), and applicants who have been home-schooled. See the chart below for specific exam requirements for these special programs.

Required SAT Subject Tests

In addition to SAT Reasoning Test or ACT with writing results, the following SAT Subject Tests are required of freshmen applicants who fall into these categories:

Do Illinois residents who have taken the Prairie State Exam which includes the ACT with writing need to take a separate ACT with writing to apply as a freshman?

We accept the Prairie State Exam for those applicants who took the test prior to 2012 when a writing section was included.  Applicants who have taken the Prarie State Exam since the writing section was dropped will need to submit either the ACT with writing or SAT exam results to fulfill the standardized test requirement.