
QuestBridge Applicants
Students applying as QuestBridge Scholars
Track key dates for your application type.
Your deadlines will vary depending on your application round at Northwestern: QuestBridge, Early Decision, Regular Decision, or Transfer.
| QuestBridge Applicant | Early Decision First-Year Applicant | Regular Decision First-Year Applicant | Early Decision Transfer Applicant | Regular Decision Transfer Applicant | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application Due Date | September 30, 2025 | November 1, 2025 | January 2, 2026 | March 2, 2026* | April 1, 2026* | 
| Financial Aid Due Date | September 30, 2025 | December 1, 2025 | February 1, 2026 | March 2, 2026 | April 1, 2026 | 
| Decision Release | December 2025 | December 2025 | March 2026 | Early April 2026 | Mid- to late-May 2026 | 
*Note: The priority deadline for all Bienen School of Music transfer applicants is January 15, 2026. For more information about important dates, including audition schedules, please see Bienen's Undergraduate Application Timeline.

Additional guidance based on your background(s).

Students applying as QuestBridge Scholars

Students with citizenship outside the United States

Students applying to transfer from a 2- or 4-year post-secondary institution

Students who identify as first-generation college-going and/or low-income

Students from rural or small-town communities

Students attending a public secondary school in Chicago or Evanston

Students identifying as undocumented and/or DACA

Students affiliated with the military community

Students who were homeschooled all or some of their high-school years
Read our advice on developing a foundation that will help you in college (and beyond!).

Learn about how we consider “fit” in the admission process.

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Browse our YouTube series where Northwestern representatives share insights on various aspects of the college admission process.