Admission Decisions

For the vast majority of our applicants, we review their candidacies without regard to how much financial aid they may need, and we can admit any student regardless of how high their demonstrated need. Applicants are encouraged to apply for financial aid; Northwestern's generous need-based aid program can assist in defraying the costs of your college education.

Given limited funding for non-citizens, international applicants requesting financial aid are evaluated as a separate group. Financial need is a consideration in the admission decision for international students. For more information, visit our International Student Aid page.

Admission to Northwestern is highly competitive. Approximately 7% of freshman applicants for the class of 2030 were admitted. Given the size and strength of our applicant pool, we can admit only a small percentage of candidates who are positioned as standouts in their high school and community settings via academic and extracurricular merits, character and demonstrated potential for impact. As such, we must identify the applicants whose sum of merits and vision for college signal they will make the most of the University's vast resources, thrive in our campus culture and enhance their communities at Northwestern and beyond.

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.

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.