Formerly known as "alumni conversations," alumni ’Cat Chats are an opportunity to learn more about Northwestern via diverse alumni perspectives—a great chance to hear from people who know this place best and see what we mean by “Purple Pride.” In these settings, you’ll steer the discussion toward connections and topics that matter most to you: maybe you want to connect with someone who comes from the same part of the world as you do. Or you may be looking for perspectives on academic or career interests from a Northwestern graduate with expertise in those areas. Or perhaps you want to learn about campus experiences related to an identity or background. These one-on-one conversations are designed to enhance your college search as you seek authentic insights into a best-fit community.
Note: Alumni ’Cat Chats are available to students before they apply and are entirely optional—simply another avenue to explore what makes Northwestern special. Students who do not pursue an alumni ’Cat Chats are at no disadvantage in the admission process.
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While we no longer offer alumni interviews, applicants looking to add a more candid voice to their application can visit our Application Materials page to learn more about optional video submissions.
Prospective seniors who have not yet applied can register for an alumni ’Cat Chats here. Interested students can still pursue ’Cat Chats with current undergraduate students here.
Alumni conversations are conducted by members of the Alumni Admission Council (AAC), volunteers from all over the world. Conversations are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and due to volunteer capacity, we cannot guarantee every student who submits a conversation request will receive one. All AAC members undergo comprehensive training and sign a Volunteer Code of Conduct prior to meeting with students.
When requesting a conversation, students can indicate a preference for meeting with a member of one of our alumni Affinity and Special Interest Groups (ASIGs), or they can indicate a preference in meeting with a local alum in their area. Students may indicate up to three preferences on their request form–while we will do our best to pair students with alumni who satisfy multiple interests, students who indicate more than one preference may be contacted by more than one volunteer. In addition to alumni from the (100+) regional groups, students may request conversations with members of:
Asian, Pacific Islander, Desi American (APIDA) Affinity Group
Black Affinity Group
Latinx Affinity Group
LGBTQ+ Affinity Group
Native/Indigenous Affinity Group
First Generation/Low-Income (FGLI) Affinity Group
International Affinity Group
Rural Affinity Group
Pre-Business Special Interest Group
Pre-Health Special Interest Group
Pre-Law Special Interest Group
Engineering Special Interest Group
Media/Entertainment Special Interest Group
Education/Non-Profit Special Interest Group
Alumni ’Cat Chats are available to prospective students beforethey submit their application to Northwestern. In the Fall (September through December), conversations are only available to first-semester seniors. In the Winter (January through March), conversations are only available to second-semester juniors. In the Spring (April through May), admitted seniorscan request conversations as well as second-semester juniors. Chat requests with Affinity and Special Interest Groups are open to all eligible students.
Applicants interested in connecting with a Northwestern student are encouraged to pursue our ’Cat Chats: Meet with a Student program.
Since prospective students and the ASIG members with whom they are assigned may not live in the same place, alumni conversations will take place virtually by default. However, if both the alumni and student do live in the same area and both parties are comfortable with it, conversations may take place in-person at an agreed upon location. Conversations should typically last around 30 minutes.
Alumni ’Cat Chat coordinators will match students requesting a conversation with volunteers as space permits. Once you are paired with an alum, that volunteer will contact you directly via email to set up a mutually convenient time/location for the conversation. If you have concerns about internet access or technology availability, please communicate that with your assigned volunteer. You may also contact aac@u.northwestern.edu for additional support in coordinating your conversations.
The conversation itself is just that: a two-way exchange between you and the alum. The conversation is not an evaluation of your admissibility to Northwestern. No need to prepare a resume or any other documents for your conversation, and feel free to dress comfortably.
While alumni may ask you some basic questions about your background and interest in Northwestern, the conversation is really about learning how a Northwestern education and the relationships students build here prepare them for success both on campus and beyond, personally and professionally. If you have questions about your assigned volunteer’s time at Northwestern, their professional path afterwards, and how the connections they made continue to affect their life, be sure to ask—our volunteers would love to share!