Applying to Northwestern

Find important dates, deadlines and more.

For more information about the application process, visit the Apply section on the Undergraduate Admissions site or contact a CLAVE coordinator with your questions.

Early Decision deadlines

October: Last date for standardized tests (SAT and/or ACT); plan college visits and campus tours
November 1: Applications are due
November 15: Music applicants auditions must be scheduled
December 1: Completed CSS Financial Aid Profile is due
Mid-December: Admission decisions are made
February 1: Nonrefundable tuition deposit is due
February 15: Completed FAFSA online form is due
March 5: Submit tax materials to College Board's IDOC Service

Regular Decision deadlines

November: Last date for standardized tests (SAT and/or ACT); plan college visits and campus tours
January 3: Applications are due
February 1: Music applicants auditions must be scheduled
February 15: Completed FAFSA online form and CSS Financial Aid Profile are due
March 5: Submit tax materials to College Board's IDOC Service
Early April: Admission decisions are made
May 1: Nonrefundable tuition deposit is due

What is Early Decision?

If you are certain that Northwestern is where you want to enroll, we encourage you to apply under our Early Decision plan. As with all traditional Early Decision plans, you agree to withdraw all applications at other colleges and enroll at Northwestern if admitted. Applicants who choose Early Decision send a strong, positive message to Northwestern.

If you are admitted under Early Decision and apply for financial aid, you will be notified of your aid decision around the time of your acceptance, provided your family has filed the College Scholarship Service Financial Aid Profile (CSS Profile) by December 1. Students admitted under Early Decision may be released from the commitment to enroll at Northwestern only for demonstrated financial hardship.