Northwestern University Acceptance Rate, GPA, Admission Requirements

Northwestern University Acceptance Rate, GPA, Admission Requirements. The Northwestern acceptance rate is 7.2%, making it one of the most competitive universities in the world. Acceptance rate is generally an indication of how competitive a school is, but it is also an indication of how popular a school is. 

Students that get into Northwestern have an average SAT score between 1470-1570 or an average ACT score of 34-35. Admissions officials at Northwestern University consider a student’s GPA a very important academic factor. 

Application Deadlines at Northwestern University

• Undergraduate Admissions Application

What is Northwestern University’s Acceptance Rate?

In the latest admissions cycle, the Northwestern University acceptance rate stood at a notably competitive 7.2%, maintaining the same rate as the previous year for the Class of 2026. Half the applicants admitted to Northwestern University who submitted test scores have an SAT score between 1490 and 1570 or an ACT score of 33 and 35. However, one quarter of admitted applicants achieved scores above these ranges and one quarter scored below these ranges. 

How Hard Is It To Get Into Northwestern University?

It is extremely difficult to get accepted to Northwestern. The grade point average of people who get accepted to Northwestern are in the top of their class. People who successfully get into Northwestern also tend to have impressive  extracurricular activities and college applications essays.

GPA Requirements To Get Into Northwestern University

The recommended GPA requirements to get into Northwestern are between 3.9 and 4.0. You will need an incredibly high GPA and will likely be graduating at the top of their class in order to get into Northwestern. If your GPA is lower than suggested at the time you apply, you may have to perform above average on your standardized tests.

Admission requirements Northwestern University

The consistent low acceptance rate at Northwestern mirrors a broader trend seen across many elite universities nationwide, where admissions have become increasingly selective.

First-Year Applicants, Early Decision and Regular Decision

Early action applicants don’t have to commit if accepted. Students can apply Early Action to more than one college.

• Official secondary school transcript and school report
• Counselor recommendation
• At least one teacher recommendation
• Common Application or Apply Coalition with Scoir*
• Northwestern supplement, (with additional writing supplements)
• Early Decision Agreement (for Early Decision applicants)
• Official proof of English language proficiency (for applicants whose first/primary language is not English or whose secondary schooling has not been in English)
  • Accepted English proficiency exams:Duolingo English Test (DET)
  • IELTS, including IELTS Indicator
  • TOEFL iBT, including TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition but not TOEFL ITP Plus for China Solution
• Non-refundable $75 application fee or fee waiver.

Optional requirements

• SAT and/or ACT scores
• Program-specific applications/materials for applicants to:Bienen School of Music
  • Integrated Science Program (ISP).
  • Mathematical Methods in the Social Sciences (MMSS).
  • School of Communication Musical Theatre Certificate Program.

Transfer Applicants Northwestern University

• Non-refundable $75 application fee or fee waiver.
• Common Application or Apply Coalition with Scoir (including Northwestern supplement).
• Official university transcript(s) from all universities attended, must demonstrate at least one year of full-time undergraduate study
• College report.
• Academic evaluation.
• Official secondary school transcript noting graduation.

SAT Requirements To Get Into Northwestern

The recommended SAT requirements to get into Northwestern are a 1400 to 1600 composite score, combining the reading and writing, and math sections together. If you’re submitting scores (more on that below), you will need a very strong SAT score in order to get into Northwestern. If your SAT is lower than suggested, you may have to perform above average on your other standardized tests or have spectacular extracurricular engagement to compensate.

ACT Requirements To Get Into Northwestern University

The recommended ACT requirements for Northwestern are a 32 composite score combining all English, mathematics, reading, and science sections. If submitting, you will need an incredibly high ACT score in order to get into Northwestern University. If your ACT wasn’t as high as you’d like because of difficulties or hardship, you should consider writing about it in your additional information section.

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