UNIVERSITY · CDS 2024-2025
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL 9,035 undergrad Updated 2026-04-22
Top 10Journalism + Engineering
Accept
7.7%
Yield
55.3%
Test
Optional
Academic Profile · CDS C9 / C11
The numbers a parent will ask about first.
SAT Total (mid 50%, computed)
1510–1570
SAT EBRW (mid 50%)
740–770
SAT Math (mid 50%)
770–800
ACT Composite (mid 50%)
34–35
GPA
Not reported
GPA NOTESchool does not report GPA.
METHODTotal SAT range is computed by summing the reported EBRW and Math mid-50% ranges from the school’s CDS (Section C9). Use as an approximation — a student’s actual total places them within, not at, the summed endpoints.
Decision Plans · CDS C1 / C21
When and how the school reads applicants.
| Plan | Deadline | Accept rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ED | Nov 1 | 23.0% | ED: Nov 1, ~23% accept |
| RD | Jan 1 | — | RD: Jan 1, NR |
Cost & Aid · CDS H Series
What it costs and what families actually pay.
Tuition
$69,375
Total COA
$96,236
Avg need-based aid
$66,133
Avg merit award
$101,178
Net price after avg need aid
$30,103
Northwestern meets 100% of demonstrated need on average.
AP Impact Calculator
What the student's APs are actually worth here.
Northwestern's AP Policy
Northwestern awards credit for AP scores of 4 or 5, with the amount of credit varying by exam. A maximum of 15 units of credit from AP and IB exams may be applied toward the degree.
Min score
4
Credit cap
15 credits
Mode
Credit + placement
Per-score grid
Exam-level
Add the student's APs
No APs selected. Click Add AP exam to start, or use the sample profile to see what a strong student might recover.
What They Value · CDS C7
Every CDS factor, weighted exactly as the admissions office files it.
- Rigor of secondary school recordVery Important
- Class rankVery Important
- Academic GPAVery Important
- Standardized test scoresConsidered
- Application EssayVery Important
- RecommendationVery Important
Mission & Narrative
What this school says it is — in their own words.
Northwestern is committed to excellent teaching, innovative research and the personal and intellectual growth of its students in a diverse academic community.
Distilled Themes
Excellent teachingInnovative researchPersonal and intellectual growthDiverse academic community
The Coach's Read
What 'what they value' actually means at the table.
- 01Northwestern seeks students who are not only academically gifted but also intellectually curious and engaged in the world around them.
- 02They value students who have demonstrated a commitment to their passions and who will contribute to the vibrant and collaborative campus community.
- 03A strong sense of personal character and a desire to make a positive impact are highly valued.
Application Targets
What a strong application here should signal.
- 01Demonstrate a deep and sustained commitment to a few extracurricular activities, rather than superficial involvement in many.
- 02Write a compelling and personal essay that showcases your unique voice and perspective.
- 03Secure strong letters of recommendation from teachers who know you well and can speak to your academic and personal qualities.
Quiet Disqualifiers
Things that hurt applicants here, even when they look fine on paper.
- Essays that are generic and could be submitted to any top university
- A lack of demonstrated interest in Northwestern's specific programs and opportunities
- An application that focuses solely on academics without showcasing personal qualities and extracurricular involvement
Signature Programs
Where this school is genuinely best-in-class.
Journalism (Medill)TheatreEconomicsEngineering (McCormick)Materials Science
Application calendar
Every date the family needs to know.
Deadlines & Decision Dates · 2025-2026
Family deadline matrix
Plan
Deadline
Decision release
Early Decision I
Binding
Nov 1, 2025
→ Dec 15, 2025
Regular Decision
Non-binding
Jan 2, 2026
→ Mar 31, 2026
Early Decision II
Not offered
—
Early Action
Not offered
—
Restrictive Early Action
Not offered
—
Rolling Admission
Not offered
—
See every school side-by-side on the Deadline Tracker →
CDS C7 · Level of applicant's interest
Does effort toward this school move the needle?
Demonstrated Interest·CDS C7 (2024-2025)
TrackedWeight: Considered
Northwestern considers applicant interest, tracking campus visits and information sessions, though it's not a primary admissions factor.
What they watch
- Campus visit
- Virtual info session
Coach action
Attend a virtual or on-campus information session to demonstrate interest.
Provenance