How to get into Northwestern University

How to get into Northwestern: ED, Medill, and the quarter system

7.7%

Acceptance rate

$68,322

In-state cost

What makes Northwestern University admissions different

Northwestern is one of the most ED-friendly top schools — roughly half the class fills in Early Decision. The school admits to specific colleges (Weinberg, McCormick, Medill, School of Communication, Bienen School of Music) and demonstrated interest plus program fit matter heavily. Medill (journalism) is particularly competitive and rewards specific journalism experience.

What an actually competitive application looks like

  1. 1.

    Apply Early Decision if Northwestern is your top choice. Roughly 25% ED acceptance vs 7% RD.

  2. 2.

    Show program-specific evidence: Medill applicants need real writing/journalism work, McCormick (engineering) needs build/research, School of Communication needs theatre/film/communication experience.

  3. 3.

    Reference Northwestern's quarter system and how it fits your interests — typically lets students take more courses across more departments.

  4. 4.

    Maintain 3.9+ GPA, 1500+ SAT / 33+ ACT.

  5. 5.

    Visit if you can; Northwestern tracks demonstrated interest more than many top schools.

Common mistakes that hurt applicants here

  • ✕

    Generic supplements. Northwestern is one of the schools where 'why us' has to be school-specific.

  • ✕

    Underestimating Medill's selectivity. It's effectively a top-10% acceptance rate within an already-selective school.

  • ✕

    Skipping ED if you can commit. Northwestern's ED is one of the biggest lever for admission.

If you're on the bubble

Northwestern's ED2 (yes, they have one) is another lever. If your top choice falls through in ED1 elsewhere, ED2 at Northwestern in January is a strong play. Stat band: applicants at the median have real chances ED, less so RD.

Next steps

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Last updated: November 2025. Acceptance rate and cost data refreshed nightly from college reporting.

KidToCollege is free to use and editorially independent. Data sourced from public records including IPEDS, Common Data Sets, College Board and FAFSA.gov. Always verify deadlines and requirements directly with institutions. Not a guarantee of admission or financial aid.