Admissions Requirements

To apply, you must:

• Have a cumulative high school grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (B average or better)
• Have completed your junior year of high school by the date the program begins
• If you will complete your sophomore year by this date and feel sufficiently prepared for college-level work, you may submit an application for consideration

High school students may not register for Northwestern University classes unless they are enrolled in the College Preparation Program.

Application Checklist

Review application deadlines here.

U.S. Residents

• Complete online application
• 250 - 500 word personal statement (see below for prompt)*
• List of extracurricular activities*
• Official high school transcript
• Recommendation form from a teacher or counselor
• $50 nonrefundable application fee ($75 if you reside outside of the U.S)*

International Applicants (including those currently studying in the U.S.)

• Complete online application
• 250 - 500 word personal statement (see below for topics)*
• List of extracurricular activities*
• Official high school transcript (one copy in English and one in the language of origin)
• Recommendation form in a sealed envelope from a teacher or counselor
• $75 nonrefundable application fee ($50 if you reside within the U.S.)*
• TOEFL score report showing a minimum score of 100 (internet), 600 (paper), or 250 (electronic)

*submit with online application

Application Materials

Online Application

The online application site is hosted externally. You will leave the Northwestern hosted web pages when you enter the online application.

• College Prep Program Online Application

Personal Statement

You will submit your 250-500 word personal statement as part of the online application in response to the question:

• How would attending the College Preparation Program help you meet your future academic goals?

You will be evaluated on thequality of your writing, thoughtfulness and originality.

List of Extracurricular Activities

You will submit a list of your extracurricular activities (such as clubs, sports, interests, volunteer and employment experience) as part of the online application. On your activities list, please include the dates of involvement and any leadership roles you have held.

Official Transcript

Submit an official copy of your high school transcript as issued by your school’s registrar. Transcripts must bear the stamp, seal, or signature of a school official. International students must include two copies of their transcript, one in the language in which it was issued and one English translation, if needed. Transcript must be submitted in sealed envelopes.

Recommendation

Request that your guidance counselor or a teacher submit a recommendation form on your behalf. If you wish to take a science or math college credit course, your teacher in the related subject area should write your recommendation. Recommendation forms may be emailed directly by your recommender.

• Teacher/Counselor Recommendation Form

TOEFL Score Report

All international applicants must present sufficient evidence of the ability to speak, read and write English by submitting a TOEFL score report showing a minimum score of 100 (internet), 600 (paper), or 250 (electronic) to the College Prep Program office.

Application Fee

You will submit the nonrefundable application fee with your online application. The nonrefundable application fee is $50 if you reside within the U.S., and $75 if you reside outside of the U.S. Tuition scholarship applicants can apply for an application fee waiver. See the tuition and scholarships page for more information.

Mail official transcript and TOEFL score report to:

Northwestern University
The College Preparation Program
405 Church St.
Evanston, IL 60208-4220

It is your responsibility to ensure that all materials arrive by the appropriate deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.