Northwestern Admission Requirements

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Northwestern is 7.2%.  Its admission rate is the 2nd lowest in Illinois and the 16th lowest the nation.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into Northwestern and can you get accepted?

Northwestern is an extremely competitive school to get into and is highly selective who it accepts. You have a very low chance of acceptance even even if you meet the admission criteria. It's critical that you meet their GPA requirements to get past the first round of consideration. Last year, only 3,703 out of the 51,769 who applied were admitted.

Northwestern University typically accepts and attracts "A-" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.92. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top ten percent of their high school class or better. Of those applicants who were admitted, 57% enrolled. This indicates that the school is a top choice for many students who apply.

Can you get into Northwestern?

7% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.

Admission Requirements in Brief

To have the best chance of getting into to Northwestern University you should:

• Have a high school GPA of 3.92 or better
• Earn A- grades in high school
• Score 1530 on the SAT
• Score 34 on the ACT
• Graduate in the top 10% of your high school class

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

What GPA do you need to get into Northwestern University?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into Northwestern are to have around a 3.92 high school GPA. You are required to have exceptionally good grades and you should be graduating near the top of your class.

Given the school's very highly selective admissions, acceptance at Northwestern extremely difficult and unlikely even with a 3.92 GPA. The school should be considered a reach even if you have a 3.92 GPA. If your grades do not meet the GPA requirements, you will have very little chance of being considered for admission.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at Northwestern is 3.92 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn A- letter grades and regularly score around 90-92 percent on tests and assignments in high school.  The school ranks #3 in Illinois for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since Northwestern is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.9 GPA range.

*This school has not published high school GPA data for its incoming freshman class. In these cases, CollegeSimply uses an algorithm to predict GPA based on this school's test scores and a large sample of college GPA data. 3.92 is a prediction of the school's average incoming freshman GPA.

Testing Requirements

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Northwestern University. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 50% of students submitted SAT scores and 29% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Scores you need to get in

What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Northwestern University?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at Northwestern is 1530 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 1490-1560. Students who get into Northwestern University score in the top 1 percent of all SAT test takers..  Northwestern ranks #2 in the state of Illinois and #18 in the nation for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 1530 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. Northwestern regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 1490 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 1490, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 1450, but scores this low are outside the normal range.

Score Submission Requirements

Northwestern University is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

View other colleges which accept students in the 1530 SAT score range.

Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1525, you have around a 7% chance of being admitted. A 1560 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 13% chance of getting in.

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Scores needed to get accepted

What are the ACT requirements for students to get into Northwestern?

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to Northwestern is 34, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 33 and 35.  The school ranks #2 in Illinois and #11 in the U.S. for highest average ACT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 34. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 33 and score in the score in the top 2 percent nationally.

29 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Northwestern University.

Score Submission Requirements

You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Northwestern University is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements

Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

Here are your predicted chances of getting into Northwestern for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 34 score has around 7% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 13% with a 35 ACT score.

High School Class Rank

95% of Northwestern University freshman are in the top ten percent of their high school graduating class. For your application to be competitive, you need to graduate at the top of your class.

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

Fall 2025 Application Deadline

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Northwestern University is $75.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Northwestern University and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Credits Accepted

Admission Requirements Summary

Because Northwestern is extremely competitive, you have a very low likelihood of acceptance. It is critical that you earn at least a 3.92 GPA to have any chance. Additionally, you need to score at least a 1530 on the SAT and optimally 1560 to put yourself in a competitive position. For ACT scores, you should really strive for a 34 to have the best chance of getting in.