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Frequently asked questions

Applying

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• Freshman application
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Applying as a freshman

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Once you have applied for freshman admission, you can check which of your materials has been processed at Applicant Services.

Because of the large volume of mail we receive it may take many days to process materials, particularly around application deadlines. If you are concerned that we may not have received a portion of your application, please call 847-491-7271 and ask to speak with the Service Desk.

Application methods

Both the Common Application and the Northwestern Supplement are required for your application to be considered complete.

There are two ways for you to apply for admission: apply online or use paper forms. Keep in mind, both the Common Application and Northwestern Supplement must be submitted in the same format, i.e., if you complete the Common Application online, complete the Northwestern Supplement online; if you complete the Common Application on paper, complete the Northwestern Supplement on paper and submit both application forms by mail, preferably in the same envelope.

• Apply online
  Both the Common Application and the Northwestern Supplement can be found at www.commonapp.org. You must create an account through the Common Application web site before starting the application.
  
  
• Apply on paper
  PDF files can be downloaded onto your computer to print out and complete by hand, then submit by mail. Adobe Reader is required to view these files.
  • Application booklet (pdf)
    Includes instructions, the Common Application, the Northwestern Supplement, HPME application request card, and supplemental forms
  • Instructions (pdf)
  • Common Application (pdf)
  • Northwestern Supplement (pdf)
  • Honors Program in Medical Education (HPME) Application Request Card (pdf)
    • Students interested in the HPME must submit card by December 1.
    • Applicants must fill out and mail the Application Request Card to the Office of Undergraduate Admission.
    • All HPME applicants must apply under the Regular Decision option.

Supplemental forms

An application is not considered complete until we receive the necessary supplemental forms. After downloading and printing these forms, please give them to the appropriate parties for completion before returning them to the Office of Undergraduate Admission. Northwestern also accepts supplemental forms provided on the Common Application web site. Adobe Reader is required to view these files.

• Secondary School Report (pdf) - required of all freshman applicants
• Midyear Report (pdf) - required of all Regular Decision freshman applicants
• Teacher Evaluation (pdf) - at least one evaluation is required
• Early Decision Agreement (pdf) - required of Early Decision applicants only
• International Supplement to the Secondary School Report (pdf) - required of international applicants only
• Honors Program in Medical Education (HPME) Application Request Card (pdf)
  • Students interested in the HPME must submit card by December 1.
  • Applicants must fill out and mail the Application Request Card to the Office of Undergraduate Admission.
  • All HPME applicants must apply under the Regular Decision option.

Mailing

If you plan to apply using the paper versions of the Common Application and the Northwestern Supplement, mail copies of your completed Common Application and Northwestern Supplement, as well as any supplemental forms, to:

Office of Undergraduate Admission
Northwestern University
P.O. Box 3060
Evanston, Illinois 60204-3060

For express deliveries requiring a street address, you can send materials to:

Office of Undergraduate Admission
Northwestern University
1801 Hinman Avenue
Evanston, Illinois 60208-1260

Applicant services

If you have sent in your application to Northwestern, you can check to see what has been recorded, and if it is complete.

> Frequently asked questions

Freshman Application

Deadlines indicate done or sent/postmarked dates.

Early Decision
Fall 2009 deadline:

November 1, 2008

Regular Decision
Fall 2009 deadline:

January 1, 2009