Applying

Announcements and important information

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.

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 for Early Decision applicants
    • Online applicants:
      In most cases, the online Common Application allows you to complete and electronically submit an Early Decision Agreement form (located in the "Future Plans" section within the online Common Application). If you choose to mail in a paper version, your form must include all three written signatures (yours, your parent/guardian's, and high school counselor's) to be considered complete.
    • Paper applicants:
      Please enclose the Early Decision Agreement form (also included in our application booklet) with your mailed ED application. Your form must include all three written signatures (yours, your parent/guardian's, and high school counselor's) to be considered complete.
  • International Supplement to the Secondary School Report (pdf) - required of international applicants only
  • Honors Program in Medical Education (HPME) Application Request (pdf)
    • Students interested in the HPME must submit the application request form by December 1.
    • Applicants must fill out and mail the Application Request Form to the Office of Undergraduate Admission.
    • All HPME applicants may apply under the Regular Decision option only.

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

> Frequently asked questions

Freshman Application

Deadlines indicate done or sent/postmarked dates.

Early Decision
Fall 2010 deadline:

November 1, 2009

Regular Decision
Fall 2010 deadline:

January 1, 2010