Frequently asked questions:
Applying internationally

Does Northwestern limit the number of international students?

No. Northwestern seeks the most diverse student body possible and does not place limits on the number of students from any country or group of countries.

Is there a separate application process for international applicants?

No. International applicants follow the same application procedures as domestic applicants. International applicants are required to demonstrate English language proficiency and may be asked to submit the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination.

Does Northwestern accept the Common Application?

Yes, Northwestern accepts the Common Application for freshman and transfer applicants.

Can I apply for admission during any quarter? When are the deadlines for applying?

Applicants who need a visa to enter the United States must apply for fall quarter admission. Because there are long delays in international mail, Northwestern encourages applicants outside the continental United States to use the online version of the Common Application and to submit application materials early.

Application deadlines

Freshmen Deadline
Early decision November 1
Regular decision January 1
Transfer students May 1

How do I know if my application materials have been received?

If you are an early decision applicant, the Office of Admission will notify you in mid-November of any missing application materials. Regular decision applicants will be contacted in early February. If applying for transfer admission, please contact our Transfer Student Specialist at transfer@northwestern.edu with any status questions. Please feel free to call us with any questions at 847-491-7271. We look forward to receiving your application.

Does Northwestern accept documents in a language other than English?

No. All applicants with foreign academic credentials must provide Northwestern with certified English translations of their original transcripts. Applicants may use any transcript translation service including one in their home country. The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) maintains a list of some of the companies that will provide this service.

The questions on the NU application don't fit my educational system regarding grades, GPA, college counseling, type of curriculum, etc. What should I do?

The Office of Undergraduate Admission understands that applicants to Northwestern study in diverse educational systems. Indicate as best you can the information that the application requests. If you cannot find an appropriate place for the information, please submit it as additional information.

In my country/school system, we don't have time for extracurricular activities. Will this put me at a disadvantage in the application process?

Northwestern understands that students in some countries and school systems have restricted time for involvement beyond school work. We also know that the importance of these activities is seen differently in many parts of the world. Although this knowledge is taken into account, applicants are still expected to pursue activities (organized or unorganized) during their free time.

At my school, my teacher/counselor doesn't know me well. May I substitute a recommendation from a supervisor of an extracurricular activity, a coach, or a family friend?

Northwestern needs to have at least one reference from an academic source. Other recommendations may be submitted in addition to one that discusses classroom performance. The Office of Undergraduate Admission prefers that the number of submitted recommendations not exceed three.

Do I need to have my secondary school send a midyear report and/or a final report?

Regardless of your education system or timeline, you should have your secondary school submit information about your academic performance during the middle and at the end of your final year. In some cases, this will include predicted and final examination scores.

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Applying FAQ