Frequently asked questions:
Applying internationally (continued)

May I apply and be admitted to Northwestern even though I plan to leave secondary school early?

A small number of applicants each year decide to leave their secondary school early for various reasons. Northwestern encourages all students to finish a program that will allow them to enter a university in their home country. Students who apply with partially completed academic programs are at a serious disadvantage in the admission process.

Do I have to take the SAT Reasoning Test (SAT I) or the ACT?

All applicants to Northwestern must take either the SAT Reasoning Test (SAT I) or the ACT with Writing. Northwestern understands that it may be difficult to take these tests in certain countries. However, any application submitted without these scores will not be considered complete.

Do I have to take the TOEFL? Which version? Is there a minimum score?

Most international applicants to Northwestern submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) to demonstrate their level of English proficiency. If you come from a country where English is the primary/official language and your schooling has been in English, you are not required to submit a TOEFL score. If you live in a non-English speaking country and your schooling (at least two years) has been in English, you are still required to submit a TOEFL score unless your score on the Critical Reading section of the SAT Reasoning Test is above 600. All other international applicants must submit a TOEFL score.

Northwestern will continue to accept the paper-and-computer based versions of the test until the Internet-based TOEFL (TOEFL iBT) is fully implemented and available to all countries. Northwestern does not accept scores from other English proficiency exams including the TOEFL Institutional Testing Program (ITP) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

There is no minimum score required by Northwestern. However, competitive applicants are expected to have a high level of English proficiency and typically score above 600 on the paper-based version, above 250 on the computer-based version, or above 100 on the Internet-based TOEFL.

Do I have to declare a major on the application and will declaring a major have an impact on my admission decision?

You must specify a major if you are applying to the School of Communication, the Medill School of Journalism, or the School of Music. If you are applying to the Judd A. and Marjorie Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Education and Social Policy, or the Robert R. McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science, you may select the undecided major. All applications are evaluated using the same criteria regardless of the applicant's chosen major.

For a list of majors, visit: http://www.ugadm.northwestern.edu/majors/

I've heard about Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management. Can I study business as an undergraduate?

Northwestern University does not offer an undergraduate major in business, management, commerce, marketing, finance, banking, or accounting. However, the Kellogg School of Management offers two certificate programs for undergraduates in Financial Economics and Managerial Analytics. These two programs are for students who wish to pursue a career in financial services or consulting, as well as those who plan to continue their education in law or business school. Interested students can apply for either program at the end of their sophomore year and must complete a series of prerequisite courses as well as other eligibility requirements. Visit http://www.kellogg.northwestern.edu/certificate/ for more information.

Northwestern also offers introductory courses in business finance, accounting and marketing, and a Business Institutions minor. For information on Pre-Business at Northwestern, visit: http://www.wcas.northwestern.edu/advising/prebus.html.

Northwestern undergraduate students interested in business often major in economics, mathematics, computer science, statistics, industrial engineering, communication studies, or organizational studies. Another popular option is a specialized program called Mathematical Methods in the Social Sciences, http://www.mmss.northwestern.edu/, a double major that combines rigorous study of quantitative methods with in-depth analysis of the social sciences.

Even though we do not have an undergraduate business major, graduates of Northwestern are heavily recruited by national and multi-national firms. They also meet with unusual success when applying to graduate and professional schools. Prior Northwestern students who have pursued an MBA find that these programs are looking for applicants with significant work experience and an expertise in something more than business.

Does Northwestern interview prospective students?

Interviews for Northwestern are conducted only by Northwestern alumni, are completely optional, and serve to help the admission staff learn more about an applicant. A student who does not interview is NOT at a disadvantage in the admission process. Alumni interviews are available in only a few locations outside of the United States. More information about alumni interviews will be sent to students after they have applied.

When should I expect to receive my admission decision and how will it arrive?

Your admission decision will arrive in early April by regular mail and by e-mail. The e-mail will direct you to a secured website where you can view your admission decision.

Will I be able to defer my admission to Northwestern because of my country's mandatory National Service or for another reason?

Northwestern is familiar with the National Service requirement that is compulsory in some countries. Admitted students who reserve a space in the class may defer admission to Northwestern in order to fulfill this duty. Requests for deferral due to National Service or for another reason must be made in writing to the Dean of Admission and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. When Northwestern offers a student deferral, it is with the understanding that they will not use this opportunity to enroll for academic credit at another post-secondary institution. Northwestern will not award credit for any course work done during the deferral period.

Will I receive credit for International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, and other exams?

Results of the Baccalaureate, Abitur, A-levels, and other university entrance examinations will be evaluated on an individual basis for the possible award of up to one full year of academic credit. Northwestern also awards credit in nearly all areas for Advanced Placement examination scores of 5 and for International Baccalaureate higher-level examination results of 5 or higher.

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