Northwestern University is renowned for its academic rigor and selectivity, with an admission rate of just 7%. This low rate highlights the highly competitive nature of Northwestern’s admissions, indicating its place as one of the top universities in the country.
Offering an Early Decision program, Northwestern allows applicants who are certain of their first-choice preference to commit early, potentially boosting their chances of acceptance. This option demonstrates a student's commitment but is binding, as the university does not offer an Early Action alternative.
Though Northwestern no longer requires SAT or ACT scores as a mandatory part of the application process, those who submit them are encouraged to aim for a SAT score of 1500 or an ACT score of 35. These recommended scores can significantly strengthen a prospective student's application.
Recommended Score: 1500
| Score Type | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Total Score | 1470 | 1570 |
| Reading | 720 | 770 |
| Math | 750 | 800 |
At Northwestern University, the recommended SAT score for enhancing an application is 1500. The admitted students typically present SAT scores ranging from 1470 at the 25th percentile to 1570 at the 75th percentile, showcasing the high level of academic excellence expected at Northwestern.
Delving into specific sections, the SAT Reading scores for admitted students range from 720 at the 25th percentile to 770 at the 75th percentile. These scores reflect a strong ability in critical reading and analytical thinking, essential skills for succeeding in Northwestern’s challenging academic environment.
For the SAT Math section, scores among admitted students range from 750 at the 25th percentile to a perfect 800 at the 75th percentile. This indicates that a significant number of students demonstrate top-tier math skills, aligning with the university's rigorous standards in quantitative disciplines.
Applicants targeting Northwestern should consider these SAT scores as benchmarks for their preparation. Excelling in both reading and math can greatly enhance their chances of admission.
Although SAT scores are optional, achieving in the higher percentile ranges can be a significant asset for applicants, reflecting their preparedness for the diverse and challenging courses offered at Northwestern.
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Take a free practice testRecommended Score: 35
| Score Type | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Composite | 34 | 35 |
| English | 35 | 36 |
| Math | 32 | 35 |
| Writing | 8 | 10 |
Northwestern University recommends an ACT score of 35 for a competitive application. The ACT scores of admitted students range from 34 at the 25th percentile to 35 at the 75th percentile, illustrating the high academic qualifications of Northwestern’s student body.
In the ACT English section, scores of admitted students range from 35 at the 25th percentile to 36 at the 75th percentile, nearly perfect scores that highlight excellent command over language and grammar.
ACT Math scores vary from 32 at the 25th percentile to 35 at the 75th percentile among Northwestern admits, demonstrating robust mathematical abilities. These scores are indicative of students’ potential to succeed in technically demanding majors.
The ACT Writing section also sees scores between 8 and 10 for Northwestern admits, suggesting that successful applicants are capable of expressing complex ideas clearly and effectively, a crucial skill for academic success.
Like the SAT, submitting high ACT scores can significantly bolster an application, showcasing an applicant’s readiness for Northwestern’s rigorous and intellectually stimulating environment.
Overall Rating: Extremely Competitive
Here are the applicant and admissions numbers per year for Northwestern University:
Total Applicants: 47636
Acceptance Rate: 7%
Northwestern University’s competitive admissions process is exemplified by its low admission rate and the high standardized test scores of its admitted students. The SAT and ACT score ranges reflect the academic excellence that Northwestern seeks in its applicants.
The comprehensive analysis of both SAT and ACT scores helps prospective students gauge the level of preparation required for admission. While these scores are not mandatory, achieving high scores remains a strong indicator of a candidate’s capability and readiness for the challenges of Northwestern.