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Home / Testbook US / Northwestern University Admissions

Northwestern Acceptance Rate, SAT, ACT & GPA

Last Updated on Feb 28, 2025
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Finding a way through the Northwestern University Admissions is a wish for most students because of its excellent academic status, state-of-the-art research facilities, and active campus life. Admission is very competitive, with an acceptance rate of only 7%. To gain admission, applicants must have a solid academic record, leadership experience, and strong personal accomplishments.

Northwestern has a holistic admissions process, taking into account multiple factors like SAT Exam and ACT scores, GPA, extracurricular activities, leadership positions, and essays. Northwestern is test-optional, but students who provide SAT scores (1500–1560) or ACT Exam scores (33–35) can make their applications stronger. A GPA of 3.7 to 4.0 is also strongly recommended for a competitive application.

🚀 Use Testbook’s SAT Score Calculator to Find Your SAT Scores! 

Did You Know? Fun Facts About Northwestern University

1️⃣ Northwestern’s Purple Pride! 💜 The school colors—purple and white—have been part of its identity since 1892.
2️⃣ A Hollywood Powerhouse! 🎬 Famous alumni include Meghan Markle, Stephen Colbert, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
3️⃣ A Journalism Giant! 📰 The Medill School of Journalism is one of the top journalism programs in the world.
4️⃣ Chicago’s Backyard! 🌆 Located just outside Chicago, Northwestern offers students access to a major global city.
5️⃣ Big Ten Athletics! 🏈 Northwestern is the only private university in the Big Ten Conference, competing at a high level in collegiate sports.

🚀 Check Admission Requirements of Top US Universities Accepting SAT & ACT!

Element

Details

College Name

Northwestern University

College Location

Evanston, Illinois

University Short Form

Northwestern (NU)

Acceptance Rate

7%

Early Decision Due

November 1

Regular Application Due

January 2

FAFSA Deadline

January 1

SAT Scores

1500–1560*

ACT Scores

33–35*

🚀 Also, Get to Know How to Send SAT Scores to Colleges?

Northwestern University Admission Requirements

Northwestern seeks academically excellent students with leadership potential who are passionate about their chosen field. Although test scores are optional, strong SAT or ACT scores can enhance an applicant’s chances. The university also values extracurricular involvement, community service, and leadership roles.

Requirement

Details

Application Platforms

Common Application, Coalition Application

SAT Score (Middle 50%)

1500–1560*

ACT Score (Middle 50%)

33–35*

GPA Requirement

3.7–4.0

Application Components

Letters of Recommendation, Personal Statement/Essay, Extracurricular Activities

Application Fee

$75

If you have strong SAT, ACT scores, and a solid GPA, you’ll have a competitive edge at Northwestern. However, a well-rounded application that showcases leadership, extracurriculars, and personal achievements can set you apart!

Northwestern SAT Scores

Although Northwestern is test-optional, submitting a good SAT score can boost your chances of admission. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1500 and 1560, so aiming for the higher end of that range will make your application more competitive.

Northwestern Average SAT Scores for Admitted Students

If you're aiming for Northwestern University, having a strong SAT score can give your application a competitive edge. While Northwestern takes a holistic approach to admissions, test scores still play a role—especially for highly selective programs. The Northwestern average SAT score for admitted students is around 1530, with most students scoring between 1500 and 1560. To maximize your chances, it's best to aim for the higher end of this range. Check out the breakdown of SAT scores below:

Section

Average

25th Percentile

75th Percentile

Math

770

750

790

Reading + Writing

760

740

780

Composite

1530

1500

1560

Students applying to competitive programs such as engineering, business, and science should aim for scores near the 75th percentile (1560). Those with lower scores should strengthen their application with extracurricular involvement, essays, and leadership roles.

📌 Know the SAT Test Dates and Deadlines: Check SAT Exam Calendar!

Northwestern SAT Scores Distribution

Scoring well on the SAT can boost your chances of getting into Northwestern University, where most admitted students have high scores. The Northwestern SAT score distribution shows that the middle 50% of students score between 1500 and 1560. Check out the breakdown below!

Percentile

SAT Score

25th

1500

50th (Median)

1530

75th

1560

📌 What is the SAT Calculator Policy? Read Here!

Northwestern University Schools That Consider SAT Scores

If you're aiming for Northwestern University, your SAT score range can play a big role, especially for certain competitive programs. While Northwestern is test-optional, some schools within the university may consider strong SAT scores during the admissions process. Here are a few:

  • Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences
  • McCormick School of Engineering
  • School of Communication
  • Bienen School of Music
  • Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications
  • School of Education and Social Policy

Aiming for the upper end of the SAT score range (1500–1560) can strengthen your application, especially for competitive majors! 

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Northwestern University ACT Score Requirements

A Northwestern ACT score between 33 and 35 makes you a competitive applicant. While there’s no official cutoff, scoring closer to 35 can give you an edge in the admissions process. Strong scores, along with a great GPA and extracurriculars, can boost your chances!

Northwestern Average ACT Scores for Admitted Students

A Northwestern average ACT score is 34, with most admitted students scoring between 33 and 35. A good ACT score for Northwestern is closer to 35, which makes your application more competitive. Strong academics and extracurriculars can further improve your chances!

ACT Percentile

ACT Score Range

25th Percentile

33

50th Percentile (Median)

34

75th Percentile

35

📌 Read ACT English Tips to Boost Your ACT English Scores!

Northwestern University GPA Requirement

Earning admission to Northwestern University means maintaining a high GPA, with the average at 3.9. This translates to mostly A’s in rigorous courses like AP, IB, or honors classes. A GPA between 3.7 and 4.0 keeps you competitive, but excelling in challenging coursework strengthens your application even more!

Northwestern Average GPA for Admitted Students

A strong academic record is key to getting into Northwestern University, where the Northwestern average GPA for admitted students is 3.9. Most successful applicants have a GPA between 3.7 and 4.0, showing excellence in challenging coursework like AP, IB, or honors classes.

GPA Percentile

GPA Range

25th Percentile

3.7

50th Percentile (Median)

3.9

75th Percentile

4.0+

While Northwestern does not have a strict minimum GPA, students with a GPA below 3.7 should compensate with strong test scores, extracurricular achievements, and compelling personal statements.

📌 Know the SAT Syllabus for SAT Sections here!

Northwestern Acceptance Rate

With a Northwestern acceptance rate of just 7%, admission is extremely competitive. Students need an exceptional academic record, with a high GPA, strong SAT or ACT scores, and impressive extracurriculars. A well-crafted personal statement can also make a big difference in standing out.

Northwestern University Acceptance Rate

Total Applicants

Admitted Students

Enrolled Students

7% (Highly Selective)

51,261

3,695

2,038

Northwestern’s competitive admissions process requires applicants to stand out with strong academics and extracurriculars.

📌 Find out How Long is the SAT?

Northwestern University Scholarships

Northwestern provides generous scholarships and financial aid to help students manage costs. From merit-based awards to need-based grants, there are plenty of opportunities to make a Northwestern education more affordable for deserving students.

Notable Northwestern Scholarships

  • Northwestern Scholarship (need-based)
  • Good Neighbor, Great University Scholarship (for Illinois residents)
  • National Merit Scholarships
  • School-Specific Scholarships (e.g., Journalism, Engineering, Business)

Many scholarships are automatically awarded based on academic performance, while others require a separate application.

📌 Also Read – What’s The Highest Possible SAT Score?

Northwestern University Superscoring Policy

Northwestern follows a SAT superscore and ACT superscore policy, which means they take your highest section scores across multiple test dates. This allows the applicants to display their best work, getting the maximum overall score for their effort and improving their application to this very competitive university.

📌 Know How to Reschedule the SAT and its deadlines!

Conclusion

Northwestern University is one of the most prestigious and selective schools in the U.S., so standing out in the admissions process takes more than just great grades. A strong GPA between 3.7 and 4.0, SAT scores in the 1500–1560 range, or ACT scores between 33 and 35 can boost your chances. But Northwestern also considers more than just academics, and it prizes leadership, extracurricular activities, and individual accomplishments. A strong essay and a well-rounded application can make a huge impact, so highlighting your own strengths and experiences is as important as boasting impressive test scores.

Colleges That Uses SAT Scores

Many prestigious colleges and universities in the U.S. require SAT scores as part of their admissions process. Below is a list of some of the top colleges and universities that use SAT scores for their admissions.

Check Colleges Accepting Low ACT Score

College Name

ACT Score

SAT Score

Texas Southern University

15–19*

820–980*

Tennessee State University

16–21*

890–1080*

Clark Atlanta University

17–20*

860–1053*

Keiser University

15–21*

Not available*

Barry University

16–20*

860–1062*

Colleges That Accept 1200 Score In SAT

University

ACT Score

SAT Score

Wayne State University Admissions

21–27*

940–1200*

Kean University Admissions

16–25*

910–1150*

Eastern Michigan University Admissions

18–26*

910–1150*

Lamar University Admissions

18–24*

910–1120*

Radford University Admissions

19–26*

950–1150*

Grand Valley State University Admissions

21–28*

950–1180*

Central Connecticut State University Admissions

16–27*

925–1140*

University Of Memphis Admissions

17–24*

930–1175*

Sam Houston State University Admissions

19–25*

950–1130*

Oakland University Admissions

20–27*

900–1150*

University Of North Florida Admissions

20–26*

1010–1200*

Northwestern University Admissions FAQs

No, Northwestern University is test-optional, meaning applicants are not required to submit SAT scores. However, submitting a strong SAT score (1500–1560) can enhance your application.

No, Northwestern does not require the SAT for admission. However, students who choose to submit their SAT scores can strengthen their application, especially if they score within or above the middle 50% range.

No, Northwestern is test-optional, so ACT scores are not required. However, a competitive ACT score between 33 and 35 can improve your chances of admission.

No, Northwestern does not require the ACT, but students can submit their scores if they believe it will enhance their application. A strong ACT score (33–35) can be beneficial.

Northwestern has an acceptance rate of just 7%, making it a highly selective university. Applicants need strong academic records and well-rounded extracurricular achievements to be competitive.

The average GPA of admitted students is 3.9, with most successful applicants having a GPA between 3.7 and 4.0. Taking challenging coursework, such as AP or IB classes, is also important.

Yes, Northwestern follows a SAT superscore and ACT superscore policy, meaning they consider your highest section scores across multiple test dates to give you the best possible composite score.

The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1500 and 1560 on the SAT. While Northwestern is test-optional, aiming for the higher end of this range can make your application more competitive.

A good ACT score for Northwestern falls between 33 and 35. Scoring closer to 35 increases your chances of admission, especially for competitive majors like engineering and journalism.

Yes, Northwestern provides merit-based and need-based scholarships to help students with tuition costs. Scholarships like the Northwestern Scholarship and National Merit Scholarships are available for eligible students.
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