College Insight - Northwestern University

Northwestern University (NU) sits right on the shore of Lake Michigan. As you will see from the video filmed by a fourth-year NU student, Joshua Sukoff, the campus is stunning. The students are active and engaged and campus life is vibrant. It’s a sought-after college because of its stellar academics, Division 1 sports, R1 research, and active student body. The incoming class of 2028 had an acceptance rate of just 7.5%.

There are many positive aspects to an NU education, but there are other factors to consider:

Pros	Cons
NU is located in Evanston, Illinois, a college town that borders Chicago on the north. Flying into Chicago Ohare, one of the most connected airports in the country, is convenient, and public transportation from the airport is easy and inexpensive.	The weather! While spring and autumn can be glorious, the winters are rough! They don't call Chicago the Windy City for nothing. When the wind blows off of the lake in January it can be brutal. Summers can be the dreaded HH&H—hazy, hot, and humid.
Students can study disparate subjects. Double majoring in, say, Theater and Economics is not unheard of. There's even a Combined Music and Engineering program—a terrific option for students who want to continue their love of music while reassuring their parents that they'll be gainfully employed after graduation.	For some students the constant pressure to do more can be a bit much. It's a "hustle culture" school which can motivate some students but intimidate the more laidback.
NU operates on the quarter system. Students generally take four courses during the autumn, winter, and spring quarters, for a total of 12 courses a year instead of most other universities' eight to ten a year. More courses can enable students to double major or take two minors.	The quarter system makes for a very quick pace. Students often feel that as soon as one set of midterm exams is over the next one begins. The spring quarter ends in June which can be difficult to get any downtime before summer internships begin. A student might finish finals on Friday and have to start working that next Monday.
NU is one of the most expensive colleges in the country. The total Cost of Attendance (COA) for the academic year 2024-2025 is a whopping US$89,448!	NU can be very generous with financial aid. Keep in mind that it does not grant merit awards. Unless you can show financial need, your family will pay full freight.
The student body is very active and engaged. These kids are busy!	All of that activity and engagement can create a competitive environment. Spaces are limited at some of the more popular clubs, business fraternities, and organizations. Rest assured, there are still plenty of activities that are open to all.

Application Tips

• Apply to the school, not the major. There are six undergraduate schools within the university:

1. Weinberg College of Arts & Science

2. School of Communications

3. Bienen School of Music

4. McCormick School of Engineering & Applied Science

5. Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications

6. School of Education & Social Policy (SESP)

Students can complete majors in two different schools.

• The "Why Us" essay is an essential part of your NU application.

• The Early Decision acceptance rate is over 20% and about 30% of the class is admitted early. Think about how to use this in your application strategy.

To learn how The Application Coach can coach you to craft a compelling "Why Us" essay or use Early Decision to your advantage schedule a free 30-minute Discovery Call.

Please note that I am not an unbiased observer of Northwestern University (NU). I am the proud mom of an NU rising-senior economics and geography major. And, I spent two years on campus as a student at NU's Kellogg Gradate School of Managment (MBA). I tried not to let my school pride get in the way of giving you an honest assessment.

Also note that my status as an NU alumna and parent does not afford me any sway with NU Admissions nor at any other college or university.