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International Applicants: Undergraduate Admissions - Northwestern University
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class="hide-label" for="q-faq">Search Frequently Asked Questions</label><input id="q-faq" name="search" placeholder="Search FAQs" type="text"/><button type="submit"><span class="hide-label">Search</span></button></form><div class="faq-results"></div><div class="expander expander1" data-collapse="persist" id="expander-7d57f5f5816977240fc53e9d906bf4fa"><h3 aria-controls="1-1" id="application-process">Is there a separate application process for international applicants?</h3><div aria-labelledby="application-process" id="1-1"><p>No, international applicants follow the same application procedures as domestic applicants.</p> <p>That said, any Northwestern applicant whose first/primary language is not English or whose secondary schooling has not been in English is required to submit proof of English proficiency. More information on accepted English proficiency exams can be found on Northwestern’s <a href="../../apply/requirements.html">application requirements page</a> and in the English proficiency FAQ below.</p></div><h3 aria-controls="1-2" id="application-deadline">Can I apply to start at Northwestern during any term?</h3><div aria-labelledby="application-deadline" id="1-2"><p>No, all applications to Northwestern are for a fall (September) quarter start.</p></div><h3 aria-controls="1-3" id="sat-act">Do I have to take the SAT and/or ACT?</h3><div aria-labelledby="sat-act" id="1-3"><p>Applicants may submit a score if they wish, but scores are not required. For more information, take a look at our <a href="../standardized-testing-policy/index.html">Testing Policy FAQs</a>.</p></div><h3 aria-controls="1-4" id="toefl-or-ielts">Do I need to demonstrate English proficiency? Is there a minimum score?</h3><div aria-labelledby="toefl-or-ielts" id="1-4"><p>An English proficiency score is required for applicants whose first/primary language is not English or whose secondary schooling has not been in English. English proficiency scores may not be self-reported; these must be submitted officially via the appropriate testing organization as part of the application.</p> <p>Northwestern accepts official results from the following exams:</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Duolingo English Test (DET)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.ielts.org/en-us" rel="noopener" target="_blank">IELTS</a>, including <a href="https://www.ieltsindicator.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">IELTS Indicator</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.ets.org/toefl" rel="noopener" target="_blank">TOEFL iBT, </a>including <a href="https://www.ets.org/s/cv/toefl/at-home/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition</a> but not TOEFL ITP Plus for China Solution</li> </ul> <p>While there is no minimum score required by Northwestern, competitive applicants demonstrate a high level of English proficiency and typically score in the high range on all sections of the exams we accept.</p> <p><strong>Note</strong>: Northwestern does not superscore English proficiency exams, and will not review TOEFL’s MyBest Scores.</p> <h6><em>Testing code</em></h6> <ul> <li>The Northwestern TOEFL code 1565.</li> </ul></div><h3 aria-controls="1-5" id="document-language">Can I submit documents in languages other than English?</h3><div aria-labelledby="document-language" id="1-5"><p>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 <a href="https://www.naces.org/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)</a> maintains a list of some of the companies that will provide this service. You may also connect with your local <a href="https://educationusa.state.gov/find-advising-center" rel="noopener" target="_blank">EducationUSA Advising Center</a> for support, including help finding local and affordable translation services.</p></div><h3 aria-controls="1-6" id="interviews">Do Northwestern applicants have to interview?</h3><div aria-labelledby="interviews" id="1-6"><p>Interviews are an optional addition to your application for admission and are conducted through <a href="https://initialview.com/home" rel="noopener" target="_blank">InitialView</a>. Applicants who are unable to or choose not to interview are not at a disadvantage in the admission process. That said, completed  interviews do provide the admission committee with additional perspective about your potential fit for Northwestern and will be considered as part of our holistic review.</p> <p>For more information, please visit our <a href="../../apply/requirements.html">Application Requirements</a> page.</p></div><h3 aria-controls="1-7" id="application-requests">How do I answer application questions that do not apply to my educational system?</h3><div aria-labelledby="application-requests" id="1-7"><p>The Office of Undergraduate Admission understands that applicants to Northwestern study in diverse educational systems. Indicate as best as you can the information that the application requests. If you cannot find an appropriate place for this information, please submit it as additional information in the Common Application or Coalition Application.</p></div><h3 aria-controls="1-8" id="extracurricular-activities">In my country/school system, we do not have time for extracurricular activities. Will this put me at a disadvantage in the application process?</h3><div aria-labelledby="extracurricular-activities" id="1-8"><p>Northwestern understands that students in some countries and school systems have restricted time for involvement beyond schoolwork. We also know that the importance of these activities is viewed differently in many parts of the world. Although this knowledge is taken into account, applicants are still highly encouraged to pursue activities (organized or unorganized) during their free time. The most competitive candidates for admission demonstrate achievement and engagement inside and outside the classroom.</p></div><h3 aria-controls="1-9" id="recommendation">My teacher/counselor does not know me well. May I substitute a recommendation from a supervisor of an extracurricular activity, a coach, or a family friend?</h3><div aria-labelledby="recommendation" id="1-9"><p>Northwestern requires one recommendation from a counselor or school administrator and one recommendation from an academic teacher. While these requirements are not permitted to be substituted, you may submit an additional recommendation from another source. The Office of Undergraduate Admission recommends submitting no more than three letters of recommendation altogether.</p></div><h3 aria-controls="1-10" id="leaving-secondary-school">I plan to leave secondary school early. May I apply and be admitted to Northwestern?</h3><div aria-labelledby="leaving-secondary-school" id="1-10"><p>Northwestern encourages all students to finish a program that will allow them to enter an accredited university in their home country. Students who apply with partially completed academic programs are at a disadvantage in the admission process.</p></div><h3 aria-controls="1-11" id="limits">Does Northwestern limit the number of international students on campus?</h3><div aria-labelledby="limits" id="1-11"><p>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.</p></div><h3 aria-controls="1-12" id="deferring-admission">Does Northwestern allow gap years for National Service requirements or other reasons?</h3><div aria-labelledby="deferring-admission" id="1-12"><p>Yes. Requests for a gap year due to National Service or for another reason must be made in writing to the Director of Undergraduate Admission and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.</p> When students take a gap year, it is with the understanding that they will not use this opportunity to enroll at another post-secondary institution anywhere in the world for academic credit. Northwestern will not award credit for any course work completed during the deferral period.</div><h3 aria-controls="1-13" id="exam-credit">Will I receive credit for Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and other examination results?</h3><div aria-labelledby="exam-credit" id="1-13"><p>Northwestern awards credit for eligible <a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/about.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Advanced Placement</a> (AP) and <a href="http://www.ibo.org/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">International Baccalaureate</a> (IB) higher-level examination results. For more information, please review our most up-to-date credit policy on the Office of the Registrar’s <a href="https://www.registrar.northwestern.edu/registration-graduation/transfer-and-test-credit/advanced-placement-and-international-baccalaureate-credits.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">website</a>.  </p> <p>Examination results from other international curricula will be evaluated for academic credit on an individual basis. You must arrange to have your final examination results sent to Northwestern should you be admitted and plan to enroll.</p></div></div> </div> </div> </main> <footer> <div class="contain-1120"> <a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/" title="Northwestern University Home"> <div class="footer-logo"><span class="hide-text">Northwestern University Home</span></div> </a> <div class="footer-wrap"> <div class="footer-content contact jos" data-jos_animation="fade-up"><h2>Office of Undergraduate Admission</h2><div class="address"><div class="icon"><span>Address</span></div><div class="text"><p>1801 Hinman Avenue<br/>Evanston, IL 60208</p></div></div><div class="phone"><div class="icon"><span>Phone number</span></div><div class="text"><p>(847) 491-7271</p></div></div><div class="email"><div class="icon"><span>Email address</span></div><div class="text"><p><a href="mailto:ug-admission@northwestern.edu">ug-admission@northwestern.edu</a></p></div></div></div><div class="footer-content connect jos" data-jos_animation="fade-up"><h2>Connect</h2><a class="social youtube" href="https://www.youtube.com/c/NorthwesternAdmissions">YouTube</a><a class="social instagram" href="https://www.instagram.com/northwesternadmissions/">Instagram</a><a class="social tiktok" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@northwesternadmissions">TikTok</a><a class="social facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/northwesternadmissions">Facebook</a></div> <div class="footer-content resources jos" data-jos_animation="fade-up"> <h2>Northwestern Resources</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/facilities/building-campus-access/building-access/">Building Access</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/emergency/">Campus Emergency Information</a></li> <li><a href="https://hr.northwestern.edu/careers/">Careers</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/contact.html">Contact Northwestern University</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/privacy/">Privacy Statement</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/report/">Report a Concern</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/accessibility/about/report-accessibility-issue.html">Report an Accessibility Issue</a></li> <li><a href="https://policies.northwestern.edu/">University Policies</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <div id="footer-bottom"> <div class="contain-1120"> <span class="copyright">© <script>// <![CDATA[ document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) // ]]></script> Northwestern University</span> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/NorthwesternU"> <span class="social facebook">Facebook</span> </a></li> <li><a href="https://www.twitter.com/northwesternu"> <span class="social twitter">Twitter</span> </a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/northwesternu"> <span class="social instagram">Instagram</span> </a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/NorthwesternU"> <span class="social youtube">YouTube</span> </a></li> <li><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@northwestern.u"> <span class="social tiktok">TikTok</span> </a></li> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/school/northwestern-university/"> <span class="social linkedin">LinkedIn</span> </a></li> </ul> <span class="right"><a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/disclaimer.html">Disclaimer</a></span> </div> </div> </footer> <script src="https://ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/jquery/3.7.1/jquery.min.js"></script> <script src="https://common.northwestern.edu/dept/3.0/js/scripts.js"></script> </body> </html>