Northwestern University

Northwestern University is a private research university in Evanston, Illinois, just north of Chicago, with about 8,000 undergraduates on its campus. The university combines the resources and opportunities of a major research institution with a highly collaborative undergraduate culture. Students are admitted to one of Northwestern’s undergraduate schools rather than to a specific major, giving them room to explore before committing to an academic path. More than half of Northwestern students ultimately double-major, reflecting the university’s emphasis on combining interests across disciplines.

Northwestern offers undergraduate programs through six schools: the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, the McCormick School of Engineering, the School of Communication, the Medill School of Journalism, the School of Education and Social Policy and the Bienen School of Music. About half of undergraduates enroll in Weinberg, where economics is the most popular major. Other common choices are biology, psychology and political science. Northwestern does not have an undergraduate business major, but students can pursue business-related certificates and opportunities through the Kellogg School of Management. Engineering students begin with a first-quarter Design Thinking and Communication experience that allows them to explore engineering while also developing communication skills. Communication majors can build interdisciplinary “modules” around a particular interest, while education students major in Learning and Organizational Change and complete a required practicum. Music is audition-based, and students pursuing a dual degree in music typically take five years to complete both programs.

Northwestern’s academic culture is rigorous, but collaborative rather than competitive. About 80% of classes have 20 or fewer students, and larger classes of 40 or more typically include an additional discussion section. Students can participate in research as paid or for-credit research assistants, receive grants to conduct their own research and take advantage of opportunities across Northwestern’s schools. Medill journalism students can participate in a quarter-long internship rather than taking classes during that quarter.

First-year students receive significant support as they adjust to Northwestern. Peer advisors help students during their first quarter, and students can take advantage of the university’s residential college system, which creates smaller communities within the larger university. Students are required to live on campus for their first two years, with the option to remain on campus for four. Most housing consists of singles and doubles, with some suites.

Northwestern’s location offers the best of both a college campus and a major city. Students can enjoy Evanston’s residential setting while having easy access to downtown Chicago, where Northwestern’s law and medical schools are located. Study abroad is a significant part of the Northwestern experience, with opportunities offered through multiple schools and programs. Financial aid can travel with students who study abroad, and some programs include faculty members traveling abroad with their students. Clubs are an important part of the culture on campus—students can choose from hundreds of organizations and activities. Approximately 15–20% of students participate in Greek life. Northwestern also has a strong athletics history, with the Wildcats competing in the NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference.

Admission to Northwestern is highly selective; the university offers Early Decision and Regular Decision. Nearly half of the entering class typically enrolls through Early Decision. Students should also pay attention to financial aid policies, particularly international and undocumented students, and use Northwestern’s financial aid resources to understand how their individual circumstances will be considered. Northwestern also offers CAT Chats, which allow prospective students to connect with current students or alumni to learn more about the university from people who have experienced it firsthand.

Who would thrive at Northwestern:

Northwestern is an excellent fit for students who are intellectually curious and want the freedom to connect seemingly unrelated interests. It works particularly well for students who want the resources of a major research university but don’t want an environment that feels intensely competitive. Northwestern is also a strong choice for students who want a traditional residential college experience while still having a major city nearby and who are eager to take advantage of research, internships, study abroad and the many resources available across the university.

Fun Fact: Northwestern has a tradition known as Painting the Rock—there’s a large boulder in the center campus that students paint with messages, announcements and artwork, and often guard overnight. Watch the livestream here.

Notable Alumni: Northwestern has produced many recognizable graduates, especially in the fields of entertainment, journalism and writing, including:

  • Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Actor         

  • Stephen Colbert, Comedian         

  • Zach Braff, Actor                           

  • Pharrell Williams, Musician         

  • George R. R. Martin, Author         

  • Harry Lenix, Actor                           

  • Jerry Orbach, Actor                       

  • Ira Glass, Radio Host

  • Veronica Roth, Author

  • Garry Marshall, Director

  • David Schwimmer, Actor

  • Megan Mullally, Actor

  • Kathryn Hahn, Actor

  • Michael Wilbon, Sportscaster

  • Seth Meyers, Comedian

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