Northwestern admitted 7.5% of applicants for fall 2025 (3,933 of 52,648, Common Data Set 2025-26). Northwestern admitted 20% of early decision applicants (1,212 of 5,939). Northwestern is test-optional for fall 2027. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1520–1560.
The numbers
Applied
52,648
fall 2025
ACT, middle 50%
34–35
enrolled first-years
Accept their offer
55%
of admitted students enroll
Application fee
$75
waivers exist
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Can I get into Northwestern?
7.5% of applicants get in
Almost everyone who applies is turned down, including many students with perfect grades. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent scores had 1520–1560 on the SAT.
Likely: even the low end of our estimate is 60% or more, and the college admits at least 25% of applicants. Target: our estimate is 30% or more. Reach: our estimate is under 30%, or the college admits under 15%. Long shot: our estimate is under 12%, or the college admits under 12%. Estimates use the college's admit rate and score range plus your grades and scores. They are not a promise.
52,648 applied, 3,933 admitted, fall 2025 (Common Data Set).
Does Northwestern need the SAT or ACT?Optional
No.
Test-optional for fall 2027. 46% of enrolled first-years sent the SAT. Send your SAT if it's 1540 or higher, the middle of what enrolled first-years scored.
Checked on admissions.northwestern.edu Nov 2, 2026. See the source
Early rounds and deadlines
For fall 2025, 1,212 of 5,939 early decision applicants got in (20%), against 7.5% overall. Early decision is binding: if you get in, you go.
Closed
Early decisionBinding
Was due Nov 1, 2026
55days
Regular decision
Due Monday, Jan 4, 2027
Early-round numbers: Common Data Set, fall 2025.
The wait list
There is a wait list.
Common Data Set, fall 2025.
What Northwestern looks at
Counts most
How hard your classes were, class rank, GPA, essay, recommendations, activities, talent or ability, character.
Also considered
SAT or ACT scores, first in your family to go to college, A parent or relative went there, where you live, volunteering, work experience, showing interest (visits, emails).
As Northwestern rates each factor in its Common Data Set, fall 2025.
Questions people ask
What is Northwestern University's acceptance rate?
Northwestern admitted 7.5% of applicants for fall 2025 (3,933 of 52,648, Common Data Set 2025-26).
What SAT score do you need for Northwestern University?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1520–1560. A quarter of them scored higher and a quarter lower, so it's a typical range, not a cutoff (Common Data Set, fall 2025).
Is it easier to get into Northwestern University early decision?
For fall 2025, 1,212 of 5,939 early decision applicants got in (20%), against 7.5% overall. Early decision is binding: if you get in, you go. Early applicants often include recruited athletes and legacies, so the gap overstates the advantage for most students.
Where these numbers come from
Admit rate and applicants: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
GPA, early rounds and wait list: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
Cost, pay and debt: College Scorecard, 2024-25 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
