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How I Wrote My College Essay: See Tips and Read the Essay That Got Me Into Northeastern

Student Perspective: How I Wrote My College Essay

Approaching the personal statement portion of the college application process is definitely overwhelming. There is no set method to follow when tasked with trying to express who you are authentically while also appealing to college admissions officers. I selected the seventh essay prompt on the Common App, which was free reign to write about any topic of your choice. The brainstorming part was definitely the most challenging for me. I didn’t know what to focus on about myself! I ultimately decided on the theme of community and how my experiences have made building community around me a core value of mine.

Having grown up overseas, creating community was an important part of my upbringing. I was able to make connections from those childhood experiences to my more recent high school ones.

I ended up utilizing a college essay coach through a company called Prompt to help me create a plan to execute my topic and to provide an outside source of editing and revising. While definitely not necessary, I found this to be a really helpful way to get my thoughts organized. My coach helped me to separate out the sections of my essay to create a nice flow. I had to meet deadlines for editing, which kept me motivated. Creating a clear outline made the writing process a lot easier too.

A big portion of the time I spent on my essay was on editing, including refining word choices, experimenting with sentence style, and cutting down word count. I definitely recommend getting as much outside feedback as possible when editing. For me that came from my essay coach, family, and my English teacher. At the end of the day it is your opinion on your own writing that matters, but it is nice to get suggestions from others to consider as well.

I also looked intensively at example essays online. This was helpful to get a general idea of the types of things to consider conveying in my own essay, but I will say it was a bit intimidating to read some really creative and abstract essays when I couldn’t see myself writing something that would compare. With that in mind, my advice is to try not to get too caught up in what essays are out there already because it distracts from the authenticity of your writing if you are trying to imitate someone else.

If getting started with your essay feels daunting, try compiling a list of your favorite hobbies, most important life lessons learned, or defining character moments. Looking back, I definitely recommend beginning this part of the application process as early as possible. The summer before senior year is a great time to get a head start. It’s a lot less stressful to fill out applications in the Fall if you’re already done with your main essay.

There really is no wrong way to go about writing your college essay, because colleges really just want to get a better idea of who you are, how your life experiences have influenced you, and your goals for the future. My number one piece of advice is to try not to get too in your head about your college essay. Just open up a blank document, take a deep breath, and write about whatever feels most natural and true to yourself.

Read the Essay That Got Delaney Into Northeastern :

“What’s the big deal? There are people here just like us,” I remarked as my family and I stepped off the plane and into the Shanghai Pudong International Airport. My excitement overshadowed any initial culture shock I would experience, and four-year old me was eager to explore this foreign land and meet new people along the way.

That single memory has been a north star throughout my life because no matter where I am in the world, I've learned to build communities with the people around me.

Fast forward to the start of school a few years and moves later. It didn’t take long for me to realize I was one of few Americans amongst my Taiwanese classmates. At lunch, in the halls, on the playground, conversations in Mandarin surrounded me. And so, every day as I sat in my beginner Mandarin class, I focused on grasping the language separating me from my classmates. My hard work certainly paid off, as I gained a newfound confidence to approach my peers without a fluent vocabulary. It wasn’t long before I realized that my classmates were facing the same barrier as me; all it took was that single moment of reaching out to them for the feelings of isolation to dissipate. Through this, not only did I challenge myself intellectually by embracing a brand new language, but I also began to understand that a language barrier couldn’t hold me back from forming friendships.

After returning to the U.S., I became passionate about volunteering. Joining the National Charity League led me to explore numerous philanthropic events. The Special Olympics non-profit especially sparked my engagement. I was able to play sports alongside other children and adults with intellectual disabilities which opened my eyes to the possibility of connecting beyond surface-level interactions. My involvement with the Special Olympics translated into my participation in Best Buddies at my school as the Publicity Manager, with which I have been devoted to holding fundraisers, spreading awareness, and most importantly spending time with our buddies. Despite our developmental differences, the connections we’ve made have been long lasting.

Going into my senior year of high school, I knew I wanted to do something to make an impact on my school’s community. I joined student government and became a Knight's Connection Program Manager within Link Crew. Through both programs, I’ve been able to hone my leadership skills and take more initiative to set an example at my school. Over the summer leading up to the start of school, I dedicated time to planning events for the new school year as we transitioned into a new campus. With that, I began mentoring a group of incoming freshmen. From giving them tours of the new campus to advice on making the most of high school while being successful, I created bonds within my group that have only grown since. I meet with my mentees once a month so we can catch up, but even the texts we exchange have been monumental in strengthening our friendships. It can be daunting to bridge an age gap, but I’ve come to learn that all it takes is a little bit of effort and willingness to get to know someone. It’s one thing to make connections, but to keep those is something invaluable to me. In addition, by being a leader on campus, I have dedicated my time and efforts to not only creating interpersonal relationships, but also to establishing a school culture that emphasizes community.

Today, every time I approach a new experience, I remind myself of that day stepping off the airplane in Shanghai. Regardless of where I may be in the world, I look forward to building bridges with those around me. With that said, there is no doubt that I will continue to carry that sentiment with me as I disembark into college, my career, and every other opportunity that presents itself.

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Delaney Roe

Delaney is a first-year student at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts where she is majoring in Business Administration with her concentration still to be determined. She is originally from Phoenix, Arizona but spent some time as a child living overseas in both Shanghai, China and Taipei, Taiwan. Delaney is super excited to explore all the opportunities available to her at Northeastern and is eager to help other students navigate college admissions in general.

• CC Name: @delaney.roe
• Instagram: @delaney.roe13

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How to Get Into Northeastern: Acceptance Rate and Strategies

May 29, 2023

Anyone who went to college thirty, twenty, or even ten years ago, would likely be shocked if you told them that Northeastern University, once viewed as more of a commuter school than a nationally-recognized institution, the Northeastern acceptance rate is in the single digits (the Northeastern ED acceptance rate is much higher). This Boston-based private university was founded back in 1898 and one hundred years later, U.S. News ranked NU as the 162nd best school in the country. What has happened since that time is nothing short of amazing. In 2000, the average incoming SAT was 1157; today it is 1484. The school now rests comfortably among the top 50 universities according to U.S. News and receives in excess of 96,000 applications every year.

Given that the process of gaining acceptance into Northeastern becomes increasingly challenging with each passing year, we will touch on the following topics:

• Northeastern acceptance rate – Class of 2027
• Northeastern ED acceptance rate – Class of 2027
• SAT, ACT, and class rank of accepted Northeastern applicants
• Admissions trends from the Class of 2027
• The demographics of current Northeastern undergraduates
• Northeastern’s yield rate
• How Northeastern’s admissions officers evaluate candidates
• Tips for applying to Northeastern
• How to assess whether applying to Northeastern is even worth the $75 application fee (for you)

Let’s begin with an examination of the most recent admissions data.

Northeastern Acceptance Rate – Class of 2027

Northeastern received 96,327 applications for its 2023-24 freshman class. They have not released an official Class of 2027 acceptance rate, however, the following is known…they aim to bring 2,600 hundred total students to main campus and 200-300 to the campuses in London and Oakland, CA. Based on this data, the estimated Northeastern acceptance rate to the Boston campus is around 5-6% for the Class of 2027, an all-time low.

For comparison, the acceptance rate in previous years has been drastically higher:

• Northeastern acceptance rate Class of 2026: 6.8%
• Class of 2025: 18%
• Class of 2024: 20%

Northeastern ED Acceptance Rate

In building the Class of 2027, Northeastern accepted 39% of ED applicants. This is higher than the 33% acceptance rate for the Class of 2026, but lower than the 51% clip for the Class of 2025.

NU offers both ED I and ED II, with November 1 and January 1 deadlines.

Northeastern Admissions – SAT, ACT, and Class Rank

The median SAT for Class of 2026 members was 1500, the highest to date. Eighty-one percent of test-takers scored a 700+ on the EBRW section and 94% earned better than 700 on the Math section. The mid-50% ACT score was 33-35. An overwhelming 77% of Class of 2026 members finished in the top decile of their high school class; 95% placed in the top quartile.

Admissions Trends & Notes – (Class of 2027)

• The school received 91,100 applications for the Class of 2026 compared to 96,327 in this most recent cycle.
• The number of applicants has increased by 49.5% over the last four years.
• ED applications increased by 30% in the 2022-23 admissions cycle.
• Since 2015, Early Decision applications have risen from 772 to 5,872.
• 71% if the applicant pool identified as non-White.

Who Gets Into Northeastern?

Let’s look at the demographics of Northeastern undergraduates:

Geographically, 48 U.S. states are presently represented across the NU undergraduate population. As with all selective colleges, those from lower-populated, more remote areas of the country (e.g. Wyoming, South Dakota, and Alaska) enjoy a boost to their admissions prospects.

The states with the strongest undergraduate representation are:

• Massachusetts
• Connecticut
• Pennsylvania

Northeastern Acceptance Rate (Continued)

Looking at ethnic identity, the breakdown of students was as follows:

• Hispanic: 11%
• African American: 6%
• International: 15%
• Two or more races: 6%

The breakdown by gender is as follows:

• Female: 54%

Let’s now take a college-by-college look at where/what current undergraduates are studying (most recent data available):

• College of Arts, Media, and Design: 1,514
• Bouvé College of Health Sciences: 2,134
• D’Amore-McKim School of Business: 4,449
• College of Engineering: 3,958
• Khoury College of Computer Sciences: 2,938
• College of Science: 3,374
• College of Social Sciences and Humanities: 1,860
• University Programs: 611

NU’s Yield Rate

Northeastern’s yield rate — the percentage of accepted students who elect to enroll, divided by the total number of students who are admitted — was 33% last year, much higher than in previous years. For comparison, schools like Stanford & Harvard are typically over 80%, and the University of Chicago, MIT, and Yale all sport 70%+ yield rates. Northeastern still finished well behind other elite private institutions such as Vanderbilt, Rice, and Carnegie Mellon. This tells us that NU is eager to know if you are their first choice, and there is a great admissions advantage to signaling such a leaning.

How Northeastern Rates Applicants

There are five factors that Northeastern ranks as being “very important” to their admissions process: rigor of secondary school record, GPA, standardized test scores, the application essay, and recommendations. Rating as “important” are: extracurricular activities, talent/ability, character/personal qualities, and volunteer/paid work. “Considered” factors are: first-generation status, race/ethnicity, class rank, demonstrated interest, and geographical residence.

In the words of Northeastern admissions officers themselves: “Candidates who bring diverse experiences, perspectives, and interests to our community are identified by the Admissions Committee following a holistic application evaluation.” With a goal of building a diverse and talented freshman class, “the Admissions Committee seeks to enroll students who have been academically successful and who have been actively involved in their school and community.”

Tips for Applying to Northeastern  

If you plan on joining the 96,000+ Husky hopefuls for the next admissions cycle, you should know the following:

• There are no interviews offered through the university. As such, you’ll need to use the essay and recommendations to forge a personal connection with an admissions officer.
• Northeastern does consider “ demonstrated interest ” so it is important that you make contact with the admissions office, connect through social media, and visit campus or meet Northeastern reps at a college fair near you.

Does Northeastern Have Supplemental Essays?

• In the 2022-23 cycle, Northeastern no longer utilized any supplemental essay prompts. Therefore, the primary Common App essay takes on an even greater level of importance when applying to the university.

CT Advice: With only one essay to complete for Northeastern, applicants need to channel their efforts into the Common App essay of their choice. For more on the prompts themselves , which might be best to select, and how to begin brainstorming, visit our previous posts.

Northeastern Acceptance Rate – Final Thoughts

With Northeastern growing more competitive each year, you will likely need to possess stellar SAT scores, near-perfect grades, and earn a place in the top 10% of your high school class. Applying ED will provide a sizable edge if you find yourself “on the cusp” from an admissions standpoint. All college-bound teens need to make sure that they formulate an  appropriate college list , containing a complement of “target” and “safety” schools. You’ll definitely want to do this in conjunction with an admissions professional (including your own high school counselor).

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The Ultimate Guide to the Northeastern Transfer Essays 2024

Let’s be brutally honest here!

Good grades aren’t cutting it anymore. Grades, test scores, work experinece, and other activities have become statistics with just how many applicants colleges need to parse through. Even the best stats make you just that: a statistic.

In fact, Northeastern University had a daunting 31.12% acceptance rate.

That’s why the Northeastern University essays are so important for a successful transfer: they give admissions officers a holistic look into your character beyond numbers and titles.

Now, make no mistake. You’re not the only one who knows this.

Northeastern applicants will do everything in their power to write killer essays too. They’ll pour their blood, sweat, and tears into crafting solid essays that totally kick your butt. After all, the resources available to collaborate with fellow MIT students is hard to pass up on.

If you want a solid shot , especially for competitive majors like Business and Engineering, you’ll need unique narratives. That’s where we come in.

This article will provides in-depth advice on approaching the Northeastern transfer essay prompts properly. It’s also been updated for the 2024-25 admissions cycle to include the most up-to-date advice that would stand out from the rest of the admissions pool.

With that said, let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Northeastern University Transfer Essay First Prompt, Reasons for Transferring.

Northeastern university transfer essay first prompt, goals you hope to achieve., what types of experiences inside and outside of the classroom do you want to engage in during your northeastern journey (250 word max), please explain your reasons for transferring and the goals you hope to achieve. (600 word max).

As you can see, the first Northeastern transfer essay prompt is actually asking 2 questions.

How sneaky of them! Tsk. Tsk.

Regardless, we’ll be deconstructing both parts of the question below. It’s separated into reasons for transferring and goals.

First, let’s cover reasons for transferring.

Let’s get a common misconception out of the way first.

Many of our clients initially answered this question with non-major related topics. This included things like Northeastern’s traditions, culture, and location.

Now, are you allowed to talk about those? Sure! But, it shouldn’t be your main focus. The main reason people NEED to transfer to a different school is to supplement their education.

Remember: Northeastern wants to know why you want to transfer because they’re also measuring who “most deserves” it. If you want to transfer to Northeastern for reasons outside of your career, it is unlikely that you will have a more compelling reason to transfer than someone who does.

Tip: some students can talk about culture, location, weather, and other extraneous details in their Northeastern transfer essay. However, they otten must connect it to an IMPORTANT reason. For example, some students’ learning abilities are heavily impacted by their enivornment (such as those who receive seasonal depression or “winter blues”) or those who require stimulating, fast-paced ecosystems that supplement their ADHD mind. Another one is students who live in politically charged locations like Southern states that are discriminatory to their LGBTQ+ background, which may heavily impact their learning quality. These are actually very valid and important reasons for students to transfer, as they provide proper learning environments for the student to truly feel safe when learning.

Next, make sure your reasons for transferring support your major. That is, your reason should talk about how the resources available at Northwestern would actually help your education in your chosen major.

If, for example, you’re in engineering, you may want to talk about why your original institution lacked the proper resources. It can be anything from sparse professor collaboration opportunities to a lack of programs for startups in your field. Just be sure not to bash your previous institution too harshly! You can be critical of your current institution; but, do it with grace!

Okay, now let’s talk about the “goals you hope to achieve” at Northeastern.

Alright, now let’s talk about goals.

Ideally, your future goals should be aligned with your major of choice. For instance, a student major in business at Northeastern will likely use the resoures available to further their future startup. Or, they may want to build connections to break into the finance industry. They may also want to develop the proper skills necessary to be “mathematically sufficient” in becoming a quantitative analyst.

But, this is Northeastern we’re talking about. Everyone is going to talk about their goals being connected to their major. Poetry majors want to be poets. And, people studying aerodynamics likely want to work for Boeing. If we want to stand out, we’ll need to have profound and creative answers. So, no captain obvious here!

One way to be creative in your answer is to connect personal ideology and philosophy into your goals. Show how your personal morals are related to the goals you have; then, demonstrate how attending Northeastern University would help you achieve your goal, and therefore moral philosophy.

Here’s an example.

Let’s say you want to attend Northeastern because you want to be a better business manager and potentially a future consultant for other startup companies. Your future career as a business consultant will be putting the fates of future cutting-edge companies on the line. Your success determines their success, and perhaps even the evolutionary rate of technology as a result. So, attending a great school with fantastic resources like Northwestern helps you contribute to the startup world, and better support upcoming business people with big dreams. This makes the essay not just about what Northwestern can do for you, but also how you can support others.

See where we’re getting at here?

If Northeastern accepts you and gives you the resources needed to be the best business consultant, your acceptance will be tied to the future fate of other potential business founders. Thus, you know you need to get into Northeastern because the moral fate of small businesses in the future is on the line.

So, a short thesis that answers this question may look something like this:

“The reason I must transfer to Northeastern is that it is the most fitting school for me to become a future business consultant for early-stage startups. To attend Northeastern means having the opportunity to help other aspiring business owners who just need enough help to launch off the ground; thus, I’d like to use my experience here to learn everything I need to create a consulting firm that can help local small startups.”

This question intrinsically asks what you want to do outside of “school stuff” like assignments and tests.

Sounds simple, right?

Well, we’re going to go against the grain here.

Most people approach the second Northeastern transfer essay prompt incorrectly because they are focusing too much on impressing readers. They stuff the 250 word count with as many extracurriculars as they possibly can. They’ll propose they want to make 3 clubs, start a non-profit, protest against oppression, and more all in 2 years. This is vain and only serves as an attempt to impress admissions officers.

Think of it like this: most people say they want to attend clubs and do activities at Norteastern. They write it in their essays. Yet, what are most people doing in their free time?

And, admissions officers know it! They’re not born yesterday. It’s obvious that only a minority of students will actually follow through with what they say they’ll do in this prompt.

So, your goal is to be that minority. It’s not to list all the “cool stuff” you want to do at Northeastern. Rather, you should be gaining their trust. Persuade admissions officers that you’re someone who will supplement their education inside and outside the classroom with realistic plans.

Think about it. If you were an admissions officer, and you heard a student claim they’ll start 3 clubs and create a nonprofit at Northeastern, would you belive them?

Probably not!

A realistic plan would be something actionable and shows you’re a genuine person with interests beyond academics. The keyword here is realistic. Here’s an example.

Let’s say you’re a computer science nerd. But, you’re also a big video game and anime nerd. That’s cool! Northeastern has a wide community of games and animation communities in and out of campus. Here’s what they have on their site . You can talk about wanting to connect your experience as a computer science major to the games and animation community. There’s a lot that your expertise has to offer these groups. And, you may enjoy creating projects like language learning models that can make enjoying these hobbies much more fun.

Be sure to use actionable examples. For example: coding a program that would make mods in fps games more enjoyable and even change up how fps games are approached. Or, collaborating with people outside of computer science to develop a story-based RPG game that would take a twist on the horror genre such as “The Coffin of Andy and Leyley” or “Fear and Hunger.”

These are realistic and not obtuse “resume fillers.” Realistic plans help admissions officers know you better because they’re transparent. It also helps them see the human side, which is crucial for deciding who would make an interesting candidate for their incoming class. They want someone who is going to breathe life into the campus with their cool hobbies, not someone aiming for prestige.

If you have any other questions on how to write the Northeastern transfer essays, don’t be afraid to ask! Simply schedule a free consultation through our contact form, and we w ill get back to you at approximately 24 hours with a free advising session!

2 thoughts on “The Ultimate Guide to the Northeastern Transfer Essays 2024”

transferring to Northeastern University next fall

Hi Nick! Thanks for the comment and would be happy to help with the Northeastern app essays; I just sent you an email!

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Northeastern University Undergraduate College Application Essays

These Northeastern University college application essays were written by students accepted at Northeastern University. All of our sample college essays include the question prompt and the year written. Please use these sample admission essays responsibly.

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College Application Essays accepted by Northeastern University

Last august andrew loven, northeastern university.

Kimball Farm once had the lightest atmosphere on earth. My problems would dissolve upon entering the ice cream stand and my concerns for the outside world would completely vanish. At work, I worried about simple things, like whether or not we had...

The Women Stood In Their Doors Anonymous

The women stood in the doors looking out at their husbands, who were talking to the landowners. The children gathered behind them, one bare foot on top of the other. They all watched tensely as the negotiation dragged on; their lives hung in the...

Crap Anonymous

I love crap. I love bad novels and cheap clothes. I love dirty shoelaces and melted candles, junk earrings and instant coffee. It's about finding the beauty in everything. I find it in palms and tea leaves. I sense Pablo Neruda's sonnets in my...

My life defining moment Anonymous

My mother was diagnosed with cancer. It all started in April of my sophomore year when she complained of exhaustion, nausea, a back ache, and bad breath. I remember the day perfectly. It was Easter morning and my mom was scheduled for a procedure...

How Swimming Has Affected My Life Rebecca Papritz

Giving up my weekend nights for swim practice was something I was used to by the time I reached high school. Swimming, I felt, was my niche, and with that niche came many sacrifices. Yet, for all the “hardships” that came with it, I earned the...

Frames Benjamin Howard Ratner

NOTE: This essay utilized pictures and graphics which could not be included online.

“Quiet on the set. Camera ready? Sound ready? Roll camera… speed. Action!” This series of sentence fragments is used to get a film camera recording on a movie set....

Suspended in Fetal Position Anonymous

I stare at the seven month old embryo suspended in fetal position in my mother’s ultra-sound image. I am amazed and thus unable to look away. This tiny being is confined to the corners of my mother’s womb, its umbilical cord still attached to its...

Progression Anonymous

When I first met Brandon, I’m sure that I was too young to understand autism; but I did know that he was different. At that time, for Brandon at age 4, basic communication was a challenge and his frustration seemed to engulf anyone who attempted...

Robotics Brainstorming Mark Ulrich

Waving our banner wildly, we counted down the seconds, not at the homecoming game, but rather the 2009 FIRST Robotics Competition Kickoff. With only six weeks to build, wire, and program a 120-pound machine, my team jumped headfirst into...

A Fork Rose Tran

I have encountered a fork. Should I again submit to my father’s demands as I am sent to the kitchen to serve or should I refuse and risk tainting my role as the ideal Vietnamese daughter? I succumb, and fetch a repulsive-smelling platter of duck,...

Blue Suede Shoes? No, Red Satin Heels Katherine Danaher

Nerves shook through my body as I prepared to introduce Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders to 400 people in my town. I closed my eyes, drawing in a deep breath. Senator Sanders cleared his throat, and I looked up with concern. “Your shoes are...

Summer Business Jake Nolan

I stepped out of the train. People pushing and shoving, back and forth, loud noises echoing down the narrow walls into the abyss. Searching for a way to the street, I too pushed my way through the barrage of people searching for the streets above:...

My Bare Feet Amanda Potts

There was something about the feeling of that squishy muck squirting through my toes after a heavy rainfall that simply made me feel alive. Or to feel the gritty road pushing against every inch of my sole and the rough gravel digging into my...

Sandy's Lesson Michael William Bell

There is a special bond that forms between a dog and its owner. Sandy and I were no exception. That was why I wasn't really surprised when my mom told me the news. In a way, I already knew.

My family got Sandy when I was six, so she was a part of...

Diverse Identity Anonymous

“Dinner is ready!” Every Sunday a member of our family takes a turn choosing what we’re having for dinner, and today was my turn. My mother had prepared all of my favorite food, from foie gras to sea urchin sushi to satay. As we began eating, my...

The Outdoors and Life Anonymous

I was practically born on the river. Both of my parents were extreme whitewater raft guides, and they passed on their love of the river and nature in general to me. From a young age, my parents took me rafting on rivers like the San Juan, the...

Words Speak Louder Than Actions Kathryn Gundersen

Just like many others, I've spent my life hearing the hackneyed phrase “actions speak louder than words.” Based on personal experience, however, I've decided that I disagree. I believe that words are magic. Not magic in the conventional sense; a...

4'11 Forever Anonymous

When my mom gave birth to me, I weighed in at nine and a half pounds and measured twenty-two inches. One could say I was pretty big for a newborn, but whenever I tell this story, it is soon followed by a: “And that’s pretty much when I stopped...

Les Grandes Personnes Aiment Les Chiffres Anonymous

I grew up in a nonreligious household, but for as long as I can remember, I’ve been taught to worship my academics as the key to my success in the future. Instead of praying 5 times daily or memorizing biblical verses, nearly every day my mother...

Common App Essay- Central Story Anonymous

It happened out of sheer stubbornness. Seemingly overnight, I went from being a cross country runner to the girl on crutches. I thought it was just a cramp. All runners have them from time to time, no big deal, right? I stopped running, stretched...

Reader Anonymous

On January 14th, 2002, my father stopped reading to me. Early on, my bibliophile father decided he would never dictate a lesson or give me an answer, but rather that I would learn through literature. Every celebration, every birthday or holiday I...

Failure -Is That Still a Thing? Anonymous

I don’t believe in failure. I don’t believe that it is possible to mess something up so entirely that nothing good can come of it. If I make a mistake, I learn from it. If I'm not as good as I want to be at something, I work that much harder at...

The Difference Between Throats and Toes Sarah Tokos

The wind whipped across my face, grabbing the hair I had attempted to coax into a ponytail, pushing it into my mouth, and tangling it around my neck. Water splashed with unrelenting ferocity off the blade spinning desperately in my hands. My...

Drawing Perspective Vincent An

The entire external world is a blur. There is nothing but the sound of lead scratching paper that may occasionally break the soothing sound of silence. Everything has lost its relevance - everything except the mess in front of me. As my eye traces...

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Northeastern University Admission Essays

Exploring northeastern university's appeal.

As a passionate and ambitious college student, I am writing to inquire about the presence of a supplemental essay requirement at Northeastern University. Having conducted extensive research on your esteemed institution, I am eager to express my genuine interest in pursuing my higher education at…

Exploring Academia: Northeastern National Universities

Commencing the journey to articulate my academic aspirations and personal convictions, the Northeastern National Universities supplement essay unfurls as a distinctive canvas. Here, I depict the vibrant strokes of my intellectual curiosity and passion for higher education, weaving a narrative that intertwines experiences, aspirations, and…

Pursuing Master Studies in Informatics at Northeastern University

I take immense pleasure in illuminating you with my intent to join Northeastern University, for pursuing Master of Professional Studies in Informatics. Of all the countries in the world, United States has proven to be the paramount country in scientific advancements and the heart of…

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Read 2 Transfer Student Essays That Worked

Strong transfer essays can help pave the way to admissions offers.

Read 2 Transfer Essays That Worked

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Though it isn't a golden ticket, a strong transfer essay may boost an applicant's odds of admission.

There are as many reasons to transfer colleges as there are transfer students. But regardless of why someone wants to move to a new institution, the process for doing so usually requires an admissions essay.

Colleges With the Most Transfer Students

Josh Moody Jan. 28, 2020

In a 2018 National Association for College Admission Counseling survey , 41.5% of colleges polled said a transfer applicant's essay or writing sample is of either considerable or moderate importance in the admission decision.

A compelling, well-written transfer essay doesn't guarantee acceptance – many other factors are at play, such as an applicant's GPA. However, a strong essay can be a factor that helps move the odds in the applicant's favor, says Kathy Phillips, associate dean of undergraduate admissions at Duke University in North Carolina.

Know What Colleges Are Looking For In a Transfer Essay

Some schools have prospective transfer students use the Common App or the Coalition Application to apply. In addition to the main essay, students may be required to submit a second writing sample or respond to short-answer questions, though this isn't always the case. Prospective students can check a college's website for specific guidance regarding how to apply.

Whatever application method they use, prospective students should be aware that writing a transfer essay is not the same as writing a first-year college application essay, experts advise. First-year essays are more open-ended, says Niki Barron, associate dean of admission at Hamilton College in New York. When applying as first-years, prospective students can generally write about any experience, relationship or goal that has shaped who they are as people, she says.

This contrasts with transfer essays, where the focus is typically narrower. Barron says she thinks of transfer essays as more of a statement of purpose. "We're really looking to see students' reasons for wanting to transfer," she says.

Katie Fretwell, the recently retired dean of admission and financial aid at Amherst College in Massachusetts, says prospective transfer students are in a position to be a bit more reflective about their educational goals because of their additional year or years of experience post-high school. The essay helps admissions officers get a sense of whether an applicant has done "an appropriate level of soul-searching about the match," she says.

Transfer Essay Examples

Below are two transfer essays that helped students get into Duke and Amherst, respectively. Both institutions are very selective in transfer admissions. For fall 2018, Duke had a transfer acceptance rate of 8% and Amherst accepted 4% of its transfer applicants, according to U.S. News data.

Hover over the circles to read what made these essays stand out to admissions experts.

Searching for a college? Get our complete rankings of Best Colleges.

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Required Materials

Every avenue to Northeastern is unique. Please take a moment to find the required application documents and deadlines for your path.

You are considered a first-year applicant if:

• You are still in high school
• You graduated from high school or earned your GED, but did not enroll in a degree-seeking program at a college or university

If you took college courses in high school, plan to attend a college summer session immediately after you graduate from high school, or are in a dual-enrollment program (receiving your high school diploma and an Associate’s degree at the same time), you would still apply as a first-year.

Northeastern University has a long-standing commitment to the city of Boston, including Boston Public High School students and graduates. If you are a current Boston Public High School student or recent graduate, please view our  Northeastern University and the City of Boston pamphlet  for more information.

First-Year Application Requirements

Application.

• You may submit either the Common Application  or  Coalition Application
• Your application must be submitted by the  deadline , along with either the application fee ($75) or a fee waiver request.
• Transcripts

All first-year applicants are required to submit the Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) . Once your application is submitted and processed, you will be able to access your SRAR through the Application Status Check portal. For additional information on the SRAR, please review Self-Reported Academic Record subsection.

Additionally, your Official High School Transcript must be submitted to Northeastern by your counselor or another school official. Transcripts should include any final grades from grades 9, 10, and 11; first trimester or first semester grades should be sent when they become available.

• Your high school should submit the Mid-Year Report if you were deferred to Regular Decision.
• You will need to provide an official translation for any transcripts which are not provided in English.
• If you are applying from a high school with non-traditional grading policies or narrative evaluations instead of traditional grades, you are required to submit your narrative reports in order for your application to be complete.
• If you have been out of high school for more than one year, you are still required to submit your most recent transcript.
• If you earned your GED, you must submit an official GED score report, along with your high school transcript through the final year you completed.

Advanced Credits

• Freshman are eligible to receive credit from Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations, or from certain international maturity certificate examinations. Learn more  here .
• If you received credit for any courses completed at a college or university, you must request for an official college or university transcript to be sent directly to Northeastern.

Standardized Tests

Through 2026, Northeastern University is test-optional and does not require applicants to submit standardized testing to be considered for admission.

• All complete applications will be fully considered for admission to Northeastern.
• If you choose to apply without standardized testing, you will not be penalized or disadvantaged.
• If you choose to submit standardized testing, you may submit the SAT (CEEB Code 3667) ACT (College Code 1880) or both. Northeastern super-scores and will only consider your best score between the two types of tests.
• Non-native English-speaking applicants must continue to submit official results from an approved English Language Test or request a waiver through the  Application Status Check . For additional information, continue reading or visit the  International Applicants page  for our English Language Proficiency policy.

Counselor Recommendation and Teacher Evaluation

We require one teacher recommendation and one school counselor recommendation. If someone else has written on your behalf and offers a different viewpoint, you may submit 1-2 additional recommendations if you would like, but please know that due to the number of applications we receive we may not be able to consider all of them as part of our evaluation. Please ask your recommender to send their letter as a PDF to [email protected] .

Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR)

Northeastern requires all first-year applicants to submit the Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR).

What is the Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR)? An online platform that permits students to self-report their coursework and grades directly to the university without requiring information to instead be sent by their high school/secondary school. Completing the SRAR will take you less than one hour once you have collected copies of your academic records, and the SRAR is free for students to submit.

How do I submit the SRAR?

• Once your application is successfully submitted and processed, you will receive access to your Application Status Check .
• Log in to your Application Status Check .
• Locate the SRAR section (under the Required Application Checklist Items ).
• Log in to the SRAR.
• Create an account or link an account that you have already created.
• Before beginning the SRAR, review Northeastern’s “How to Complete the SRAR” guide or instructional video .
• Complete the SRAR by adding your high school, coursework, and if applicable, any external exam information.
• Upload any supporting documentation.

If you have questions about entering coursework or grades in the SRAR, or completing and submitting the SRAR, you should contact SRAR directly, either using the support widget in your SRAR account or visiting the SRAR Support Center .

English Proficiency

All first-year and transfer applicants, regardless of citizenship, must demonstrate proficiency in English to be considered for admission to Northeastern. You can complete the requirement in the following ways:

• You are a native English speaker.
• C1 Advanced  or  C2 Proficiency (Cambridge English)
• Duolingo English Test (DET)
• IELTS Academic
• PTE Academic
• TOEFL Internet-based Test (Northeastern will accept either the in-person iBT completed in a test center, or the online iBT Home Edition. Northeastern’s TOEFL Code is 3667.)
• You are a non-native English speaker, and immediately before enrolling at Northeastern, you will complete 4 consecutive, full-time academic years in high schools and universities where native English was the primary instructional language for all courses except foreign language acquisition courses. All waiver requests must be submitted through your Application Status Check . For additional information and to determine whether you are eligible for a waiver, please see the International Students page for more information on waiving the English proficiency requirement.

Please note: Northeastern’s Admissions Committee reserves the right to request proof of English language proficiency from any applicant, regardless of citizenship or first language, at any time during the evaluation process.

Other Requirements

• If you are applying to the  College of Arts, Media and Design , you can submit a portfolio under your Application Status Check after applying to Northeastern. Applicants are encouraged to complete all forms, including Academic Profile, Media Uploads, and Personal Statement (500-word limit). Please only submit one portfolio. Additional submissions will not be reviewed.  Click here for more information and deadlines.
• If you are a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident or eligible noncitizen  applying for need-based financial aid , you must submit the  FAFSA  and  CSS Profile .
• If you are an international student, you must submit the  Declaration and Certification of Finances  (DCF). Please read the  International Applicants  page for more information.

You should review the information found below if:

• You are a non-U.S. Citizen applying to Northeastern from a high school or university in any country around the world, even the U.S.
• You are a U.S. Citizen applying from a high school or university outside of the U.S.

You will find application information under Applying, enrollment information under Admitted Students, and additional details about services available for students, under Support.

International application requirements

When reviewing your application, Northeastern’s Admissions Committee will initially focus on your academic records, which include your high school transcript; final or predicted results from any national, regional, or international examinations; any university transcripts; and for first-year applicants who will graduate from a high school which is located outside of the United States, the Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR). Provided below are additional details on the academic records which Northeastern requires from all first-year and transfer applicants.

High School Transcripts

Before you enroll at Northeastern, you will be expected to complete a pre-university education program, earning a graduation certificate or diploma which will enable you to apply to a bachelor’s degree-seeking program at a university in your home country. Examples include your High School Diploma, International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Levels (A-Levels), Attestat o Srednem Obshchem Obrazovanii, Baccalauréat, Bachillerato, General Secondary Education Certificate, Indian Standard XII Higher Secondary School Certificate, or West African Senior School Certificate.

• All high school transcripts must be sent directly to Northeastern by your high school by the application deadline. Any transcripts sent by you, your family or an independent educational consultant will not be accepted.
• If 9th Grade in your education system is considered middle school, please exclude 9th Grade.
• If you apply for Regular Decision, or if you are deferred to Regular Decision from an earlier round, your high school should send the Mid-Year Report with an updated high school transcript.
• If you’ve graduated from high school or will graduate before admissions decisions are released, your high school should send your final high school transcript (with date of graduation).
• Transfer applicants must provide a final high school transcript (with date of graduation) which can be sent directly from your high school to Northeastern.
• If your education system does not issue transcripts, your high school must provide the academic records which detail the courses you’ve taken throughout high school, and the grades which you’ve received. Examples include internal grade reports, term or semester reports, mark sheets, or promotional or provisional examination results.

University Transcripts

If you are applying as a transfer student from an international university and wish to have courses evaluated for transfer credit after admittance, you will need to provide a certified transcript evaluation completed by a recognized credentialing agency, such as the  Center for Educational Documentation  (CED),  SpanTran ,  World Education Services  (WES), or another recognized credentialing agency and the credentialed evaluation must include the following:

• An indication that the institution is accredited in US terms
• A course-by-course credit and grade conversion

National Exams

If progression or promotion in your country or education system requires you to complete any externally assessed examinations, please read the following section, as Northeastern will require you to submit your final results (or predicted grades, if your final results are not available until after admissions decisions are released).

• If promotion into your pre-university education requires externally assessed exams, your high school must send a copy of your final results certificate to Northeastern. Examples include your GCSE/IGCSE/GCE O-Level exam results, Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exam results, Malaysian SPM exam results, or Indian Standard X board exam results.
• For students who will graduate before admissions decisions are released: final results must be submitted by the exam board, or as a certified copy by your high school.
• If you will not receive your final results until after admissions decisions are released: predicted grades should instead be submitted by your high school should.
• Furthermore, all enrolling students will be required to submit final exam results, even students who applied “test-optional” to Northeastern, as final exams also serve as proof of high school graduation.
• If you are applying from a high school in the United States, submitting predicted grades is not required but entirely optional. Instead, you are encouraged to submit your first semester or first trimester grades once they become available, and your mid-year grades if you applied for Regular Decision or were deferred to Regular Decision from an earlier round.

Predicted results should be submitted with the High School Transcript, Secondary School Report, or Counselor Recommendation; or submitted by a designated school official from a verifiable school email address, using either Northeastern’s Predicted Grades Request Form or your high school’s own predicted grades statement. If your final test scores are not within an acceptable range of your predicted results, Northeastern reserves the right to rescind any offers of admission.

Application Requirements for Common International Education Systems

While Northeastern’s application requirements are largely identical for all first-year applicants and all transfer applicants – the application with Northeastern-specific questions, your academic records, secondary school report or college report, recommendation letters, standardized testing (optional), and English proficiency – the documents which ultimately satisfy those requirements, specifically for the academic records, will sometimes vary by education system. Below are the application requirements for common international education systems. If you do not see your education system listed below, contact [email protected] .

• American Overseas High Schools
• IB Diploma Program
• British A-Levels
• Chinese National High Schools
• French Baccalauréat
• Indian Standard XII

Standardized Testing

• All complete applications will be fully considered for admission to Northeastern, invitation to the University Honors Program, and any merit scholarships.
• If you choose to submit standardized testing, you may submit the SAT(CEEB Code 3667), ACT (College Code 1880), or both.
• Northeastern super-scores and will only consider your best score between the two types of tests.
• All applicants from U.S. and international high schools will be able to choose to submit standardized testing (SAT or ACT) or not. Non-native English-speaking applicants must continue to submit official results from an approved English Language Test or request a waiver through the  Application Status Check . For additional information, please read the English Language Proficiency section below.

English Language Proficiency

Northeastern students will be exposed to not only a rigorous academic environment but also a fast-paced experiential one. In order to be successful in both, all first-year and transfer applicants, regardless of citizenship, must demonstrate proficiency in English to be considered for admission to Northeastern.

Requirement

Once your application is submitted, received, and processed, you will be able to access your  Application Status Check . If you are required to provide further information regarding your proficiency in English, you will be able to complete the requirement in several ways, depending on your familiarity with English, and the frequency with which you use English each and every day:

• TOEFL Internet-based Test ( CEEB  Code: 3667) – Northeastern will accept results from either the in-person iBT completed in a test center or the online iBT Home Edition. Northeastern does not accept results from the iBT Paper Test.
• However, based on your academic environment and the primary instructional language in either your high school or university, you may be eligible for a waiver. All waivers must be submitted through your Application Status Check . For additional information and to determine whether you are eligible for a waiver, please read the section below on waiving the English proficiency requirement.

English Language Testing

Northeastern will consider your official results (sent directly from the testing agency or exam board to Northeastern) from any valid test (i.e. no more than 2 years old from the test date) for one of the approved English Language Tests indicated on this page.

Northeastern does not have minimum score requirements. Instead, we publish the middle 50% range for enrolling students, which means 25% of the enrolling students received a higher score, and 25% of the enrolling students received a lower score.

Please note: the scores provided are not cut-off scores, but for estimating purposes, and in no way represent a promise or guarantee of admission.

• 190 to 202 on either C1 Advanced  (CAE) or  C2 Proficiency  (CPE)
• 130 to 145 on the Duolingo English Test  (DET)
• 7.0 to 8.0 on the  IELTS Academic
• 68 to 81 on the PTE Academic
• 99 to 112 on TOEFL Internet-Based Test (Northeastern will accept either the in-person iBT completed in a test center, or the online iBT Home Edition. Northeastern’s TOEFL Code is 3667.)
• Northeastern does not accept results from the following tests: IELTS Indicator, PTE Academic Online, TOEFL Essentials, TOEFL iBT Paper Test, or TOEFL ITP.

Additional Information

• Results should be submitted to Northeastern by the application deadline. If you plan to take an English Language Test for a first or additional time, once the application is submitted or the application deadline has passed, please indicate planned future test dates on your application. Results will still be accepted after the deadline, but we cannot guarantee we will be able to wait for your results before making an admissions decision. Northeastern will focus on your most recent English Language Test results, and does not superscore results or consider MyBest scores from applicants who choose to submit the TOEFL iBT.
• If your English Language Testing indicates a need for additional study and support, but you otherwise meet the academic requirements for the degree-seeking program to which you applied, you may be considered for admission through  NU Immerse , a one-year transitional acculturation and English language support program.

Waiving Your English Proficiency Requirement

• You submit a waiver request through your Application Status Check portal. (Your waiver request will typically be reviewed within 3-5 business days, once your application is otherwise complete.)
• Immediately before enrolling at Northeastern, you will complete 4 consecutive, full-time academic years at institutions where native English was the primary instructional language for all courses except foreign language acquisition courses.
• 4 or 5 on AP English Language & Composition
• 4 or 5 on AP English Literature & Composition
• 5 or higher on IB English A: Language & Literature (HL or SL)
• 5 or higher on IB English A: Literature (HL or SL)
• 6 or higher on IB English B HL
• 7 on IB English B SL
• B or higher on A-Level or AS-Level English Language
• B or higher on A-Level or AS-Level English Literature
• B/6 or higher on GCSE/International GCSE/IGCSE English Language (including First Language English)
• B/6 or higher on GCSE/International GCSE/IGCSE English Literature (including Literature in English)
• B or higher in a university course (completed on a university campus, with other university students, and taught by university faculty) which is considered as an equivalent to Northeastern’s First Year Writing (ENGW 1111). Review the Transfer Equivalency Database to learn whether your course is considered as an equivalent course.

Please note: If you were enrolled in courses which were designed for English Language Learners (such as any ESL courses) for more than one academic year (during the 4 years being reviewed for your waiver request), you are strongly encouraged to submit either final results from one of the English exams indicated above – AP English, IB English, (I)GCSE English or A-Level/AS-Level English – or official results from an approved English Language Test.

Northeastern does not offer alumni or on-campus interviews, but we will consider and evaluate third-party, unscripted video interviews submitted through InitialView  and  Vericant , which will allow you to personally discuss your academic and personal background. Neither will replace English language testing however, when testing is required.

While there is no deadline for submitting any virtual third-party interview, you must submit your InitialView or Vericant interview by the following dates, if you would like either interview evaluated by the Admissions Committee:

• Early Decision I: November 15
• Early Action: December 1
• Early Decision II: January 15
• Regular Decision: February 1

Declaration and Certification of Finances (DCF)

All international students applying to Northeastern are required to complete and submit the Declaration and Certification of Finances (DCF), which is designed to assist the Admissions Committee in obtaining complete and accurate information about each applicant’s anticipated financial support. Each applicant must verify your ability to fully finance your Northeastern education, including tuition and fees, room and board, and personal living expenses. Information is necessary as the financial support for international students at Northeastern is limited:

• International students are not eligible for financial aid at Northeastern which includes both institutional need-based grants and federal student financial aid. Additional information for international students is available  here .
• International students are eligible for merit scholarships which range from $10,000 to $28,000 per year. No additional application is necessary, as your application for admission serves as your scholarship application. Merit scholarships are extremely competitive, however, and do not cover the full cost of attendance.

Once your application is submitted, and processed by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, you will be given access to your Application Status Check . You can access the DCF through your Application Status Check.  Instructions are provided here .

Sending Documents

Documents should be submitted online through the  Common Application  or  Coalition Application . Documents not submitted through an application can be sent from a high school or university email address to  [email protected]  or mailed. Mailing instructions are also available below.

• Test results must be sent directly to Northeastern from the testing agency or examination board.
• Transcripts must be sent directly from your high school or university.
• Results from national examinations, which are only released to the student, can either be scanned and sent to Northeastern from a verifiable high school email address, or a certified copy can also be mailed to Northeastern.
• Official English translations will be required for documents which are provided in languages other than English. A school official or a translation agency accredited in the country of the educational institution can issue the translation.

You can send your application fee or fee waiver requests (if being sent separately from the application) as well as FedEx, UPS, or Priority Mail packages to:

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions 101 Belvidere, 3rd Floor Northeastern University 360 Huntington Ave. Boston, MA 02115-5000 USA

  Transcripts and recommendations which were not submitted online can be mailed to:

Northeastern University Application Processing Center P.O. Box 8210 Portsmouth, NH 03802 USA

You are considered a transfer applicant if:

• You will have completed at least 12 semester hours of college-level coursework (after your high school graduation).
• You have attempted at least one semester of full-time coursework and maintained enrollment through the add/drop period.
• You already received your bachelor’s degree from another college or university but you are choosing to apply for a second bachelor’s degree.

If you are currently in a dual-enrollment program, earning your high school diploma and an Associate’s degree at the same time, you should apply as a first-year student. Dual-enrollment courses can be considered for transfer credit.

If you’re an international student or are applying from a college or university located outside of the United States, you should also read the  International Applicants  page.

Transfer application requirements

Academic records.

• Your College Report must be submitted by the Registrar’s office or Dean’s office at your current or most recent college/university.
• Your college or university transcripts must be submitted directly to Northeastern from all colleges and universities which you previously attended.
• Transcripts can be emailed from a verifiable school email address, mailed directly from your high school, or uploaded with the Final Report which is available through the Common Application or Coalition Application.
• If you are currently enrolled as a degree-seeking student or are taking classes as a non-degree seeking student, you should either submit the Mid-Term Report available through the Common Application or Coalition Application, or upload a list of your current college courses through your App Status Check.
• If you earned credits at an international institution, you will need to provide a certified transcript evaluation completed by a recognized credentialing agency, such as the  Center for Educational Documentation
• Veterans or active duty military should submit either their Joint Services Transcript (JST), or a transcript from the Community College of the Air Force.

Academic Evaluation

An  Academic Evaluation  must be sent by a college professor, academic advisor, or employer.

Through 2026, Northeastern University is test-optional and does not require applicants to submit standardized testing to be considered for admission. Please review our Testing Policy tab for more information.

At Northeastern, we understand that  homeschool applicants come from a variety of academic backgrounds and structures, and carefully consider every element of the application through our holistic review. In order to best consider our homeschool applicants, we require additional documents that provide an in-depth look at your individual homeschool experience. Please see a list of these additional requirements below.

If you have specific questions regarding the application process as a homeschooled student, please direct them to [email protected] .

Application Forms

• Completed  Homeschool Application Form
• Please provide grading rubric alongside transcript

School Counselor and Teacher Recommendations

• Your counselor recommendation may come from a parent or a primary instructor
• Teacher recommendations may come from a  tutor, online teacher, or teacher from a course taken outside the home . We are flexible based on the structure of your homeschool experience
• *if your teacher and counselor are the same person, an additional letter of recommendation is required.
• Additional recommendations can come from an art teacher, an employer, a coach, etc.
• If you choose to submit standardized testing, you may submit the SAT (CEEB Code 3667) ACT (College Code 1880) or both. Northeastern super-scores and will only consider your best score between the two types of tests.
• If you choose to submit standardized testing, scores that you would like considered may be self-reported through the Application Status Check or sent officially by the testing center.
• All applicants from US and international high schools will be able to choose to submit standardized testing (SAT or ACT) or not.
• Non-native English-speaking applicants must continue to submit official results from an approved English Language Test or request a waiver through the Application Status Check. For additional information, continue reading or please visit the  International Applicants page  for our English Language Proficiency policy.

Please review  frequently asked questions  regarding our standardized testing policy.

Are your ACT/SAT test scores a strong representation of your academic abilities?

• If yes, send officially or self-report them through your Application Status Check .  
• If no, hold off.  

Are you deciding between scores from different test dates and wondering if sending more is better?

No problem! The admissions committee superscores the SAT or ACT, and will always consider your best combined score. Do not worry about sending multiple or going back to clear out prior scores, we will look at the strongest score from each subject area.

Do you believe your ACT/SAT scores will help to solidify and complement your application?

• If yes, send officially or self-report them through your Application Status Check .
• If no, hold off.

Would you like to send scores, but doing so will cause financial hardship?

If yes, choose to self-report your test scores through the Application Status Check . Remember—if you are admitted and decide to enroll, you’ll be required to submit the official scores directly from the testing agency next summer.  

Do you still have questions after reviewing the information above?

Explore our Test-Optional FAQ or reach out to [email protected] .  

Early Decision I

Decisions released by January 1

Early Action

Decisions released by February 15

Early Decision II

Decisions released by March 1

Regular Decision

Decisions released by April 1

Mailing Instructions

We prefer most credentials are submitted online via The Common Application or the Coalition Application or to [email protected] . Credentials not submitted online should be mailed to either the Office of Undergraduate Admissions or the Application Processing Center at the respective address below.

• Application fees
• Application fee waiver requests (being sent separately from the application)
• FedEx, UPS, or Priority Mail packages

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions 101 Belvidere, 3rd Floor Northeastern University Boston, MA 02115-5000 USA

• Recommendations (if not submitted online)

Request information

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6 Northwestern Essay Examples & Why Northwestern (2023)

Writing your Northwestern supplemental essays can be tricky, but they're important because your responses can have a big effect on your application chances.

Along with your personal statement essays , Northwestern offers students the chance to respond to a "Why Northwestern" essay prompt as part of its writing supplement.

In this article, I've gathered 6 essays that worked that helped get students admitted into Northwestern recently.

What is Northwestern University's Acceptance Rate?

Getting into Northwestern is quite difficult. Last year, a record 51,554 students applied to Northwestern.

And Northwestern had an overall admit rate of only 7%. Or in other words, about 1 in 13 students get accepted.

Northwestern University Acceptance Scattergram

To get into Northwestern, you've got to stand out from the crowd, which you can do by writing a strong writing supplement section.

What are the Northwestern Supplemental Prompts for 2022-23?

The Northwestern writing supplement for this year only asks one essay question of 300 words: Why Northwestern?

''Why Northwestern'' Statement :

While other parts of your application give us a sense of who you are, we are also excited to hear more about how you see yourself engaging with the larger Northwestern community.

In 300 words or less, help us understand how you might engage specific resources, opportunities, and/or communities here. We are curious about what these specifics are, as well as how they may enrich your time at Northwestern and beyond.

6 Northwestern University EssaysThatWorked

Here are 6 of the best Northwestern essays that worked, including example essays for the "Why Northwestern" statement prompt.

I've also included some great Common App essays from admitted Northwestern students.

Get inspired and start writing your "Why" statement with the help of these examples.

• Northwestern University Essay Example #1
• Northwestern University Essay Example #2
• Northwestern University Essay Example #3
• Northwestern University Essay Example #4
• Northwestern University Essay Example #5
• Northwestern University Essay Example #6

"Why Northwestern?" Essay Example #1

Prompt: "Why Northwestern" Statement:

In 300 words or less, help us understand how you might engage specific resources, opportunities, and/or communities here. We are curious about what these specifics are, as well as how they may enrich your time at Northwestern and beyond. (300 words max)

I love Northwestern’s academic flexibility, including the freedom of the curriculum to explore a variety of fields and the emphasis on cross-department study. Also, the quarter system provides a faster pace of learning and the opportunity to take more classes than a semester school.

Specifically, I am excited by the Spanish and Portuguese department and the classes on Hispanic and Lusophone culture, literature, and phonetics. For example, the accelerated Portuguese program is a perfect way to pick up the language at a faster pace using my prior knowledge of Spanish. I intend to supplement my language acquisition through the study abroad programs offered at the Fundação Getúlio Vargas in Rio de Janeiro or an affiliate program in Santiago, Chile. Additionally, the GESI program in Costa Rica is another intriguing opportunity through its intersectionality. It will allow me to combine a practical application of my language skills with studies in environmental conservation that I find a pressing and interesting issue. As an open-minded learner keen to forge links between academic fields of study, I believe I would be an excellent fit for the program.

I am also interested in Linguistics and pursuing undergraduate research or possibly undertaking the coterminal BA/MA program. The opportunity to link my research to a modern language of choice and investigate, for example, regional variation in Latin American Spanish or how Portuguese loanwords have infiltrated native Amazonian languages sounds fascinating and exciting.

Finally, the unique sense of community at Northwestern captivated me when I visited campus. The residential college system, the school spirit at Wildcat games, and the friendliness of the students I met, one of whom described the school as “the most welcoming place ever”, were all emblematic of this atmosphere for me. I think I will thrive in such a dynamic and inquisitive place.

"Why Northwestern?" Essay Example #2

The only reason I fear going for lunch in a hotel is probably because I wouldn’t choose between fried chicken and roasted meat and so is my dilemma over my college major. The multifaceted whole brain approach at McCormick, however, grants me the perfect opportunity to pursue my interest in Computer Science whilst acquiring the appropriate skills in entrepreneurship to a one day startup as an innovator.

As a NU computer scientist, I particularly look forward to Software Development EECS 473 – NUvention: Web, through which I would not only learn intricacies of Software development, but have related studies in real time software development in relation to market requirements in CS+X that would form a base for a startup. That would also provide a bridge for me to join Prof Todd Warren at Farley Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation where I would specifically join the NUvention; Web + Media. Through this unparalleled program I would have the intimacy of working in a team with fellow wild cats towards an innovative business project. The results of which will be an introduction to the Northwestern Innovation and New Ventures Office (INVO) through which I look forward to gaining practical exposure in launching businesses to the general public.

Outside McCormick, I would be excited to pursue the Managerial analytics Certificate program at Kellogg to acquire intelligent business management skills, let off steam at SPARK exploring hacks while fostering entrepreneurial habits, and eventually joining preparations for the Benedictine Eagle Invite at the Henry Crown Sport’s Pavilion (SPAC) with the NU track club. I may not the best of singers, but I do have intense phases of music obsessions and where best to let it off than taking non major classes at Bienen and, joining one of the numerous Acapella groups as I await Armadillo day!

"Why Northwestern?" Essay Example #3

Why Northwestern? Because this introduction was so difficult to write; because I cannot possibly summarize these reasons in one introductory sentence. Simply put, my interests span across a wide range, and Northwestern has a place for them all.

As an enthusiastic programmer and advocate for positive minority representation in the media, I hope to combine both these interests and conduct research on the influence of media on society. To my delight as a prospective communications major, the School of Communication's research labs showcase project topics ranging from the depiction of STEM in media to improving digital communication. I look forward to taking advantage of the high-quality research, internship and even career opportunities offered to explore my ideas.

My multiple passions keep me creative and energetic, and I plan to continue pursuing them at Northwestern. With years of editing and writing experience for school publications under my belt, for instance, I hope to join the staff of Helicon and North by Northwestern . Last but not least is the constant school spirit and sense of inclusion present within campus. During my campus tour, each tour guide seemed genuinely excited to introduce prospective students to the school. As my particular tour guide described the quarter system and tradition of guarding and painting the rock with passion in her eyes, I knew that only at Northwestern could I find students as enthusiastic about the school itself as they are about their majors. I also spotted many students of color while visiting; as an Asian woman, Northwestern's focus on diversifying reassures me that not only will I not be judged for my background, but that I will get to meet students of all ethnicities and cultures.

College is a time of self-discovery, and I firmly believe I can see my dreams become reality at Northwestern.

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"Why Northwestern?" Essay Example #4

I felt the cold sheets beneath me and the beeping sounds of a monitor next to my bed, my chest moving up and down and my body sinking into the mattress. I opened my eyes and was greeted with a plastic surgeon holding the cyst that was once in the corner of my eye. Medicine, I decided, was my destiny.

Flash forward to 8th grade, the year I decided to read 100 books. Emerson, John Green, Ernest Cline--you name the author, I read them. I became instantly inspired to learn to write like the wonderful authors I had read. So, writing, I decided (maybe), was my destiny.

Wait--or was it medicine? Well, perhaps it can be both.

The thing I find most striking about Northwestern is its emphasis on the word “AND.” Northwestern students can love computer science AND music theory, poetry AND Latin History, journalism AND business--I can love science AND English. At Northwestern, my interests would not be hindered by strict and unwavering guidelines. Rather, they could be effortlessly streamlined and integrated into one another. I could go from ​PSYCH 361--Brain Damage and the Mind to ENG 206 - Reading and Writing Poetry to Carol Clayberger’s Lab to continue my extensive research on T-lymphocytes, similar to that I conducted at UPMC. I would be learning each level of the human psyche, communicating my thoughts through writing, and putting them into action through my research.

At Northwestern, I plan to take advantage of the various resources that would enable me to pursue my passions, find new ones, and combine them into one, pulling from both sides of my brain. I know that I am right for Northwestern and Northwestern is right for me because we have a mutual understanding of what education should look like--emphasis on “AND,” not “OR.”

"Why Northwestern?" Essay Example #5

Think Purple: Aspiring journalist dreams of being a Wildcat F​iled under ​A​dmissions​, ​Top Stories

After brochure browsing, website wandering, and campus canvassing what felt like hundreds of different schools, it took Daisy Conant exactly 32 seconds on the Northwestern University campus to realize she had found the one.

“Northwestern is undefinable in the best way, an addicting hub of intellectuality, creativity, and school spirit - something especially appealing to a football lover,” laughed Conant. “But what excites me most about NU is the opportunity to study at the Medill School of Journalism.”

A writer with hopes of becoming a foreign correspondent, Conant has always been drawn to people and their stories, especially those completely unfamiliar to herself and her experiences. Once learning she could start on day one at Medill acquiring investigative journalism experience writing an enterprise story and end on day 600 with a journalism residency and international experience already under her belt, she was hooked.

“Conducting groundbreaking research on the socioeconomic disparities in the CPS system for the Medill Justice Project, spending a semester abroad reporting on cultural crisis in Greece, interning at the Post - at Medill, my options are boundless,” remarked Conant. “I could explore the world of print news writing in-focuses for the Daily Northwestern, dabble in magazine editing laying out spreads for North by Northwestern, even try my hand at broadcast reporting for WNUR.”

A journalist at heart, Conant is fascinated with the intersections of other disciplines. As an NU student she would be free to engage her passions for international studies and business through outside concentrations in addition to investigative journalism, uncovering the adventures (and discovering the tenacious Wildcats) that lie between Evanston and the shores of Lake Michigan. “My story is just beginning,” said Conant. “And Northwestern is the perfect lede.”

Northwestern Essay Example #6

Prompt: Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (100-250 words)

I held my breath as my trembling fingers, made for the enter key, my eyes glued to the screen savoring every moment. In a split of a second, the results of my sleepless nights were imprinted on the screen.

>>>syntax error

I felt my eyes became watery but I quickly forged a smile convincing myself I wasn’t about to cry.

However disappointed I felt that moment, it wasn’t something new to me. I am not a natural programmer and I have failed more than a million times when running my codes. In fact, I have gotten used to failing, that anytime I get it right on the first attempt I assume I got lucky and I redo the code. Every time I get a syntax error I have eventually learned something new from the code. It’s at these moments that I have learnt more about my world.

Through coding, I have learnt to appreciate shortcomings in life as room for improvements. I have come to understand being raised in a camp in Chalbi dessert is a chance for me to have the first-hand experience of what needs to be done to make the world a better place. I stopped being disappointed I was born in a less tech-savvy country and seen it as an opportunity for me to create an impact with the much I have learnt. I understand with every syntax error, every life obstacle, I learn and take a step closer to a perfect code, achieving my dreams.

What Can You Learn From These Northwestern Essays?

These 6 Northwestern essays that worked show you exactly what it takes to write successful "Why Northwestern?" essays. Answering the "Why Northwestern" statement as best you can is the key to having a successful Northwestern application.

What did you think of these Northwestern essays?

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Why Northwestern Essay Examples

Why northwestern essay examples – introduction .

As one of the top research universities in the country, Northwestern places a lot of emphasis on applicants’ essays. So, if you’re wondering how to get into Northwestern, start by reviewing our Why Northwestern essay examples. That way, you’ll have the tools you need to craft strong Northwestern essays.

In this guide, we will look at several Why Northwestern essay examples. We will examine two Why Northwestern essay examples and discuss what made them effective. We’ll also look at the current Northwestern essay prompts and Northwestern supplemental essay requirements.

Why Northwestern Essay Examples: The Prompt

Beyond the Common App essay, there’s only one additional Northwestern essay prompt—the Why Northwestern essay:

While other parts of your application give us a sense of who you are, we are excited to hear more about how you see yourself engaging with the larger Northwestern community. In 300 words or less, help us understand how you might engage specific resources, opportunities, and/or communities here. We are curious about what these specifics are, as well as how they may enrich your time at Northwestern and beyond. 

Later in this article, we’ll look at various Why Northwestern essay examples. You’ll notice that there aren’t multiple Northwestern essay prompts. This makes your Why Northwestern essay all the more important. Use our Why Northwestern essay examples as a blueprint for your own writing. However, always make sure your essay is your own work. 

In this guide, we’ll look at two successful Why Northwestern essay examples . Then, we’ll discuss what made these Why Northwestern essay examples so impactful. That way, you can approach the Northwestern essay prompt with confidence.

Beyond supplemental essays

Of course, your Northwestern essays aren’t the only aspect of the admissions process. Beyond our Why Northwestern essay examples, we’ll also discuss other elements of the application process. We will review the Northwestern admissions requirements, the Northwestern application, and the Northwestern acceptance rate. 

Now, let’s take a look at some Why Northwestern essay examples. In addition to the Why Northwestern essay examples themselves, we will also provide a breakdown of why they worked and how they successfully addressed the Northwestern essay prompt. Finally, we’ll discuss how important the Why Northwestern essay is to the overall Northwestern admissions process. 

Why Northwestern essay examples 

The following Why Northwestern essay examples were written by students who were accepted to Northwestern University. These Why Northwestern essay examples are intended to provide you with an example of successful Northwestern supplemental essays. All names and personal details in these Northwestern supplemental essays examples have been redacted and/or changed for anonymity. 

After each of these Northwestern supplemental essays examples, we will discuss why these are good responses to Northwestern essay prompts. 

Here’s the first of our Why Northwestern essay examples: 

Why Northwestern Essay Example #1

No matter the research made by scientists on climate change, if politicians don’t accept scientific evidence and pass environmental legislation, the world will suffer greater consequences from climate change. As a political science major at Northwestern, I’ll acquire the skills necessary to pass future legislation that puts the environment and people above the interests of corporations.

I believe that being able to incorporate multiple areas of study can greatly deepen my ability to understand environmental advocacy. With Northwestern’s interdisciplinary curriculum, I’d explore how policy, law, and political philosophy intersect with the process of passing environmental legislation. By taking the “U.S. Environmental Politics” course, for example, I’ll learn how to implement effective environmental policies, both on the international and domestic scale, while also considering the economic, legal, and ethical issues involved.

Regardless of how many hours I spend in the classroom, however, I believe that my knowledge is less meaningful if I can’t apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to lead initiatives that can advocate for the environment. Through the Chicago Field Studies program, I’d be thrilled to take on civic engagement internships and explore how climate change is intertwined with poverty. I’ll also jump at the opportunity to utilize the Ginsberg Research Grant and initiate my own research with professors like Chloe Thurston, who specializes in policy research. It would be an honor to work with faculty members and conduct research on how interest groups affect environmental management compromises.

Outside of the classroom, I’m excited to join the Associated Student Government organization, where I’d work with administrators to promote Northwestern’s environmental sustainability and strive to make the Northwestern experience even better for students.

With the knowledge and experiences I gain at Northwestern, I’ll work to pass the future environmental policies that our world needs.

Why This Essay Worked

This sample of our Northwestern supplemental essays examples successfully addresses the Why School essay prompt for several reasons.

First, the opening of this Why Northwestern essay example is a bold statement. The author sees themselves fixing an issue because of what they will major in and learn at Northwestern. 

They mention their academic interests and future major at Northwestern in the introductory paragraph. This allows the Northwestern admissions officer to quickly understand what is important to the writer. It’s clear that this author has specific career goals. Instead of just mentioning those goals, they explain how attending Northwestern will help them reach these goals. 

Getting specific

The first of our Why Northwestern essay examples specifically mentions Northwestern’s interdisciplinary curriculum. This shows that the writer has done their research on Northwestern. More importantly, it shows how they will use their time on campus to reach their goals. 

Additionally, this author mentions a specific course at Northwestern by name: U.S. Environmental Politics. This successfully addresses the prompt’s question about “how you might engage specific resources, opportunities, and/or communities here.” 

The first of our Why Northwestern essay examples discusses how the author would interact with U.S. Environmental Politics. They also describe what they would learn in this course, which ties back to their academic interests. 

Then, the author references resources outside of the classroom. In particular, the Chicago Field Studies program and conducting research with a Northwestern professor. Again, this shows that the writer of the first of our Why Northwestern essay examples has done their research. They know specific aspects of Northwestern that they are excited to explore. 

Finding your place

This writer also describes a specific community at Northwestern that they are excited to join: the Associated Student Government organization. This shows how the applicant will engage with the larger Northwestern community. 

This whole essay ties back to the writer’s interests in political science, enacting change, and revolutionizing environmental policies. They mention specific Northwestern resources, communities, and opportunities throughout their response. They also connect these opportunities to their own goals. That way, they answer the prompt’s question: “ how they may enrich their time at Northwestern and beyond.” 

You can learn a lot from our Why Northwestern essay examples as you write your own Northwestern essay. This sample shows you how to incorporate specific features that are unique to Northwestern in your essay. 

Applying this Why Northwestern essay example to your writing

Take your cues from this example essay as you start drafting. While you should do your research, you don’t want to just copy/paste information from the Northwestern website. The admissions team knows what Northwestern has to offer—as they read your essay, they want to see how you’d enrich Northwestern’s campus.

So, refer to the first of our Why Northwestern essay examples. Think about how this writer paints a picture of how they’d engage with Northwestern’s community. How can you explain how you plan to engage with whatever resource/opportunity/community you referenced?

Effective Northwestern essay examples also bring the focus back to your own interests and goals. Northwestern admissions wants to know more about you . Don’t just tell them about Northwestern—instead, bring the focus back to you. The first of our Why Northwestern essay examples does just that.

Keeping it concrete

Finally, strong Northwestern essay examples are intentional. Are you intentional about the resources you highlight in your own Northwestern essay? The author of the first of our Why Northwestern essay examples was interested in political science at Northwestern. In doing so, they will “acquire the skills necessary to pass future legislation that puts the environment and people above the interests of corporations.”  

In the first Northwestern essay example, the writer clearly shows how Northwestern would help them reach their goal. They mention Northwestern’s interdisciplinary curriculum and the U.S. Environmental Politics course. They also mention the Chicago Field Studies Program, the Ginsburg Research grant, and Professor Chloe Thurston. Finally, they include extracurricular engagements by highlighting the Associated Student Government organization.

All of these resources connect back to the author’s interests and goals. This makes it easy for Northwestern admissions officers to see what interests the author and how Northwestern will benefit them. It also shows the reader how the applicant will be a great fit in the larger Northwestern community. Ultimately, that is the entire purpose of the Why School essay. 

Now that we have examined one of the Why Northwestern essays examples and why it worked, let’s dive into the second of our Northwestern supplemental essays examples. 

Below is the second of our Why Northwestern essay examples: 

Why Northwestern Essay Example #2

“What is the function of hydrophilic heads?” my AP Biology teacher asked the class.

All that could be heard was the sound of multiple classmates snoring in unison and the tapping of several students on their cell phones.

I had already answered the past 5 questions… Should I answer this one?

School is not a source of enjoyment for most of my classmates. Though the goal was to graduate, the pathway was often marred with cheating, plagiarism, and a lack of motivation to pursue something greater than the average.

At Northwestern however, no such situation would ever take place. The community of students, though from diverse backgrounds, all share the same goal to learn to their greatest potential and will do anything to share it.

In addition to the support such classmates would provide is the faculty of distinguished professors Northwestern has at its disposal. With the quarter system that allows students to take multiple classes outside their major, having such an array of top professors to choose from will guarantee that whichever path I may take will ensure a quality education. Though I plan to major in a Neuroscience-related program as a pre-medical student, I have many interests that have accumulated for years but remained untouched due to circumstances. With my professors as mentors, I would be able to conduct research in these areas, setting an invincible foundation that will increase my vitality in the medical field.  

Coming from a background such as mine to such a collaborative community would be a huge adjustment, but it is one I am excited to make. Having the opportunity to interact/work with people who are genuinely passionate about their fields is an invaluable asset that will motivate me to push harder in spite of any challenges I may face in the future.

The second of our Why Northwestern essay examples is different from the first one. Still, it is just as successful at addressing the prompt. Remember, not all Why Northwestern essays examples are the same.

Strong introduction

The second of our Northwestern supplemental essays examples starts with a quote, which immediately places the reader into the story. This can be a very effective and creative way of beginning your own Northwestern essay. 

This quote then opens into a broader narrative. The beginning of this Northwestern essay explains the academic environment in the author’s high school. In doing so, it highlights how this student operates in a classroom and why they’d succeed at Northwestern.

Then, they connect the opening story to what they want to experience at Northwestern. This instantly shows how they value the community of Northwestern and how they can see themselves joining it. 

Highlighting academic interests

Next, the author uses Northwestern faculty and the quarter system to highlight their own academic interests and future major. Eye-catching Northwestern supplemental essays examples mention specific attributes of Northwestern University—like this essay does. 

Like the first of our Why Northwestern essay examples, this author also explains how they’ll engage with these resources. Additionally, the author connects these resources back to their own interests and goals. 

Finally, good Northwestern supplemental essays examples show excitement about joining the larger Northwestern community. They express genuine interest in becoming a part of the Northwestern community, showing the reader they’re committed to Northwestern. 

Essay examples are a guide, not a blueprint

All successful essays will have their own distinct voice and character. As you likely noticed, this essay is different from the first of our Why Northwestern essay examples. Still, you can learn a lot from this and other strong Northwestern supplemental essays examples. Keep these points in mind as you begin writing your own Northwestern essay. 

Some Why Northwestern essay examples also use humor to get the reader’s attention. If used well, humor can be an effective tool to get the reader on your side. Obviously, don’t feel pressured to include humor if it’s not natural for you. We can’t all be the next Terry Pratchett! At the same time, Northwestern admissions officers read thousands of essays each application cycle. If you can incorporate some humor into your own Northwestern essay, it’s likely to stand out from the crowd. 

Finally, all impactful Northwestern supplemental essays examples show how the author genuinely wants to join the Northwestern community.  The Northwestern essay prompt assesses how committed you are to Northwestern. So, discuss specific communities at Northwestern that interest you. This will help the reader understand how well you’ll fit into Northwestern. 

Curious about other Northwestern supplemental essays examples? Check out our guide here . In it, you’ll find two additional Northwestern supplemental essays examples. We also explain why these Northwestern supplemental essays examples worked. 

Northwestern Supplemental Essay Requirements

You’ve seen some Northwestern essay examples and gotten some useful tips to craft your own. Now, let’s look at the Northwestern supplemental essay requirements. But before we do, let’s take a closer look at the school itself. Remember, the more you know about Northwestern, the stronger your Northwestern essays will be.

Northwestern University

In reading our Why Northwestern essay examples, you probably noticed that the authors have done their research. So, before you complete the Northwestern supplemental essay requirements, let’s take a closer look at the school.

Northwestern University is a private university founded in 1851. Located in Evanston, Illinois, Northwestern has a total undergraduate enrollment of 8,494 students. The overall student population at Northwestern is 25,870. 

According to U.S. News and World Report , Northwestern University is ranked #10 in National Universities (tied with Duke University). Forbes ranks Northwestern as #11 in their list of Top Colleges of 2022 and #9 in their list of Top Private Colleges. 

Because Northwestern is an elite private university, Northwestern admissions is considered most selective. The Northwestern acceptance rate is 7% . Admitted students have a 1460–1560 SAT score or a 33–35 ACT score. 

Since the Northwestern acceptance rate is so competitive, it’s important that your Northwestern supplemental essays stand out to the Northwestern admissions officers. By writing strong essays, you can boost your chances of admission. Use our Why Northwestern essay examples to guide you as you begin writing your own Northwestern essay. 

Be sure to refer to this guide often as you write your own Northwestern essay. Reviewing the Northwestern supplemental essays examples can help you brainstorm ideas for your own Northwestern supplemental essays. 

Northwestern requires applicants to complete two essays (including the personal statement). The first Northwestern supplemental essay can be found on the Common Application or Coalition Application. The second Northwestern essay is the Northwestern writing supplement. 

Why Northwestern Essay

We’ve looked at some Why Northwestern essays examples. Now, let’s spend a bit more time with the Northwestern essay prompt: 

Essentially, the Northwestern supplemental essay prompt asks students to explain why they would like to attend Northwestern. You’ve seen this prompt in our Northwestern essay examples. This is a classic Why School essay—you’ll find similar prompts on many applications. The Why Northwestern essays are open-ended, which gives applicants plenty of flexibility as they craft their response to this Why School essay. 

When you write your own Why Northwestern essays, you can choose to include one or several aspects of the university in your response. As you saw in our Why Northwestern essay examples, strong essays don’t all look the same. However, you should try to highlight specific resources only available at Northwestern.  

However, Why Northwestern essays should not just reiterate information that can be found on the university website. Instead, you will want to relate the content of your Northwestern essay to your own interests, background, or experiences. Think about our Why Northwestern essay examples. While they highlight Northwestern’s resources, these Northwestern essays still give the reader a clear sense of the writer’s background, interests, and goals.

Northwestern Admissions Requirements

In addition to your Why Northwestern essays, Northwestern admissions also requires two letters of recommendation along with your Northwestern application:

• One from your high school counselor
• One from a high school teacher (ideally from junior or senior year)

It’s important to ask for letters of recommendation from people that know you well. Your teacher should be able to speak to your achievements both inside and outside of the classroom. 

College Recommendation Letter Sample & FAQs

For the 2022-2023 Northwestern admissions cycle, test scores are optional. If you choose to submit your test scores, Northwestern will review them and assign a “superscore” to your Northwestern application. In other words, if you took the SAT or ACT multiple times, Northwestern admissions only considers your highest scores.

Students will also submit an activity chart with their Northwestern application. This activity chart is your chance to provide additional details about your extracurricular activities and involvements outside of your high school courses. 

Finally, alumni interviews are an optional component of the Northwestern application process. These interviews are available online or in person on a limited basis. Your chance of admission will not be negatively impacted if you are unable to complete an alumni interview. 

For more about how to get into Northwestern, completing your Northwestern application, and the Why Northwestern essay, visit Northwestern’s website . 

Do you have more questions about how to write supplemental essays? Check out our CollegeAdvisor Masterclass on supplemental essays. In it you’ll get the inside scoop on how to approach, write, and edit your supplemental essays for college. 

How do you answer the why Northwestern essay? 

This Northwestern essay prompt is a classic take on the Why School essay. Essentially, the Northwestern essay prompt asks you to do two things. First, explain how you see yourself engaging with the community at Northwestern. Second, describe how you plan to utilize specific resources, opportunities, and/or communities at Northwestern. 

In other words, the purpose of the Northwestern essay prompt is to understand how you will enrich a specific community at Northwestern and how you will engage with the aspects of Northwestern that interest you the most. 

Both parts of the Northwestern essay prompt are intentionally broad and open-ended. This means that you have free rein to mention how you will enrich any community—academic, cultural, or social—at Northwestern. Additionally, it’s important to include as many specific details as you can in your Northwestern essay. You can reference specific student organizations, courses, traditions, or school-specific programs in your response to this Northwestern essay prompt. 

Your Northwestern essay should be well-written and filled with resources and examples that are unique to Northwestern. You should avoid recycling your response to the Northwestern essay prompt to another Why School essay prompt.  

Now that we have examined this Why School essay prompt, let’s jump into strategies for strong Why Northwestern essays. 

Approaching your Why Northwestern Essay

First, you’ll want to start brainstorming ideas for your Why Northwestern essays. Think about why you added Northwestern to your college list . Are you interested in a particular major at Northwestern? Were you attracted to a specific program that Northwestern offers? 

If you can’t pinpoint why you want to attend Northwestern, don’t worry. You can do a deep dive on the Northwestern University website to find facets of Northwestern that interest you the most. 

Remember, you want to be able to write a well-crafted Northwestern essay, so focus on the aspects of Northwestern that are interesting to you . The strongest Why Northwestern essays are honest and authentic.

 Do some research

Make a list to keep track of things you find appealing about Northwestern. It’s okay not to include everything on your list in your Why Northwestern essays. However, having something to refer to will keep you organized as you begin the writing process. 

Because this Why School essay asks you to explain “how you see yourself engaging with the larger Northwestern community,” you will want to explicitly define which community you are referring to in your Northwestern supplemental essays. You’ll see a sample of this in the Why Northwestern essay examples below. 

Think about the communities you are involved in. Which communities at Northwestern can you see yourself engaging in? Are there any specific communities that stand out at you because of your own background, passions, and interests? 

Now that you have a list of specific resources, opportunities, and communities that interest you (and that are unique to Northwestern), you can begin writing. 

Make every word count

At 300 words or fewer, every word in Why Northwestern essays has to count. As you read and edit your essay, refer back to the Northwestern essay prompt.

Make sure your Northwestern supplemental essays:

• Answer all parts of the prompt
• Mention specific resources or opportunities that you plan to pursue at Northwestern
• Emphasize how you are a great fit for the Northwestern community

Don’t just copy and paste information from the Northwestern admissions website into your Northwestern supplemental essay. Instead, show the admissions committee that you have done your research. Effective Why Northwestern essays authentically show interest. Your essay should highlight how you’ll make an impact on campus. 

If you are still unsure of what all of this looks like in written form, don’t worry. The Why Northwestern essay examples in this guide are both successful at addressing the prompt. Each of the Why Northwestern essay examples will provide you with a good idea of how to structure strong Why Northwestern essays. 

For more tips on writing Why Northwestern essays, check out our Northwestern supplemental essays guide from 2021. Also, take a look at our 2020 Northwestern University essay guide. Lastly, for the Northwestern application as a whole, check out our guide on how to get into Northwestern.

Are there other Northwestern essay prompts? 

There is only one Northwestern supplemental essay prompt—the Why Northwestern essay. However, note that Northwestern will also evaluate your Common App essay. 

It is possible that the Northwestern essay prompts may change from year to year. So, it’s important to verify the essay prompts for Northwestern (and other colleges) before you begin crafting your own college essays. 

If you are a junior or underclassman, you can still benefit from the Why Northwestern essay examples in this guide. Certainly, the Northwestern essay prompts might change before you write your Why Northwestern essays. However, it’s still beneficial to read successful Why Northwestern essay examples. 

Want to learn more about how to write about yourself? Check out our webinar on how to write the Common App personal statement. Or watch this webinar to hear from an admissions officer on how to make your essays shine. 

How important is the Why Northwestern essay? 

The Why Northwestern essay is an incredibly important part of your “how to get into Northwestern” strategy. Strong Why Northwestern essays are the backbone of a good Northwestern application. 

Northwestern receives thousands of applications each admissions cycle from qualified applicants. With more students applying to college than ever before, it’s safe to assume that the Northwestern acceptance rate will continue to fall. 

Because the Northwestern acceptance rate is so competitive, it is important to do what you can to make your application stand out . To stand a chance against the low Northwestern acceptance rate, your Northwestern application has to sparkle.

Northwestern University wants applicants who want to be a part of the Northwestern community. Why Northwestern essays are the best way for you to demonstrate exactly that. 

Northwestern essay reflection questions

• How committed are you to Northwestern? 
• Why are you a great fit for the Northwestern community? 
• How will attending Northwestern help you reach your goals? 

Why Northwestern essays can answer these questions (and more) for the admissions team. Remember how the authors in our Northwestern supplemental essays examples answered these questions in their own responses? They were successful in addressing the prompt and provided specific, concrete examples throughout their essays. Additionally, both Northwestern supplemental essays examples were written in a way that made them memorable.  You’ll want to do the same in your own Northwestern essays. 

Use the Why Northwestern essays to show how well you will fit into the larger Northwestern community. Each of the Northwestern supplemental essays examples show you how to do this successfully. Obviously, be sure to do your research before writing your Why Northwestern essays. The Northwestern essay prompt asks for specifics . So, make sure you clearly state why Northwestern is the perfect school for you. 

Your Northwestern essay can showcase other parts of you that are not otherwise included in your Northwestern application. This will help the admissions team understand what makes you a unique applicant, which will help you stand out from the crowd. 

Above all, be authentic in your responses to the Why Northwestern essays. You want to express a genuine interest in your Why Northwestern essays, like in the Northwestern supplemental essays examples.

How to Get Into Northwestern Guide

Why Northwestern essay examples – Final thoughts

It’s easy to leave your Why Northwestern essay to the last minute. However, your supplemental essays are a key part of your applications. Think of your college essays as an opportunity for your admissions officer to learn more about who you are, what matters to you, and how you will enrich the community at your chosen college. 

The best college essays will highlight your background, identity, and interests. A strong essay will also showcase what makes you a unique applicant and how you will be a great addition to your future college community. 

Do your research

The Northwestern supplemental essays are your opportunity to stand out from other applicants. As you strategize about how to get into Northwestern, be sure to do your research. First, spend time on the Northwestern University website to find specific resources, opportunities, or communities at Northwestern that appeal to you.

Then, make a list of these unique offerings as you research Northwestern. Review your list to determine what excites you the most about attending Northwestern. Use that specific example(s) and incorporate them into your Northwestern supplemental essays. 

Try to align your background, passions, and interests with how you will make an impact on the Northwestern community. You want the Northwestern admissions reader to understand your and why you’ll be a great fit for the Northwestern community. 

Refer to several successful Northwestern supplemental essays examples. Remember, a well-crafted and engaging Northwestern essay will boost your chances of admission. 

Remember to revise

Finally, be sure to revise and edit your Northwestern supplemental essays before you submit your Northwestern application. Strong Northwestern essays don’t happen overnight, so you should give yourself plenty of time to draft, edit, and proofread. You can always ask a friend, counselor, or CollegeAdvisor.com advisor to help you proofread your Why Northwestern essays.

Need more guidance with your Northwestern supplemental essays? Register with CollegeAdvisor.com today to get one-on-one support as you write your Northwestern supplemental essays. Happy writing!

This article was written by Claire Babbs . Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, looking for examples of 'why northwestern' essays that worked.

I'm starting to work on my Northwestern application and their 'Why Northwestern' prompt has me stressed out. Does anyone know where I can find examples of essays that worked? It would be super helpful to see successful essays to know what aspects of Northwestern to focus on in my own essay.

I understand that you're looking for examples to get an idea of what has worked for others in their "Why Northwestern" essays. You can find a couple in this CollegeVine article: https://blog.collegevine.com/northwestern-essay-examples

That said, it's important to keep in mind that what worked for other students may not necessarily work for you. The goal of the "Why Northwestern" essay is to showcase your unique interest in the University, your fit within their community, and how the school's offered programs align with your academic or career goals. Trying to emulate someone else's essay might end up misrepresenting your genuine interest and fit.

Instead, I suggest conducting thorough research on Northwestern's programs, resources, and clubs that genuinely interest you. Start by exploring their website, reading articles about the school, and connecting with current students or alumni if possible. Here are a few aspects to consider as you write your own "Why Northwestern" essay:

1. Academics: Focus on specific programs, majors, or courses that interest you. Explain how these opportunities align with your educational goals and how the school's academic approach will help you succeed.

2. Extracurriculars: Mention the clubs, organizations, or research opportunities that you'd like to be involved in, and explain how they align with your interests or passions.

3. Campus culture: Reflect on any unique campus traditions and community events that resonate with you, or discuss how Northwestern's diverse and inclusive community will contribute to your personal growth.

4. Location and resources: Describe the appeal of attending a school in the Chicago area (such as professional networking opportunities, cultural experiences, or access to internships) and explain how it fits your desired college experience.

Remember to be authentic and genuine while showcasing your understanding of what makes Northwestern unique. This approach will help you create a more compelling and original "Why Northwestern" essay that will stand out among other applicants. Good luck with your application!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

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Theses & Dissertations

How Do I Find a Thesis or Dissertation?

Northeastern master’s theses and doctoral dissertations:.

Most Northeastern theses and dissertations published in 2008 or later are available online through the library’s Digital Repository Service. In addition to finding them in in Scholar OneSearch, y ou can also search the DRS directly which allows you to easily filter your search to a college, department, advisor, and more.

Prior to 2008, print copies are located in the Archives and Special Collections .

Theses and dissertations published at other universities

• Proquest Theses and Dissertations Global includes theses and dissertations from all major United States institutions of higher education and some international ones as well.
• Theses and dissertations may also be found in these research databases .

What Is an ETD program?

ETD stands for Electronic Theses and Dissertations. ETD programs replace the traditional practice of depositing print copies of theses and dissertations in the library. Northeastern University requires that you deposit your doctoral dissertation or master’s thesis electronically via ProQuest’s Dissertation Publishing service.

As part of this service, ProQuest will deliver an electronic copy of your dissertation or thesis to the library. The library will deposit this copy into its Digital Repository Service (DRS) . The DRS provides free online access to users worldwide, so your research will be widely accessible. You will hold the copyright to your work just as you would if it were made available in print. The electronic format allows you to include supplemental materials such as video, data sets, and presentation slides.

This program collects all of Northeastern’s dissertations and theses in an online archive and provides an excellent overview of the important research being conducted at the university. More information about the university’s ETD program is available in the university’s ETD Proquest agreement .

More FAQs about theses and dissertations are available in the University Library FAQ.

How Do I Submit My NU Thesis or Dissertation?

Congratulations, you’ve finally finished!

Each college at Northeastern University maintains its own individual requirements for the preparation and submission of theses and dissertations. Before submitting, students should contact their department or graduate school for those requirements.

Each college also has a unique link to submit theses and dissertations via ProQuest. Once you are ready to submit your thesis or dissertation, please choose the correct “ProQuest submission” link for your school or college:

• ProQuest submission
• Thesis guidelines

What Is an Embargo?

An embargo prevents readers from accessing the full text of a work for a designated period of time. Authors may choose to use an embargo to protect sensitive information, or because they have applied for a patent based on their work.

At Northeastern University, the maximum embargo permitted for a thesis or dissertation is two years. You may find that other institutions have embargoes of different lengths, or other restrictions. Embargos may be renewed with permission from your program administrator.

Generally, the citation and abstract are still available to readers during the embargo period.

How Does Copyright Apply to Theses & Dissertations?

At Northeastern University, copyright for your thesis or dissertation copyright belongs to you. Although it is not necessary to include a copyright statement, we recommend that you do so.

You may also choose to register your thesis or dissertation with the U.S. Copyright Office. This is not necessary as you already have copyright over your own dissertation, but registering it can protect you in legal situations where you may wish to collect statutory damages.  You can register your copyright during the ProQuest submission process for a fee of $75, or you may file yourself directly with the U.S. Copyright office (starting fee is $45 for single author).

Publishing your thesis or dissertation online through Northeastern’s DRS does not void or cancel your copyright. It allows your work to reach a wider audience and others must still ask your permission before reproducing or otherwise using your work beyond fair use .

Read more about copyright and theses/dissertations:

• “ Copyright and Publishing Your Dissertation ” by Rachael Samberg, University of California Berkeley Library
• “ Copyright Law & Graduate Research: New Media, New Rights, and Your New Dissertation ” by Kenneth D. Crews for ProQuest (PDF)
• “ So You Want People to Read Your Thesis? ” by Danny Kingsley, Australian Open Access Support Group

For help with specific questions related to copyright, please contact the Library’s Digital Production Services department .

How Do I Update My Thesis or Dissertation?

Updates to your thesis or dissertation must be made in two places: the Digital Repository Service (DRS) and ProQuest’s Dissertation Publishing . Most changes to a thesis or dissertation in the DRS require approval from your program administrator, for example:

• requests for replacing your paper with an updated or corrected copy
• applying a new embargo
• requesting an embargo extension.

To make the change, first get permission from your program, then contact DRS staff to implement the approved change. Changes to the information about your paper, like an update to your name or correcting a typo in the abstract, do not require program approval.

For help with theses and dissertations stored in ProQuest, contact ProQuest support: [email protected]

How Do I Get a Print Copy of My Thesis or Dissertation?

Although not required by the university, you may want one or more bound copies of your thesis or dissertation. You can order bound copies from ProQuest during the submission process. Locally, we recommend HF Group (formerly Acme Binding) in Charlestown. Many local photocopying businesses also provide this service with various types of binding.

Ask a Librarian

Launch a 24/7 Chat to ask questions and get information from your office, home, or dorm room.

Librarians from Northeastern and other libraries are standing by now to help you.

• Chat with a librarian 24/7.
• Drop in at the research help desk in the lobby of Snell Library: 11am-3pm, weekdays .
• Email the library . Please allow at least one business day for a response.
• Call us (617) 373-2356 .
• Text us (617) 934-7876 for quick questions.
• Contact your subject librarian or a library specialist for in-depth research support.  

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Extracurriculars.

How to Write the Northwestern University Essays 2023-2024

Northwestern University is a private research university located in Evanston, Illinois, just a 30-minute train ride north of Chicago. It’s got a beautiful lakefront campus and glimmering views of the city.  Overall, Northwestern is a sought-after and highly competitive institution. It’s clear that aspiring Northwestern wildcats must stand out to be accepted, and one way to do that is through your supplemental essays. In this post, we’ll break down Northwestern’s supplemental prompts.

Read these Northwestern essay examples to inspire your writing.

Northwestern University Supplemental Essay Prompts

Required for all applicants.

Prompt 1:  We want to be sure we’re considering your application in the context of your personal experiences: What aspects of your background, your identity, or your school, community, and/or household settings have most shaped how you see yourself engaging in Northwestern’s community, be it academically, extracurricularly, culturally, politically, socially, or otherwise? (300 words)

Recommended for All Applicants

Prompt 2: The following questions are optional, but we encourage you to answer at least one and no more than two. Please respond in fewer than 200 words per question:

• Option 1 : Painting “The Rock” is a tradition at Northwestern that invites all forms of expression—students promote campus events or extracurricular groups, support social or activist causes, show their Wildcat spirit (what we call “Purple Pride”), celebrate their culture, and more. What would you paint on The Rock, and why?
• Option 2 : Northwestern fosters a distinctively interdisciplinary culture. We believe discovery and innovation thrive at the intersection of diverse ideas, perspectives, and academic interests. Within this setting, if you could dream up an undergraduate class, research project, or creative effort (a start-up, a design prototype, a performance, etc.), what would it be? Who might be some ideal classmates or collaborators?
• Option 3 : Community and belonging matter at Northwestern. Tell us about one or more communities, networks, or student groups you see yourself connecting with on campus.
• Option 4 : Northwestern’s location is special: on the shore of Lake Michigan, steps from downtown Evanston, just a few miles from Chicago. What aspects of our location are most compelling to you, and why?
• Option 5 : Northwestern is a place where people with diverse backgrounds from all over the world can study, live, and talk with one another. This range of experiences and viewpoints immeasurably enriches learning. How might your individual background contribute to this diversity of perspectives in Northwestern’s classrooms and around our campus?

Prompt 1 (Required)

We want to be sure we’re considering your application in the context of your personal experiences: what aspects of your background, your identity, or your school, community, and/or household settings have most shaped how you see yourself engaging in northwestern’s community, be it academically, extracurricularly, culturally, politically, socially, or otherwise (300 words).

You’re probably familiar with this kind of prompt, which we call the archetypal “Why This College?” essay . This prompt is essentially asking you why you’re interested in Northwestern and how the school can support your goals and interests, both academic and extracurricular. (We highly recommend checking out CollegeVine’s breakdown of the “Why This College?” essay above, as it goes into a lot more detail and will help you out with other schools as well). 

As you’re brainstorming, you should consider both the tangible and intangible aspects of Northwestern and how they align with your goals, subjects, and values. You should be setting up a “Force Dyad” with yourself and Northwestern as attractive poles. Compile a list of the specific programs, classes, clubs, and other resources at Northwestern that interest you. How do they align with your own academic or professional interests? Is there a program that merges two interests of yours? Is there an extracurricular that you were really seeking in your college search?

It’s worth it, but not required, to plan your essay in a T-chart format: 

This exercise will give you a clearer, larger picture of your connection to the school, and allow you to talk about the connections fluidly and naturally. 

How should I research this? 

• Always have the school website open, and always make a few more clicks than you initially think you’re going to need. School websites can be mazelike, so allow yourself a lot of time. Check out faculty profiles, lists of current undergraduate work, connected programs, and any volunteerism done through different departments. 
• Additionally, lots of departments, research centers, or undergraduate schools have e-newsletters you can subscribe to, or publications you can find online. This will present you with the most recent contributions and discoveries of Northwestern staff and research.
• This is also a great opportunity to politely email departments and professors, asking about their perspectives on Northwestern programs, or asking to be put in touch with current students. This will give you a better view than looking at the website, and will also demonstrate to admissions that you went the extra mile to assess Northwestern’s environment. 

Be highly specific and granular. This applies to both your interests and your future goals. It’s not enough to be interested in a general subject, like “journalism” or “politics.” You have to pinpoint exactly which facets of your areas you want to really delve into. Instead of “journalism and politics,” you could instead discuss how the Medill on the Hill program would allow you to get invaluable hands-on experience directly from Northwestern’s Washington newsroom, and how this will help your goal to one day work as a TV writer covering developments in LGBT politics on a national level.

This specificity paints a better picture of you as a student and aspiring professional. Remember: it’s easier for them to admit someone with a detailed plan than someone with a fuzzy outline. If you’ve already done the work visualizing and planning your time on campus, that’s less mental work for admissions, and a faster track to a “yes.”

Don’t skimp on the extracurriculars! While the classroom is important, Northwestern wants to know how you will engage with the community on campus. For example, the student with a passion for the environment might join In Our Nature , a “paperless magazine that aims to bring the environment to everyone.” While your academic interests should be the focus of your essay, you should also spend ideally about 1/3 of the essay discussing your extracurricular passions, to illuminate your character quirks and ability to think creatively, beyond your transcript.

Of course, you want to choose extracurricular activities that expand on your academic interests and goals. For example, when discussing In Our Nature, you could cite your love for integrating complex topics in marine biology with creative nonfiction techniques, and your desire to pursue scientific writing as a profession. 

Chisel out your goals with the attention of a sculptor . Since the prompt asks you you’ll “make use of specific resources and opportunities,” you need to have some kind of goal or interest in mind. And as previously stated, a concrete and specific goal looks better (and is easier to write for) than a generalized, nebulous goal. Needing to identify goals doesn’t necessarily mean you have to have a major or a career nailed down – you just need to find a specific attraction to learning, or a specific mode of analysis you want to apply.

You can achieve specificity in a number of ways: philosophy, how you want to engage others, a community you want to help, etc. For example, a student who’s still undecided between history and biology might find a specific commonality in her approach to research: “I believe in research that involves significant hands-on exploration, whether that’s recreating 17 th -century shipbuilding techniques or collecting samples from a forest, is the best way to understand one’s subjects in a grounded, equalized, and fully immersive way.” This applicant is undecided, but specific in her approach to learning and the kind of learning environment she wants. 

Please note: applying with a goal doesn’t mean you’re committed to it all four years. It just has to be your goal right now, and you should think about what steps you need to reach that goal. Those steps should align with some sort of unique resource at Northwestern, and you should be able to clearly define how those complement each other.  

Speaking of goals: GOALS! The content of this essay should always loop back to you and your goals. If you think any student could write what you’ve written, then you haven’t written something that’s engaging or compelling yet. The same goes for the Northwestern resources you choose to discuss. If those opportunities are available at many schools, you’ll want to do more research and pick more unique resources, to show that you’re truly invested in Northwestern.

Prompt 2 (Recommended)

The following questions are optional, but we encourage you to answer at least one and no more than two. please respond in fewer than 200 words per question..

Let’s be honest: an “optional” essay is really just a required essay without the label—especially for an essay that is supposed to show why you and Northwestern are a great fit. This is an opportunity you should take advantage of: more space to sell yourself and highlight your achievements.

Prompt 2, Option A

Painting “the rock” is a tradition at northwestern that invites all forms of expression—students promote campus events or extracurricular groups, support social or activist causes, show their wildcat spirit (what we call “purple pride”), celebrate their culture, and more. what would you paint on the rock, and why (200 words).

While brainstorming a hypothetical such as painting a rock may seem arbitrary and premature, this exercise cleverly disguises a far-more important question within its wording – What will you bring to Northwestern? While many people believe the admissions process is all about proving your academic prowess to an admissions counselor, the truth is that admissions is far more nuanced.

Colleges can and will choose to admit someone they find more complex and interesting than someone who may just look good on paper. While all supplemental essays offer you the chance to showcase this, this prompt in particular is a great opportunity to set yourself apart, that is, so long as you really do set yourself apart.

Brainstorming your topic:

The approach to this prompt is not about specifically brainstorming a specific message or work of art you hope to display on the Rock, but rather what kind of student and more importantly, person you will be at Northwestern. So, what kind of student are you hoping to be?

In order to answer this, it’s necessary to understand the values and culture of Northwestern. According to their website , Northwestern students lead with compassion, showcasing empathy and understanding, they model responsibility, are committed to social justice, embrace well-being, practicing open communication and helping others develop through candid feedback, among other qualities.

That’s a whole lot to choose from, but the throughlines are actually quite simple: In a nutshell, students at Northwestern do not value the individual over the community, they fight for each other and those overlooked, and they must uphold morality and ethical behavior in all endeavors, both academic, professional, and anywhere else.

Of course, the interpretation you have of Northwestern’s values is entirely up to you, but in general, reflect on the type of student you hope to be while in college. What excites you about learning in an environment like Northwestern? What goals do you have for yourself? What do you hope to engage in with others? What new horizons do you hope to explore? Let these questions guide your thinking and research, and ultimately, let them lead you to your answer.

Tips for writing your essay:

Once you have a clearer picture of what impact you hope to have at Northwestern, whether that be in extracurricular organizations, community service, or something else entirely, it’s time to translate that to what kind of message you would put on the rock. By now, it should become more apparent that the tradition of painting the rock is far less of an individual expression and more along the lines of a message or movement you hope to highlight to a wider community.

As such, you don’t need to begin your response with your answer. Instead, present your connection with whatever endeavor you wish to participate in. Perhaps you’ve chosen to write about your passion for community service, and your hopes to participate in one of Northwestern’s opportunities such as Jumpstart, which partners Northwestern students with preschool children in under-resourced communities to help improve the children’s language, literacy, and social skills to best prepare them for kindergarten. Rather than leading with “ If there was anything I could paint on the rock, I would bring awareness to Northwestern’s Jumpstart program ”, write first about the why . Consider this format:

“ I was diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age, a moment that shattered my educational experience before it even started. As I grew older, I learned I was fortunate enough to be at a school that understood the challenges I faced, giving me resources like extra time and faculty advisors to walk me through my early education. Now I feel a passion to help other children break through the barriers they may face in their education, whether that be through learning disabilities or financial or social inequity. Northwestern’s Jumpstart program is an amazing opportunity that connects interested college students to these very communities, and I hope to channel my own experiences traversing educational challenges and insecurities to give back. Through engaging with the Jumpstart curriculum and supporting faculty in Chicago preschools, Jumpstart is an inspiring effort to connect college students to preschoolers, and is particularly inspiring to me, as I hope to be someone these students can rely on for patience and kindness. To me, this is a cause that can never have too much awareness, and as such, I’d team up with fellow Jumpstart members to showcase why the cause matters on the Rock. ”

No matter what prompt you write, the admissions staff is looking to learn more about you and what you care about, so while your own experiences will always vary, it is essential to explain your background and what made you into who you are today. While this response may not immediately answer the question, it will paint a vivid picture of you before leading to a developed and well-thought-out answer. Before we know what you want to paint on the rock, we know you have a passion for community service, have a personal connection to that cause, and also value teamwork and collaboration when it comes to accomplishing your goals. No matter the specifics, showcasing a mature understanding of both the prompt and its impact will undoubtedly set you apart in the admissions process.

Mistakes to avoid:

On the flip side, it is vital to not opt to paint something that only serves to benefit you, or only expresses your distinct interests or motivations. A real-world example of this comes from a popular Northwestern story in which a student chose to paint the rock in honor of their mother’s birthday. While this is undoubtedly a nice gesture, think of the implications of writing this in a response to this prompt. Not only does it not show an interest in advancing or helping Northwestern’s community or other communities, it also reads as a narrow-minded choice of expression when provided with a platform for messages to be seen by a wider community.

Prompt 2, Option B

Northwestern fosters a distinctively interdisciplinary culture. we believe discovery and innovation thrive at the intersection of diverse ideas, perspectives, and academic interests. within this setting, if you could dream up an undergraduate class, research project, or creative effort (a start-up, a design prototype, a performance, etc.), what would it be who might be some ideal classmates or collaborators (200 words).

This is a broad question that inspires you to think creatively, and really throw out an area of interest you’re hoping to explore or a far-off goal you’re hoping to achieve while at Northwestern. It’s a foray into independent study, and should hopefully get you thinking about what kind of undertakings you wish to encounter while in college and have resources at your disposal. It’s Northwestern asking you for your passion project, and as such, it should be treated with as much creativity and personality as possible.

This will most likely be the hardest stage of answering this prompt, so if you already have an idea of what you want to write about, a lot of your hard work is actually done. The reason this may prove challenging for you, however, is that there is a fine line between ambition and unrealistic thought.

While you may be able to come up with a variety of projects you would love to explore, your eventual response should feel grounded and rooted in research you’ve done into ongoing endeavors at Northwestern as well as recent or even past projects students and professors have completed. Writing that you wish to design a drug that can reverse the effects of human aging is certainly an impressive undertaking, but it means nothing unless you’ve rooted your response in truth.

That being said, don’t feel you need to restrict yourself quite yet at this stage. Really think about what you are genuinely passionate about, and take those ideas and begin researching how Northwestern can help you engage with them. If it remains in the field of science, look through a directory of professors, read and understand the research they’ve conducted, and browse through the courses that may already exist related to your field of interest. 

If it’s in the arts or humanities, the process is similar, but instead of corresponding your investigation to practical research, look into what students are actively creating at Northwestern. Are there design labs they collaborate in? How are students guided toward their art projects? What obstacles do students face in enacting their visions?

The second part of this response deals with who you hope to engage within your project or research. While this may seem like a convoluted hypothetical, it’s perhaps the most important part of this prompt. This is your chance to really get specific, and showcase your plan of action when you do hopefully attend Northwestern. 

Are there specific clubs or classes you can join to meet students with similar interests and questions? Are there any overarching research programs related to your interest, and if so, what professors are at the forefront? How do you hope to rally interest behind your chosen topic?

Remember that just because you’re interested in something, doesn’t mean everyone else will automatically be onboard. It’s important to write about why your chosen topic is not only exciting to you but can also enhance learning and the curriculum already in place at Northwestern.

Once you’ve chosen your ideal academic effort and have done the research, you’ll have a much easier time showcasing your ambition and creativity by using facts. As usual with many supplemental essays, the heart of your response lies in your personal connection to the prompt. Whatever you’ve chosen to write about hopefully already has a personal component to it, so lead with that. In doing so, you’ll hook the reader in before engaging them with specifics, which will serve you well when you prove that you can back up your proposal with research.

Using the example of aging research, consider this response:

“If I could design any new academic program at Northwestern, there would be no other choice for me than to design a new undergraduate curriculum for aging research. My hope would be to combine modern technology with past research in order to develop new solutions to life’s oldest questions and problems, and inspire other students to further dive into this relatively under researched field.”

Amongst many problems with this response, the one that will stick out the most is a lack of any human spirit or emotion. Anybody can sit down and type out a response about their hopes to expand awareness of a field of study to a larger student body, but not everyone thinks the way you will. Not everyone has even an acute interest in the subject, including the admissions reader. The admissions reader is not looking for a new idea to add to the existing curriculum, they’re looking for a new student with a fresh perspective. Let’s tweak that response, and make it much more personal:

“ My grandma passed away a few years before I was born from something inherently avoidable – old age. While this may sound juvenile, a stubborn personality combined with a quickly rotating assembly of doctors made it difficult for my grandma to receive proper care in her golden years. Learning about this has made me incredibly passionate about the study of aging, specifically how modern technology can be used to provide care like never before, not just in efficacy, but in convenience for the patient. Northwestern is already a pioneer in aging research, being home to the renowned Potocsnak Longevity Institute and devoted research to “SuperAgers”, Nanoscience, and Translational Biology. To address the few opportunities for undergraduate students to engage with this research, my proposal is for there to be a broad program to encourage and teach students about this field and its importance, using research from current Northwestern faculty to guide them…”

While it’s always important to ensure your personal statement does not overstay its welcome, the personal statement is vital in planting the seeds for the rest of your response, as showcased here. Now that we understand this hypothetical student’s rationale for caring about the study of aging, we become open to hearing their proposal on the subject, and in doing so, the actual proposal matters less.

This student also cites Northwestern’s pre-existing work in this field, and will go on to add their own ideas on how undergraduates can get increasingly involved with Northwestern faculty working on the frontlines of this research. As a result, the student has showcased they have a genuine passion and understanding for the subject, as well as a genuine passion and understanding of the school at large.

Prompt 2, Option C

Community and belonging matter at northwestern. tell us about one or more communities, networks, or student groups you see yourself connecting with on campus. (200 words).

This prompt is a variation of a Why This College essay, asking you to specifically name and elaborate on various communities or groups you hope to be a part of when attending Northwestern. It’s your chance to demonstrate the impact you hope to have while at Northwestern, and finding specificity in your answer can really separate you from the pack. 

It is also a chance for you to highlight aspects of yourself that may not be readily apparent on other parts of your application, giving you the opportunity to showcase communities you’ve been a part of in the past as well as elaborate on some aspects of your identity.

The first step in choosing a topic comes with researching Northwestern’s various communities, networks, and student groups. Research can come in the form of visiting the various organizations’ websites, diving into school forums to hear what students are engaging with, to even talking with current and past Northwestern students about the communities they’ve been a part of while on campus. 

If you find yourself overwhelmed with the sheer number of communities found on campus (Northwestern has almost 500 student organizations), another approach you can take is first deciding what kind of community you hope most to be a part of if you become a Northwestern student. 

Reflect on communities that you’ve been a part of in the past, and decide whether your engagement with those communities has had a lasting effect on your interests and identity. Chances are there will be a number of communities you both already identify with and exist on Northwestern’s campus, and drawing a link between past and future will be a great way for you to develop your response.

Remember that this prompt isn’t just for the admissions reader to get a better sense of who you are, but to see how you may fit into Northwestern’s larger culture and the communities that exist there. As such, it’s important to research the core values and principles of Northwestern. For example, one of Northwestern’s core values lies in a commitment to social justice, so if you were part of an activism group in your high school that gave you a sense of pride and purpose, it would be easy for you to draw a link between your past experiences and potential ones you may have as a continuing member of a community dedicated to social justice.

Once you’ve reflected on your past community involvement, it may become easier for you to source the communities at Northwestern you’re interested in connecting with. And while the prompt allows you to elaborate on multiple communities, you may find it easier to focus on just one community to highlight in your 200-word response.

Finally, remember that “community” can mean several different things, and does not necessarily need to be a student group or organization. Community can refer to an identity, interest, ethnicity, personality trait, or something else entirely. It’s defined by you, and as such, is defined by what you choose to write about.

Once you’ve chosen a community at Northwestern to write about, consider the impact said the community would have on your experience, on your goals both academically and personally, and how being a part of that community would allow you to apply yourself to the campus community as a whole. 

Remember to be as specific as you possibly can and show a genuine interest and understanding of how said community operates at Northwestern. Following on the path of communities dedicated to the pursuit of social justice, consider this response:

“ I grew up in a rural town without access to clean water. I embarked on an initiative with fellow students to bring water to our community, and in doing so, learned much about the environment, our country’s infrastructure, and what my generation can do to help. As such, I can not foresee a world where I don’t invest as much time as I have into the Kellogg Energy and Sustainability Club at Northwestern. My commitment to environmental justice is life-long, and the Energy and Sustainability Club’s efforts to bring students and faculty together to change the way businesses and organizations work in the environment is something I’m eager to be a part of. The club’s dedication to making an impact not just on the environment, but people in positions of power, is inspiring. I believe that the key to my team’s success in high school was not any single individual’s desire to make change, but how our collective desires continued to inspire each other, and the community that the Energy and Sustainability Club fosters is vital to that cause. ”

Prompt 2, Option D

Northwestern’s location is special: on the shore of lake michigan, steps from downtown evanston, just a few miles from chicago. what aspects of our location are most compelling to you, and why (200 words).

This prompt asks you to highlight your interest in one of Northwestern’s crown jewels – its close proximity to the bustling city of Chicago. There are many different directions you can take this response, but the most important quality of your answer lies in demonstrating the personal impact and benefits the location will offer you.

Asking you to identify the parts of Chicago and its surrounding area you are most looking forward to living around is no small task – the region offers so many exciting opportunities, particularly for a college-aged student. 

You can choose to take a cultural route, writing about Chicago’s history, food, music, art, or anything in between, or you can take a practical route, writing about the various major businesses that call Chicago home and the connection Northwestern has with companies and other organizations in the greater Chicago area, or perhaps even an unconventional route entirely, something like writing about your obsession with sustainability and how the city of Chicago has always been a global leader in pioneering sustainability efforts. 

In all of these routes, the key throughline is to be incredibly specific. The more specific you are with your answer on why you think the location is special, the more specific you are really being about what makes you special.

Do research on the various elements of Chicago and its surrounding area that appeal to you, and see if you can elaborate on your personal connection with them.

Undoubtedly, one of the most difficult things about this essay will be choosing a topic to write about, and while there may be many things you hope to explore and engage with while attending Northwestern, it is important to narrow it down to not just the ones you’re most interested in, but the ones you believe showcase why going to Northwestern would be a special experience for you. 

Set up your response by sharing a personal anecdote or personal interest that you have, before diving into what Northwestern’s location offers for someone like you. Finally, wrap up your response by connecting the location back to Northwestern itself, and exactly how the school ties into the life you hope to live there. Here’s an example:

“I could not tell you the first thing about how to play an instrument, but perhaps that’s exactly why I’m so infatuated with Jazz. Maybe it’s the eclectic style of play, the chaotic structure of the music or rather lack thereof, or maybe it’s the bustling vibrant sounds themselves, whatever it is, Jazz has been a lifelong obsession with mine. The opportunity to go to a school with not just so many amazing music opportunities on campus, but one that is at the doorstep of one of the Jazz capitals of the world, is an absolute dream come true. Home to the Chicago Jazz Festival, a music festival I’ve been following my whole life, Chicago’s rich Jazz scene that’s housed many of my personal heroes is alive and well. While my parents may fear my proximity to so much jazz may endanger my studies, I believe it to be the exact opposite. The idea of jazz is grounded in spontaneity, curiosity, and instinct, all three of which I aim to channel as a student at Northwestern…”

Avoiding generalizations will be important to any kind of response you write about to this prompt. Chicago has so much to offer, and especially for admissions readers, they don’t need to be told about what the city has to offer so much as what the city has to offer you. For example, just because you watch and love The Bear , doesn’t mean that the thing you’re most excited for in Chicago is an Italian Beef sandwich. Remember to get specific with your answers and paint a picture of why the school’s location is impactful for you specifically.

Prompt 2, Option E

Northwestern is a place where people with diverse backgrounds from all over the world can study, live, and talk with one another. this range of experiences and viewpoints immeasurably enriches learning. how might your individual background contribute to this diversity of perspectives in northwestern’s classrooms and around our campus (200 words).

This is a relatively straightforward Diversity Essay , and tasks you with sharing a part of your background that you feel like you’d be bringing to campus. And diversity doesn’t necessarily have to mean things like ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status, diversity can be whatever you define it to be, whether that has to do with your interests, experiences, family, languages, or something else entirely. However, it’s important to really reflect on what diversity means to you before just quantifying anything as a diverse perspective. 

In taking that step, think about the aspects of your identity that you feel make you most unique. Think about your upbringing, your personality traits, your mistakes, experiences, and then even things that you felt were out of your control – what challenges have you faced because of things that may not have been your fault? Have you faced any prejudices? Any hardships because of your identity? Even reflecting on how you learned about or accepted your identity can be a great way to elaborate on your diversity.

It’s important to ask yourself these specific questions because whatever you do choose to write about will need to be very specific. A great way to give an admissions reader insight into the individual background you’d be bringing to campus is to open with an anecdote. Real anecdotes will allow an admissions reader to put themselves in your shoes, and be able to further understand how your individual background has affected you. Your chosen anecdote doesn’t necessarily have to be a hardship or an instance of prejudice, a unique cultural tradition, value, or family experience can be equally as effective in showcasing your diversity.

The second part of this prompt asks you specifically how you hope your individual background will contribute to Northwestern’s campus and community as a whole. This part of the prompt can be a little trickier, especially without actually being a student on campus. As such, this aspect of your response doesn’t need to be nearly as long, especially considering you only have 200 words total to answer. However, it’s still important to do your research as to what organizations or resources are on campus that you hope to engage with as well as what you hope your individual background can contribute to others. 

Perhaps you can write about how you hope to get involved with events with Multicultural Student Affairs, or how you hope to take a class in the Asian American Studies program to learn more about your own identity, or how you plan to engage with various LGBTQ+ organizations on campus to continue to advocate for inclusion and acceptance. Whatever route you choose to go down, be specific. Talk about specific events, classes, or organizations. Discuss their impact on campus and the community. And most importantly, talk about the impact it would have on you.

Where to Get Your Northwestern Essays Edited

Do you want feedback on your Northwestern essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools.  Find the right advisor for you  to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Essays That Worked

The essays are a place to show us who you are and who you’ll be in our community.

It’s a chance to add depth to something that is important to you and tell the admissions committee more about your background or goals. Below you’ll find selected examples of essays that “worked,” as nominated by our admissions committee. In each of these essays, students were able to share stories from their everyday lives to reveal something about their character, values, and life that aligned with the culture and values at Hopkins.

Read essays that worked from Transfer applicants .

Hear from the class of 2027.

These selections represent just a few examples of essays we found impressive and helpful during the past admissions cycle. We hope these essays inspire you as you prepare to compose your own personal statements. The most important thing to remember is to be original as you share your own story, thoughts, and ideas with us.

Ordering the Disorderly

Ellie’s essay skillfully uses the topic of entropy as an extended metaphor. Through it, we see reflections about who they are and who they aspire to be.

Pack Light, But Be Prepared

In Pablo’s essay, the act of packing for a pilgrimage becomes a metaphor for the way humans accumulate experiences in their life’s journey and what we can learn from them. As we join Pablo through the diverse phases of their life, we gain insights into their character and values.

Tikkun Olam

Julieta illustrates how the concept of Tikkun Olam, “a desire to help repair the world,” has shaped their passions and drives them to pursue experiences at Hopkins.

Kashvi’s essay encapsulates a heartfelt journey of self-discovery and the invaluable teachings of Rock, their 10-year-old dog. Through the lens of their companionship, Kashvi walked us through valuable lessons on responsibility, friendship, patience, and unconditional love.

Classical Reflections in Herstory

Maddie’s essay details their intellectual journey using their love of Greek classics. They incorporate details that reveal the roots of their academic interests: storytelling, literary devices, and translation. As their essay progresses, so do Maddie’s intellectual curiosities.

My Spotify Playlist

Alyssa’s essay reflects on special memories through the creative lens of Spotify playlists. They use three examples to highlight their experiences with their tennis team, finding a virtual community during the pandemic, and co-founding a nonprofit to help younger students learn about STEM.

More essays that worked

We share essays from previously admitted students—along with feedback from our admissions committee—so you can understand what made them effective and how to start crafting your own.

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