During the 2024–2025 admissions cycle, Northwestern University accepted only a sliver of the students who applied – 7.69%, landing firmly in the single-digit acceptance rate range. This number is often shocking to parents, who remember the ~40% acceptance rates in the 90s. But that top-line statistic doesn’t actually explain very much on its own, or how Northwestern became so competitive. While Northwestern does make some admissions information public, getting a meaningful understanding of what’s going on requires a more careful, layered analysis (and some math!). Thankfully, every year, we dig into the data to help our students see the bigger picture and approach the process with a clearer strategy and expectations.
How to Transfer to Northwestern 2026
Northwestern is a fabulous and highly-respected research university in the Chicago area and nestled on the banks of Lake Michigan. As a large university with equally large resources, Northwestern has become a sought after destination for transfers who want a combination of community and opportunity. They applications from students coming from 2-year and 4-year colleges, and successful applicants will have typically completed at least one full year of college before arriving at Northwestern. Unsurprisingly, the high demand for transfer also means that it isn’t easy to get in.
How to Write the Northwestern Supplement 2025-2026
Northwestern is a top research university in Evanston, Illinois that has become iconic for combining a collaborative learning environment with innovative hands-on research opportunities. They a top engineering program, a top business school, a top education program (as in teaching future teachers), a top speech-language pathology program. If that sounds diverse, it is. Northwestern doesn’t pigeonhole themselves, and they excel across the board. It’s not surprising, then, that it isn’t easy to get in. There are about undergraduate students, and the acceptance rate is under .
How to Transfer to Northwestern 2024-2025
Northwestern University is a private research university located outside of Chicago in Evanston, IL. It’s especially popular with students interested in communications or journalism, and offers students a classic college experience in a more urban setting. Northwestern is also a very competitive school, with the first year acceptance rate dropping to 7% over the last few years. With this drop, it’s safe to assume that Northwestern will be similarly competitive if you’re interested in transferring.
Rejected Early Decision from Northwestern 2024-2025
Deferred Early Decision by Northwestern 2024-2025
So you got deferred from Northwestern. Chances are you are feeling a lot of emotions right now, maybe disappointment or even anger. It’s natural. It took time and effort to apply to Northwestern Early Decision, and getting deferred is no one's dream. However, cue the action movie score because this isn’t over.
How to Get into Northwestern
Northwestern is a private research university in Evanston, Illinois, just outside of Chicago. The University has several undergraduate schools and is especially known for its Journalism and Music programs. The school is also popular with students looking to double major or complete multiple degrees (they have many dual degree options.) From Big 10 Sports to specialized programs, Northwestern has a lot to offer. However, that has also made them competitive to get into.