Northwestern University

Northwestern Applicant Portal Activation: QuestBridge will send Finalists’ applications to Northwestern on October 19, and Northwestern may need a couple days to import them into their system. Once processed, Northwestern will then email you instructions to log in and activate your Northwestern applicant portal, where you can track the status of the materials you submit to Northwestern.

1

Northwestern QuestBridge Supplement and all supporting documents

The Northwestern QuestBridge Supplement will be available through the Applicant Portal. You may indicate your school, program of choice along with the “Why Northwestern” statement.

Submitting the “Why Northwestern” Statement is highly encouraged.

Submit along with official transcripts, School Report, and one teacher recommendation (additional teacher recommendations are allowed but not required).

Official transcripts can be submitted via online, or mailed to the Admissions Office (see Contact Information below).

2

Official Transcript(s)

Official transcripts can be submitted via the Northwestern Student Portal or directly from the school to the Admissions Office (see Contact Information below). 

3

(Optional) Test Scores  
Self-Reported or Official Reports

SAT code: 1565
ACT code: 1106

Northwestern offers students the option to apply without consideration of their SAT or ACT scores. Learn more about Northwestern’s test-optional policy.

Students who rank Northwestern can indicate which, if any, scores they would like considered in Northwestern’s review of their application. For students who would like to submit test scores, Northwestern accepts self-reported test scores, scores reported on official transcripts, or scores verified through counselors. Official scores will be required for students who enroll at Northwestern and request that their scores be considered for admission. 

Applicants may self-report SAT and/or ACT scores, taking care to report their highest individual sections of the SAT and/or highest ACT composite score. While Northwestern's system will “superscore” ACTs, please do not calculate and self-report your own ACT superscore; instead, report the highest composite from a single test date along with your highest sub-scores across multiple test dates. Applicants are not obligated to report scores from all test dates, though are welcome to do so. Admitted students who choose to enroll and apply with test scores will be required to submit their highest official SAT or ACT test scores prior to matriculation.

For students whose first language is not English and whose schooling has not been primarily in English: English proficiency scores (DET, TOEFL or IELTS) may not be self-reported; these should be submitted officially via the testing company at the applicant stage.

4

2023-2024 FAFSA

FAFSA code: 001739
Available: Oct. 1

US Citizens and Eligible Noncitizens.

5

2023-2024 CSS Profile

CSS code: 1565
Available: Oct. 1

Please select the Regular Decision round

If your parents own a business or farm:

• Submit the CSS Profile Business/Farm Supplement.

If your parents are divorced or separated:

• Each parent must complete a CSS Profile application. It is recommended that the student and custodial parent start the CSS Profile application first. The non-custodial parent will need to create a College Board account before providing their information. 
• If you do not have any contact with your non-custodial parent, then you may submit a request to waive the requirement of their financial information. Download the Non-Custodial Parent Waiver Petition.

6

2021 Federal Tax Returns and Forms for Custodial and Non-Custodial Parent (if applicable) 

Signed, with all schedules, attachments, W-2 forms and other earning statements. Include personal and corporate partnership tax returns. 

Upload your documents to the College Board IDOC service by Nov. 10. To do this, follow the link containing the IDOC ID you received after completing the CSS Profile. The link will become active when the College Board begins accepting uploads on Nov. 1. 

Your non-custodial parent must also submit copies of their 2021 federal tax returns with all schedules. 

7

Bienen School of Music Applicants only: Bienen School Supplement

QuestBridge applicants interested in majoring in music are required to submit the Bienen School Supplement with any applicable prescreening/program requirements by October 15. Auditions take place in early November. Visit the Bienen School of Music website to learn more.

Early Decision

Finalists who ranked Northwestern for the Match (excluding School of Music applicants) and did not match to a binding college partner may be considered for Early Decision. Interested applicants must email questbridge@northwestern.edu or indicate in their Northwestern Portal to indicate they wish to be considered for Early Decision no later than two days after the release of Match decisions. Be aware that Early Decision is binding. If you choose this application path and Northwestern admits you, you must attend. Historically, Northwestern ED applicants enjoy a higher admit rate than Regular Decision applicants. 

Finalists who did not rank any colleges may apply Early Decision to Northwestern by November 1. 

Regular Decision

All Finalists who rank Northwestern for the Match, but did not match to a binding college will automatically have their applications moved to the Regular Decision process. Please submit any relevant updates to ug-admissions@northwestern.edu.

If you no longer wish to be considered, you must contact the Admissions Office to withdraw your application at: ug-admissions@northwestern.edu.

Finalists who ranked Northwestern and submitted all materials (but did not match to a binding college)

Finalists who did not rank Northwestern

Northwestern QuestBridge Supplement and all supporting documents

Submitting the “Why Northwestern” Statement is highly encouraged.

Submit along with official transcripts, School Report, and one teacher recommendation (additional teacher recommendations are allowed but not required).

Official transcripts can be submitted online, or mailed to the Admissions Office (see Contact Information below).

Official Transcript(s)

Update including recent grades

QuestBridge Midyear School Report 

(Optional) Test Scores 
Self-Reported or Official Reports

SAT code: 1565
ACT code: 1106

Only if new scores to report, and only if scores do not appear on high school transcript

Only if scores do not appear on high school transcript

Finalists who ranked Northwestern and submitted all materials (but did not match to a binding college)

Finalists who did not rank Northwestern

2023-2024 FAFSA
FAFSA Code: 001739

Available: Oct. 1
Deadline: Feb. 1

US Citizens and Eligible Noncitizens

2023-2024 CSS Profile

CSS code: 1565
Available: Oct. 1
Deadline: Feb. 15

2021 Federal Tax Returns and Forms
Deadline: Feb. 5