Frequently Asked Questions
Application
Financial Aid
Transcripts
Recommendation Letters
GRE
English Language Tests
Deadlines
Decision Notification
International Students
Program Statistics
Campus Security
Financial Aid
Transcripts
Recommendation Letters
GRE
English Language Tests
Deadlines
Decision Notification
International Students
Program Statistics
Campus Security
Q: May I apply to more than one program?
A: You may only submit one application to The Graduate School per calendar year. Additional applications will not be reviewed and application fees will not be refunded.
Q: May I apply for admission in any academic quarter?
A: Most departments admit students to fall quarter only, although a very few will consider applications for other terms. Please consult your chosen program for its policy (see contact information provided in the Program Contact List). Keep in mind that because most financial aid awards are made to students who matriculate in the fall, funds may not be available to you if you enroll in another quarter.
Q: I want to begin my program two years from now. May I apply for admission this year and defer to next year?
A: Admission is offered for a specific program and a specific quarter of entry. Deferral is only granted with the approval of the admitting program and The Graduate School. You may not defer for more than one year from the original quarter of admission.
Q: I would like to take graduate-level classes at Northwestern, but I am not interested in pursuing at degree at this time? May I do this?
A. Yes, Northwestern University has two non-degree student options. For more information, please consult the nondegree student web page.
Q: Can I apply directly to a PhD program, or must I apply to study toward a master’s degree first?
A: It is important that you indicate the highest degree you are seeking from Northwestern University. Many of our programs admit only those students whose ultimate goal is the PhD. In some programs, you will earn the master’s en route to the PhD; in others, this is not considered necessary.
Q. Do you offer application fee waivers?
A:The Graduate School participates in the Committee on Institutional Cooperation’s (CIC) FreeApp program, which is designed to enable eligible applicants to apply to Northwestern and other CIC member schools without paying an application fee. The number of waivers issued each year is limited, and all waivers are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The priority deadline for waiver applications is November 15th. For more information regarding the CIC process and to apply for a waiver, please visit the CIC FreeApp Web page. If you have any questions, please contact Mario Craigen, coordinator of Multicultural Affairs, m-craigen@northwestern.edu.
Q: If I meet the required deadlines, when can I expect to receive a decision?
A: Programs have different application review schedules. Some programs wait and rank all of their applications against each other; others make individual determinations on a case-by-case basis. In general, program decisions are rendered from early January through the middle of April. To reduce your wait time, The Graduate School communicates admission decisions via the online application portal. You may access the online application as many times as you wish to check if a decision has been rendered on your file. If a decision has been rendered on your file a "View Decision" link will appear. If no decision has been rendered, no link will be present.
Q: What is the typical stipend for doctoral students?
A: The Graduate School offers a competitive base stipend of $21,876. This 12 month stipend rate and the cost of living in Chicago is competitive in comparison to other US cities.
Q: When should I mail The Graduate School my transcripts?
A: Transcripts are only required of students that have been admitted and have chosen to enroll. While transcripts MUST be received by the end of your first quarter of enrollment, we ask that you send them to The Graduate School as soon as they are available.
Q: I have been admitted and have chosen to enroll. Where should I mail my transcripts?
A: All enrolling students should mail their transcripts to:
Northwestern University
The Graduate School Admission Office
Rebecca Crown Center
633 Clark Street
Evanston, IL 60208
Q: My bachelor's degree is not listed on my transcript yet. Should I send The Graduate School my current transcript and then the degree-awarding transcript later?
A: No. Please wait and send us your final, degree awarding, transcript.
Q: Do I have to send you my non-degree transcripts?
A: Yes. All post-secondary transcripts are required. The exception is if the class and its grade appear on another school’s transcript that is already being sent.
Q: My transcripts are from a foreign country and I cannot provide you with my only original copy. What should I do?
A: You may have certified copies of your foreign transcripts sent if you are not able to send the original official copies. Please have them certified by your university, education/foreign affairs ministry. We do NOT accept certifications from Notary Publics or credential agencies. If the originals are not in English, a literal English translation must be supplied as well. Please be advised, you will be required to show The Graduate School your original, official, transcripts before the end of your first quarter of study. We will review the originals and return them to you.
Q: May my recommender send you a hard copy of the letter rather than use the online system?
A: No.We request that all letters be submitted online.
Q: I have been out of school for several years and there is no one left who can write an academic recommendation for me. May my employer write one?
A: The purpose of submitting letters of recommendation is to give program faculty and The Graduate School an indication of your ability to do scholarly research. It is recommended that current or former professors in your major-field courses be asked by you to submit your recommendations, as they would have the best idea of your research potential. If, however, such persons are no longer available to ask, anyone who you think can best assess your potential for graduate study can be asked to write the letter.
Q: I want to send more than the required number of letters of recommendation because I feel this will enhance my chances of being offered admission. Is this true?
A: It is not how many you send but the information contained in those letters that contributes to your overall admissibility. Send the required number, two or three, but choose these recommenders well. Does the faculty in the program to which you are applying know your letter writers? Will they write fair and thoughtful recommendations for you? Can they speak to your academic research and accomplishments and your potential for graduate study?
Q. I am applying for admission to Fall quarter 2012. What is the cut off date for my GRE scores?
A. GRE test scores for applicants applying to Fall quarter 2012 may not be older than September 2007.
Q: If I take the GRE in November, will my scores arrive in time for fellowship/scholarship competition?
A: The only answer we can give is "maybe". There have been years when the scoring by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) was delayed and the score reports were received too long after the deadline for files to be considered for financial aid. It is best to take the test three to four months before the application deadline.
Q: I sent my GRE score to Northwestern University, but the institution code I used was not 1565. Can you retrieve my scores from the other school?
A: No. We will only receive your scores if they are sent to the appropriate code.
Q: My name has changed since taking a required test for admission. What should I do?
A: It is extremely important that the name used on your application exactly matches the name used on your test score reports. If the name on your application and test score reports are not exactly the same we will not receive your test scores. If your name has changed since taking a required admission test, be sure to indicate your original surname in the space provided on the online application.
Q: What are The Graduate School's school and department code for the submission of GRE scores?
A: The Graduate School's school code 1565. You may use any department code.
English Language Tests
Q: I am a foreign student. My TOEFL/IELTS score is more than two years old, so the Educational Testing Service will not send official scores to you. Will you accept a photocopy?
A: No. TOEFL and IELTS tests must be taken no more than two years before the desired quarter of entry. TOEFL test scores for applicants applying to Fall quarter 2012, may not be older than September 2010. Photocopies are not acceptable evidence of your TOEFL or IELTS score.
Q: I am a foreign student who attended a master’s level program in the U.S. although my undergraduate work was taken at a non-English speaking institution abroad. Because I have a U.S. master’s degree, will the TOEFL or IELTS score requirement be waived?
A: The Graduate School does not require test scores from those who have earned a graduate degree from an accredited institution where the language of instruction is English. Be sure to confirm the English proficiency requirements for your admitting program.
Q: What are The Graduate School's school and department codes for the submission of TOEFL scores?
A: The Graduate School's school code is 1565. The Graduate School's department code is 01.
Q: What will happen to my application if I miss the deadline?
A: Programs vary in their willingness to consider late applications. Some programs adhere strictly to the stated deadlines and will not look at those that arrive late. Others continue to review applications until all spaces have been filled. In all cases, it is better to complete your application several weeks ahead of the deadline to assure your chances for full consideration. Please note that Northwestern University does not accept responsibility for postal or courier service delays.
Q: If I meet the required deadlines, when can I expect to receive a decision?
A: Programs have different application review schedules. Some programs wait and rank all of their applications against each other; others make individual determinations on a case-by-case basis. Program decisions are rendered from early January through the middle of April. To reduce your wait time, The Graduate School communicates admission decision via the online application. Denied students will not receive a letter from the University. Admitted students will receive an admission packet. You may access the online application as many times as you wish to check if a decision has been rendered on your file. If admitted, you will be asked to submit your enrollment decision via the online application as well.
Q: I have not received an admission decision yet, what should I do?
A: Be sure to check the online application for your admission decision. If a decision has been rendered on your application a “View Decision” link will appear. If no link is present, a decision has not yet been rendered on your application. Please exercise patience while waiting for your admission decision. Decisions will be posted as soon as they are rendered.
Q: To whom should I send my Request for Visa?
A: The International Office accepts visa requests from enrolling students only. Once completed, Request for Visa forms should be sent to The International Office, with accompanying evidence of support. The International Office will process your I-20 and send it to your admitting department. Your admitting department will then send you your I-20. You will use this document to obtain your visa. For questions regarding choosing the proper visa or errors in your visa document, please contact the International Office via email intoff@northwestern.edu or phone 847-491-5613.
Q: Does Northwestern University accept 3 year bachelor’s degrees?
A: Yes. The Graduate School welcomes students with 3-year bachelor’s degrees to apply for admission.
Q: I am in the process of completing my degree from an English speaking institution. Do I need to submit a TOEFL score?
A: If you are in the process of earning a degree from an institution where the primary language of instruction is English, you do not need to submit a TOEFL score. However, you must earn the degree BEFORE you enroll in classes at Northwestern. If you do not earn your degree, you will not be permitted to register.
Q: Where can I find statistics regarding the program to which I am applying
A: The Graduate School's Program Statistics page posts valuable information regarding program admission statistics, completion rates, placements, etc.
Where can I find a copy of Northwestern's Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics?
As provided by the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990, now known as the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, you are entitled to request and receive a copy of Northwestern University's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This Report includes statistics for the previous 3 years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Northwestern University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from campus. The Report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies on drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. You can obtain a copy of this Report by contacting the Northwestern University Police Department Deputy Chief at (847) 491-3256. The Report can also be accessed and printed from the University Police website at http://www.northwestern.edu/up/safety/annual-report/index.html.
As provided by the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990, now known as the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, you are entitled to request and receive a copy of Northwestern University's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This Report includes statistics for the previous 3 years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Northwestern University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from campus. The Report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies on drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. You can obtain a copy of this Report by contacting the Northwestern University Police Department Deputy Chief at (847) 491-3256. The Report can also be accessed and printed from the University Police website at http://www.northwestern.edu/up/safety/annual-report/index.html.
