Northwestern University
Acceptance Rate Trend
SAT Score Range Trend
(middle 50% of admitted students)
Application Timeline
Application Methods
👍 Great Fit If You Are:
Strategic communicators
if you love shaping ideas, telling stories, and moving people through words, design, or media, Northwestern lets you lead with expression.
Interdisciplinary thinkers
if you’re equally drawn to economics and theater, or policy and engineering, the school supports
Soft-spoken leaders
if you prefer leading through clarity, kindness, and vision instead of noise, Northwestern’s culture fits.
Creative analysts
if you like both big ideas and elegant solutions, especially in fields like journalism, design, or data science, NU makes space for both.
Balanced overachievers
if you want intensity and ambition without constant burnout, Northwestern’s quarter system gives room to breathe and explore.
🚨 Not Ideal For:
Hyper-competitive rivals
collaboration is the norm here; sharp-elbowed competition isn’t celebrated.
Party-centric students
the social life is rich but relatively low-key; Evanston isn’t a nightlife capital.
Theory-only thinkers
even academic fields here often nudge you to consider application, outcome, and public impact.
Rigid academic planners
if you want a fixed track and minimal self-direction, NU’s open structure may feel vague.
Big brand chasers
NU is elite, but less brand-conscious than the Ivies; it attracts those who care more about doing than signaling.
☀️ Weather & Climate
spring
45-65°F (7-18°C)
Variable, lake effect weather
summer
70-85°F (21-29°C)
Warm and humid, perfect beach weather
fall
45-70°F (7-21°C)
Cool and colorful
winter
20-35°F (-7-2°C)
Cold with lake effect snow
Four seasons with significant Lake Michigan influence
☀️Average 189 sunny days per year
👩🎓👨🎓 Demographics
Gender Ratio
Ethnic Distribution
📚 Popular Majors
Campus Area Dining
Nearby Areas
Vibrant dining scene
World-class dining