How to Get Into Northeastern: Acceptance Rate and Strategies

May 29, 2023

northeastern acceptance rate, how to get into northeastern

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).

  • Application Strategies
  • College Search/Knowledge

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Dave Bergman

Dave has over a decade of professional experience that includes work as a teacher, high school administrator, college professor, and independent educational consultant. He is a co-author of the books The Enlightened College Applicant (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016) and Colleges Worth Your Money (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020).

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Northeastern University

Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Admission policy and entrance requirements, first-year applicants, transfer applicants*, first-year applicants, transfer applicants, transfer credit, advanced placement examinations, international baccalaureate examinations, advanced level examinations, international matriculation examinations, additional information for international applicants, non-native english-speaking applicants, admission requirements for the college of arts, media and design.

Admission to Northeastern University is highly selective. Applicants are admitted either as first-year or transfer students. Candidates who bring diverse experiences, perspectives, and interests to our community are identified by the Admissions Committee following a holistic application evaluation. Students may be admitted to join the Northeastern community through a variety of programs, including traditional first-year and transfer entry in Boston, Oakland, and London, as well as through specialized entry programs .

In building a diverse and talented incoming class, the Admissions Committee seeks to enroll students who have been academically successful and who have been actively involved in their school and community.

When considering applicants for first-year admission, the committee considers what opportunities for advanced coursework are available and if the student has taken those courses—examples include honors, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or college-level courses. Typically, students admitted to Northeastern have been extremely successful with a challenging course load. Letters of recommendation, resumé, essay, and contributions to the community are also considered.

When reviewing transfer students, the committee considers the candidate’s college and high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, resumé, essay, academic preparation for major of choice, and contributions to the community. 

Northeastern accepts both the Common Application and the Coalition Application.  Students may apply online via the Common Application or the Coalition Application. Northeastern does not have a preference for which application is submitted. Both the Common Application and the Coalition Application will be reviewed equally.

The committee will begin to evaluate an applicant’s candidacy for admission when all application credentials have been received. Students are informed of their application information through the Application Status Check. Students are highly encouraged to verify that identification information (name, date of birth, and Northeastern ID) is on every item submitted to ensure timely and accurate processing.

Application Programs

Northeastern offers the following application programs.

  • Early Decision I (binding enrollment for fall admission)
  • Early Action (nonbinding)
  • Early Decision II (binding enrollment for fall admission)
  • Regular Decision (nonbinding)  
  • Application for fall start (apply in spring)
  • Application for spring start (apply in fall)

*All transfer application options are dependent on space availability.

Required Materials

The committee will evaluate an applicant’s candidacy for admission when all application credentials have been received. Students are informed of their application information through the Application Status Check. Students are highly encouraged to verify that identification information (name, date of birth, and Northeastern ID) is on every item submitted to ensure timely and accurate processing.

More than 90,000 students apply for a space in the first-year class. The committee is responsible for admitting applicants believed to be contributors to Northeastern’s diverse and vibrant academic and social community. In particular, the committee is interested in applicants who have challenged themselves academically; are highly motivated; and who have demonstrated qualities of leadership, creativity, diversity, engagement, global perspective, adaptability, and resiliency. Our students exhibit a commitment to involvement and to being a positive influence in their community and in the world. We encourage applicants to spend time to thoughtfully prepare their application in order to make sure their strengths and qualities resonate with the Admissions Committee.

First-Year applicants must submit the following:

  • An application fee of $75 (or request for fee waiver through application question).
  • The Early Decision Agreement for students applying under the binding Early Decision I or II application options.
  • Secondary school counselor and teacher recommendations.
  • General Equivalency Diploma recipients should provide their official GED score reports and their most complete high school transcript.
  • Home-schooled applicants should submit an academic portfolio/transcript consistent with their state guidelines. This should include grades for each course. They must also provide proof that they will have met by the end of May of the year of graduation all requirements for an official high school diploma and submit a GED, or a certificate of completion from their local school district or state board of education, by the end of July of the year of matriculation. In addition to all other first-year requirements, home-schooled students must submit Northeastern’s home-school supplement, which requires students to detail the rigor of their coursework.
  • Early high school graduates: Northeastern will review applications from students who will complete high school in three years or less. Before enrolling at the university, all applicants for early admission must have completed all units required for high school graduation or must have earned the GED. In addition to the required materials for first-year applicants, early high school graduate applicants must provide statements of support from the school principal or guidance counselor and the student’s parents. The endorsements should speak directly to the applicant’s academic readiness and emotional maturity for college. Early high school graduates will only be considered at Regular Decision or Early Decision II so first-semester/trimester grades from the current academic year can be considered.
  • Nontraditional grading policies: Students who attend schools where narrative evaluations are used instead of traditional letter grades are required to submit the narratives to complete their applications.
  • Northeastern is test optional and does not require applicants to submit standardized testing to be considered for admission. (Please note English proficiency requirements.)
  • Any student may choose to submit SAT or ACT scores for consideration. 
  • Students who choose not to submit standardized test scores will not be disadvantaged in the process. 
  • If an applicant self-reports their scores through the Application Status Check, official scores must be sent to Northeastern upon submitting their enrollment deposit. 
  • English proficiency: As the primary instructional language at Northeastern is English, proficiency in English must be demonstrated in order to qualify for admission. Non-native English-speaking applicants, who were not educated entirely in English throughout the four consecutive academic years immediately prior to enrolling at Northeastern, will be required to submit valid and official results from an approved English Language Test. Please see the  International Applicants  page on the Undergraduate Admissions website for the most up-to-date information.
  • International students are required to submit Northeastern’s Declaration and Certification of Finances, which can be accessed and submitted through the Application Status Check.
  • Portfolios are required for studio art and are highly encouraged for majors within the College of Arts, Media and Design. Northeastern uses SlideRoom for online portfolio submissions. See Admission Requirements for the College of Arts, Media and Design below.  

Each year we receive more than 4,000 applications for transfer admission. Our most competitive candidates for transfer admission typically have a grade-point average of 3.500 or higher.

Transfer applicants must submit the following:

  • Completed Common Application or Coalition Application.
  • Application fee of $75.
  • Official college transcript(s) for all institutions you have attended.
  • College Report to be completed by the registrar's office or dean of your current/previous school.
  • Academic evaluation from an academic advisor, professor, or employer.
  • Final high school transcript or GED.
  • Joint Service Transcript (if you are a veteran).
  • Northeastern is test optional and does not require applicants to submit standardized testing to be considered for admission.  (Please note English proficiency requirements.)
  • Portfolios are required for studio art and are highly encouraged for majors within the College of Arts, Media and Design. Northeastern uses SlideRoom for online portfolio submissions. See Admission Requirements for the College of Arts, Media and Design below. 

Students may transfer up to 60 semester hours of credit from a two-year college, or up to 80 semester hours from a four-year college, or a combination of the two types of colleges. If you have been admitted to the D’Amore-McKim School of Business and your college or university is not AACSB-accredited, the maximum number of credits that you can transfer to Northeastern is 60. See also  Residency Requirement .

College courses completed with a grade of C or better are considered for transfer credit by faculty evaluators. Liberal arts coursework taken more than 10 years ago and math and science coursework completed more than 5 years ago cannot be considered.

All transfer-credit documents should be received prior to matriculation and  must  be received within one semester of matriculation. These documents include, but are not limited to, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and International Matriculation Exam scores and official transcripts from colleges and universities. These documents should be submitted whether or not you wish to receive transfer credit from this work. Transfer credit  will not  be granted for work completed prior to matriculation if the official credential is received after the completion of the first semester. College coursework completed at an international institution must be translated into English and evaluated by a recognized credential agency.

Advanced Standing 

Results from your AP exams, IB exams, and other international matriculation examinations (listed below) may enable you to receive advanced credits. You may also receive transfer credit if you successfully completed accredited college-level courses that were taken while you were in high school, before you enrolled at Northeastern. You may apply up to 32 semester hours of advanced credit toward your undergraduate degree. For consideration, you must submit official transcripts or test results before matriculation and must submit official score reports for credit.

Northeastern currently awards advanced credit for the following examinations:

  • Advanced Placement 
  • International Baccalaureate 
  • Advanced Levels 
  • Abitur (Germany)
  • Baccalauréat (France)
  • Cambridge Pre-University 
  • Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations 
  • Maturität/Maturité (Switzerland)
  • All-India Senior School Certificate Examination (Standard XII)
  • Indian School Certificate Examinations (Standard XII)

Additionally, if you completed a  Diplôme d'études collégiales  through a  Collège d'enseignement général et professionnel  in Quebec, you can apply up to 32 semester hours of transfer credit to your undergraduate degree. Northeastern will consider courses with grades equivalent to C or higher on the U.S. grading scale in courses completed in the second year. You can review the  Transfer Equivalency Database  to determine which courses will transfer to Northeastern. Any course not listed in the database has not yet been evaluated. Once admitted, you can submit full syllabi through your Application Status Check for the academic departments to review and determine any transfer credit.

  • Credit is generally awarded for scores of 4 and 5.
  • Visit the Transfer Equivalency Database  for an up-to-date listing.
  • Credit is generally awarded for scores of 5, 6, or 7 on Higher Level exams.
  • No credit is awarded for Standard Level exams, the Extended Essay, or Theory of Knowledge.
  • Visit the  Transfer Equivalency Database  for an up-to-date listing.
  • Credit is generally awarded for grades of C or better on General Certificate of Education Advanced Level examinations. 
  • No credit is awarded for Advanced Subsidiary Level exams, Ordinary Level exams, or the (International) General Certificate of Secondary Education.
  • For Singapore-Cambridge GCE Advanced Level exams, credit is awarded for H2 exams. No credit is awarded for H1 exams. H3 credit is subject to review and only awarded if the student is not receiving credit from the H2 exam in the same subject.
  • Northeastern will only award credit for exams that were administered by AQA, Cambridge Assessment (including OCR), CCEA, Pearson Edexcel, WJEC, or any subsidiaries.

Abitur (Allgemeinen Hochschulreife): Credit is generally awarded for scores of 7 (out of 15) and higher on written (schriftlich) final exams (Abiturprüfung). No credit is awarded for oral (mündlich) exams.

Baccalauréat (Baccalauréat Général, Diplôme de Bachelier de l’Enseignement du Second Degré, or Option Internationale du Baccalauréat): Credit is generally awarded for scores of 12 or higher (out of 20) on final written exams in subjects studied with coefficients of 10   or higher. No credit is awarded for oral exams.

Cambridge Pre-University: Credit is generally awarded for scores of M3 or higher on Principal Subjects. No credit is awarded for Short Courses or Global Perspectives and Research.

Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations: Credit is generally awarded for grades of 3 or below (out of 7, with 1 being the highest) on two-unit subjects. No credit is awarded for one-unit courses.

Maturität/Maturité: Credit is generally awarded for scores of 4.5 or higher (out of 6) on the main subject (Schwerpunktfach) or complementary subject (Ergänzungsfach) on either the Swiss Federal Maturity Certificate or federally recognized cantonal maturity certificates. 

All-India Senior School Certificate Examination (Standard XII): Credit is generally awarded for scores of 81 or higher (out of 100) for subjects completed in the general academic track on the All-India Senior School Certificate Examination administered by the Central Board of Secondary Education. 

Indian School Certificate Examinations (Standard XII): Credit is generally awarded for scores of 80 or higher (out of 100) for subjects completed in the general academic track on the Indian School Certificate examinations administered by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination.

In order to enroll at Northeastern, enrolling international students may be required to apply for either F-1 (student) or J-1 (exchange visitor) nonimmigrant status. To begin the process, each student must first request their certificate of eligibility from the Office of Global Services . For the F-1 visa, students must request the Form I-20, while for the J-1 visa, students must request Form DS-2019. Both forms can be requested through myOGS, Northeastern’s online portal for international students.

  • Once an enrollment deposit is submitted, all international students will be able to access myOGS.
  • International students must submit the appropriate request form in myOGS for either the Form I-20 or Form DS-2019.
  • Once the student submits the request form and all required supporting documents , the OGS team will review the request and generate the I-20 within 10 business days.
  • Once students receive the I-20 or DS-2019, students can apply for the F-1 or J-1 visa at a nearby overseas U.S. embassy or consulate.
  • If the visa is granted, students are permitted to enter the United States no more than 30 days before the start date of their academic program (which will be provided on the I-20 or DS-2019).

In order to maintain lawful student status in the United States, international students must be mindful of the rules and regulations that govern their nonimmigrant visa classification. Numerous U.S. federal mandates and regulations make it especially important for students with F-1 or J-1 visas to consult regularly with an international student advisor at the Office of Global Services  before taking any action that might affect their immigration status and educational endeavors in the United States. Please note the following:

  • International students in F-1 and J-1 status must register as full-time students (minimum of 12 credits) and on time (within the appropriate registration period) each term during the regular academic year. Any exceptions to full-time registration requirements must be preapproved by OGS in accordance with specified federal regulations.
  • International students must not begin, extend, or resume any type of employment without first obtaining proper employment authorization or verification from the OGS.
  • Some international students must apply and be approved for a change of status (e.g., from F-2 to F-1 nonimmigrant status) before beginning their academic program at Northeastern.
  • For information on nonimmigrant statutes other than F-1 and J-1 (including eligibility to work in the United States or participate in co-op and other forms of experiential learning), contact OGS . Note that some academic programs at Northeastern have experiential learning requirements (e.g., co-op or study abroad). Not all visa categories allow for internships, co-ops, international travel, or other experiential learning opportunities and may impede the successful completion of your program of study.

All non-native English-speaking applicants, regardless of citizenship, must submit official results from one of the following proficiency tests: the Duolingo English Test, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (Cambridge English: Advanced or Proficiency), the International English Language Testing System, the Pearson Test of English Academic, or the Test of English as a Foreign Language. Applicants who will complete four or more consecutive academic years of high school or university where academic or native English was the primary instructional language may contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions in order to request a waiver. English-language learners or students enrolled in ESL courses in the four years preceding their application are strongly recommended to submit IELTS. Based on IELTS, some undergraduate applicants with substantial English proficiency but insufficient proficiency for undertaking a full-time, degree-seeking academic program may instead be referred to NU Immerse, our structured English immersion program.

College, Major, and Length of Program Selection

Applicants to Northeastern apply to one of our seven undergraduate colleges or to the Explore Program for undeclared students.

We encourage students to select a major that reflects their current academic interests and aspirations; however, the Explore Program for undeclared students provides opportunities to explore our various disciplines and programs. Northeastern offers advisory programs for students interested in preprofessional programs, including medical, dental, law, and veterinary graduate school. 

Northeastern offers a broad and deep curriculum that is flexible, and the academic calendar allows students to maximize experiential learning opportunities, including research, study abroad, and our signature co-op program. Students become architects of their own paths, charting their unique course that determines their time to degree. Students can build a program that is four years or five years and gain up to 18 months of full-time experiential learning. First-year students can participate in NUterm in Summer 1 of their first year, taking advantage of exciting and unique course offerings or regular classes during the May/June semester. By participating in NUterm, students take advantage of Northeastern’s signature flexibility, beginning their sophomore year with an additional half term completed. Many colleges offer PlusOne programs, which link undergraduate work with graduate studies. See the detailed curricula in this catalog for more information.

Guidelines for Portfolio Submission

All portfolios should be submitted electronically via SlideRoom. Hard-copy portfolios will not be accepted and cannot be reviewed.

Applicants for the studio art major, a joint program of Northeastern and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, are required to submit a portfolio through SlideRoom. This portfolio requires a minimum of 15 individual images of original artwork. The portfolio may include work in a variety of media; no particular subject matter or style is required. Rather, students should select work that best shows their personal style, creativity, and commitment to innovation. Check the  Department of Art + Design website  for more information.

Music Composition and Technology

Beginning in spring 2018, portfolios are no longer required for students applying to music composition and technology.

Music Performance

Once enrolled, students in any music concentration may also audition to pursue a minor in musical performance. This program is highly competitive and therefore requires evaluation by the Department of Music. Auditions are typically scheduled during a student’s first semester at Northeastern. For specific questions regarding the program or audition requirements, please reference the  CAMD website .

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How to Get Into Northeastern: Admissions Stats + Tips

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Originally founded as a school for commuters, today Northeastern University (NU) is known for its bustling campus, green spaces, and collegial environment—all while providing easy access to Boston, one of the nation’s most historic, innovative, and healthiest cities. Separating Northeastern from other renowned schools in the Boston area—like Harvard, MIT, Boston University, Boston College, and Tufts—is its top-ranked Co-Op program, which 93% of the university’s 2019-2020 graduating class participated in. 

Admission to Northeastern is highly competitive. The university received 64,279 applications to its incoming 2020-2021 class and accepted just 13,199—an overall acceptance rate of 20% . Northeastern has an early decision process through which 1,882 applicants applied in 2020-2021, of which 709 were accepted—a 38% early decision acceptance rate . 

Northeastern’s acceptance rate is low, but your personal chances of admission depend on your profile strength. CollegeVine’s free admissions calculator can help you better understand Northeastern, using factors like your grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities to estimate your odds of acceptance and provide tips to improve your profile. 

Northeastern did not report the average high school GPA of the students they admitted in 2020-2021. That said, competitive applicants will have performed exceptionally well academically in high school. 

The middle 50% range SAT score for Northeastern’s incoming 2020-2021 class is 1430-1540 . The class’s middle 50% range ACT score is 33-35 .  

76% of the 2020-2021 incoming class at Northeastern graduate high school in the top tenth of their class. 95% graduated in the top quarter. 

The ideal applicant to Northeastern doesn’t fit into a particular mold, rather, the university fields classes with students from a variety of backgrounds and interests—the school is home to 11 cultural and resource centers and 12,098 international students .

While Northeastern attracts all kinds of applicants, they do share some characteristics. Northeastern students are worldly and possess the ability to take a global view. Northeastern students are also go-getters who proactively take advantage of the opportunities presented to them to improve their lives, their communities, and the world. 

How Northeastern University Evaluates Applications

According to their 2020-2021 Common Data Set, Northeastern considers the following factors “very important” :

  • Course rigor
  • Test scores
  • Recommendation letters

These factors are “important” :

  • Extracurricular activities 
  • Work experience 
  • Volunteer work 

These are “considered” :

  • Geographical location
  • First generation 
  • Racial/ethnic status
  • Applicant interest 

And these are “not considered” :

  • State residency 
  • Religious affiliation

northeastern university admissions essay

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Our free chancing engine takes into account your history, background, test scores, and extracurricular activities to show you your real chances of admission—and how to improve them.

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into Northeastern

1. achieve the best gpa possible while taking the most challenging classes available.

An impressive 76% of Northeastern’s incoming class of 2020-2021 graduated in the top tenth of their class. For serious consideration at Northeastern, you’ll need to earn all, or mostly all, As in the most challenging courses available—Northeastern considers both GPA and course rigor as “very important” to admissions. It’s common for applicants to top-tier schools like Northeastern to have taken between five and 12 AP classes . 

Northeastern received a whopping 64,279 applications for its incoming 2020-2021 class. Prestigious schools like Northeastern use a tool known as the Academic Index to expedite the processing of the massive number of applications they receive. The Academic Index is the consolidation of your entire academic performance into a single number. If your Academic Index fails to meet NU’s standards, it’s likely your application will not get a comprehensive evaluation.  

If your GPA is low and you’re early in your high school career, there’s still time to raise it. Check out our tips for increasing your GPA . If you’re a junior or senior, it’s more difficult to increase your GPA, which makes earning high test scores the best method to increase your Academic Index. 

2. Aim for a 1540 SAT and 35 ACT  

Standardized test scores are “very important” to admissions decisions at Northeastern. The middle 50% SAT range of NU’s incoming 2020-2021 class is 1430-1540 , and its middle 50% ACT is 33-35 . Any score in the middle 50% is good, however, your odds of admissions improve the higher into the range you score. 

Northeastern superscores both the SAT and ACT—that is, the university will take your highest section scores, across multiple test dates, to create a new composite score. Because NU superscores standardized tests, taking the SAT or ACT between two and three times is a sound strategy to improve your admissions odds. To raise your SAT/ACT score, check out these free CollegeVine resources:

  • How to Get a Perfect 1600 Score on the SAT
  • How to Get a Perfect 36 Score on the ACT
  • More SAT Info and Tips
  • More ACT Info and Tips

Due to the challenges COVID-19 has presented, Northeastern has instituted a test-optional admissions policy for both the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 admissions cycles. More than half of applicants in the 2020-2021 admissions cycle applied test-optional . Regardless of NU’s test-optional policy, CollegeVine encourages you to take either the SAT or ACT, if you can do so safely, and submit your score if it’s at or above the 25th percentile at NU (1430 SAT and 33 ACT). Applicants who submit test scores are accepted at higher rates than those who don’t. 

You can get recommendations on whether or not you should apply test-optional using our free chancing engine . 

3. Write engaging essays

Essays are “very important” to admissions decisions at Northeastern. Nearly every applicant to NU has an impressive academic profile—essays are a way to highlight your talent and character (both of which are “important” to NU admissions) and set yourself apart from other candidates. 

Northeastern accepts both the Common Application and the Coalition Application and you’re required to answer the essay question of whichever application you’re applying with. An attention-grabbing college essay highlights why you’re a good fit at a school and how the school will benefit from having you on campus. Keep in mind, NU is looking for go-getters and views work experience and volunteer work as “important” to admissions; use them to show what you’ve done and how those experiences prepared you to succeed in college and the world in general.

4. Letters of Recommendation 

Northeastern views letters of recommendation as “very important” to admissions and requires you to submit two letters of recommendation with your application: one from your high school counselor and one from a teacher.  

Teachers are not compensated for writing letters of recommendation and it’s common for a teacher to get tapped for recommendations by numerous aspiring college students. Getting a teacher to craft a compelling letter begins with following the nine rules for requesting letters of recommendation from teachers , which provides a good guideline for everything from who to ask to how much time they need and how to thank them for their time. 

5. Cultivate one or two Tier 1-2 extracurriculars (find your “spike”)

Extracurricular activities are an “important” part of admissions at Northeastern. A highly-developed interest is known as a “ spike ” and one or two impressive supporting extracurricular activities on your profile can give your application a boost at a highly-ranked school like NU. Just how impressive are your activities outside of the classroom? The four tiers of extracurriculars are a good gauge for how colleges view them? 

  • Tier 1 activities are the most impressive, they show exceptional accomplishment or leadership. Tier 1 activities are also the rarest and include achievements like winning a national competition or attending a prestigious merit-based summer program. 
  • Tier 2 is home to activities that demonstrate great accomplishments or leadership, but don’t rise to the level and are more common than those found in Tier 1. For example, common Tier 2 activities include serving as student body president or earning state-level recognition in athletics or music.
  • Tier 3 are activities that highlight your interests outside of the classroom but don’t have the distinction or influence on admissions as those of the higher tiers. Common Tier 3 activities are holding a minor leadership position in a well-known club, captaining a varsity sport, or playing in a regional music ensemble. 
  • Tier 4 the most common and least impressive activities—such as participating in a club, participating in a sport, or playing in the band or orchestra—fall under Tier 4.        

4.  Apply Early Decision

Northeastern has four admissions processes: early decision I, early decision II, early action,  and regular decision. In general, applying early is a good way to improve your odds of admission to a school. At Northeastern, both early decision I and II can increase your odds of acceptance significantly—the 38% early decision acceptance rate is nearly double the 20% overall acceptance rate .  

Applying early decision is a binding agreement where you commit to attending Northeastern if accepted. Early decision is best suited for applicants for whom NU is their number one choice and are confident it’s the right fit—academically, socially, and financially. If you’re not positive Northeastern is the school for you, early action allows you to submit your application in advance of the majority of candidates, gives you a leg up in the admissions process, and is non-binding, so you’re under no obligation to attend if accepted. 

Application Requirements

Northeastern University accepts both the Common Application and the Coalition Application. Other requirements include:

  • Transcript 
  • Counselor recommendation 
  • Teacher recommendation
  • Mid-year school report 

Other optional materials include: 

  • Creative portfolio

Learn more about Northeastern University 

Interested in learning more about Northeastern? Check out these other informative articles: 

  • What is Northeastern University Known for?
  • What does it cost to attend Northeastern University?
  • Northeastern vs. Northwestern: Which College is Right for You?
  • Boston University vs. Northeastern: Which College is Right for You?

Want to know your chances at Northeastern? Calculate your chances for free right now .

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northeastern university admissions essay

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PrepScholar SAT

Northeastern University Requirements for Admission

Choose your test.

What are Northeastern University's admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

  • GPA requirements
  • Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
  • Application requirements

In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into Northeastern University and build a strong application.

School location: Boston, MA

This school is also known as: NE, NU

Admissions Rate: 6.8%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at Northeastern University is 6.8% . For every 100 applicants, only 7 are admitted.

image description

This means the school is extremely selective . Meeting their GPA requirements and SAT/ACT requirements is very important to getting past their first round of filters and proving your academic preparation. If you don't meet their expectations, your chance of getting in is nearly zero.

After crossing this hurdle, you'll need to impress Northeastern University application readers through their other application requirements, including extracurriculars, essays, and letters of recommendation. We'll cover more below.

image description

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We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools.

Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.

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Northeastern University GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 4.04

The average GPA at Northeastern University is 4.04 .

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA. This school did not officially report its average GPA, but we've estimated it here using data from over 1,000 schools.)

With a GPA of 4.04, Northeastern University requires you to be at the top of your class . You'll need nearly straight A's in all your classes to compete with other applicants. Furthermore, you should be taking hard classes - AP or IB courses - to show that college-level academics is a breeze.

If you're currently a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 4.04, you'll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate . This will help you compete effectively against other applicants who have higher GPAs than you.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

Northeastern University hasn't explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, but because it's published average SAT or ACT scores (we'll cover this next), it's likely test flexible. Typically, these schools say, "if you feel your SAT or ACT score represents you well as a student, submit them. Otherwise, don't."

Despite this policy, the truth is that most students still take the SAT or ACT, and most applicants to Northeastern University will submit their scores. If you don't submit scores, you'll have one fewer dimension to show that you're worthy of being admitted, compared to other students. We therefore recommend that you consider taking the SAT or ACT, and doing well.

Northeastern University SAT Requirements

Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school's average score.

Average SAT: 1465

The average SAT score composite at Northeastern University is a 1465 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes Northeastern University Strongly Competitive for SAT test scores.

image description

Northeastern University SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1450, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1535. In other words, a 1450 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1535 will move you up to above average .

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SAT Score Choice Policy

The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.

Northeastern University has the Score Choice policy of "Highest Section."

This is also known as "superscoring." This means that you can choose which SAT tests you want to send to the school. Of all the scores they receive, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all SAT test dates you submit .

Click below to learn more about how superscoring critically affects your test strategy.

For example, say you submit the following 3 test scores:

Even though the highest total you scored on any one test date was 1000, Northeastern University will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 1000 to 1400 in this example.

This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and Northeastern University forms your Superscore, you can take the SAT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Your application readers will only see that one score.

Therefore, if your SAT superscore is currently below a 1535, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it . You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.

Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the SAT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on. This will give you the highest Superscore possible.

image description

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

Get eBook: 5 Tips for 160+ Points

Northeastern University ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, Northeastern University likely doesn't have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.

Average ACT: 34

The average ACT score at Northeastern University is 34. This score makes Northeastern University Extremely Competitive for ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 33, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 35.

Even though Northeastern University likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 33 or below, you'll have a very hard time getting in, unless you have something else very impressive in your application. There are so many applicants scoring 34 and above that a 33 will look academically weak.

ACT Score Sending Policy

If you're taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.

Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.

This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 35 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you're happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.

ACT Superscore Policy

By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.

However, from our research, Northeastern University is understood to superscore the ACT . We couldn't confirm it directly from the school's admissions website, but multiple sources confirm that the school does superscore the ACT. We recommend you call their admissions office directly for more information.

Superscoring is powerful to your testing strategy, and you need to make sure you plan your testing accordingly. Of all the scores that Northeastern University receives, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all ACT test dates you submit .

For example, say you submit the following 4 test scores:

Even though the highest ACT composite you scored on any one test date was 20, Northeastern University will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 20 to 32 in this example.

This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and Northeastern University forms your Superscore, you can take the ACT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Your application readers will only see that one score.

Therefore, if your ACT score is currently below a 35, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the ACT and retaking it . You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.

Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the ACT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on. This will give you the highest Superscore possible.

image description

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and ACT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

Free eBook: 5 Tips to 4+ Points on the ACT

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

Northeastern University considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

Final Admissions Verdict

Because this school is extremely selective, getting a high SAT/ACT score and GPA is vital to having a chance at getting in . If you don't pass their SAT/ACT and GPA requirements, they'll likely reject you without much consideration.

To have the best shot of getting in, you should aim for the 75th percentile, with a 1535 SAT or a 35 ACT . You should also have a 4.04 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score.

For a school as selective as Northeastern University, you'll also need to impress them with the rest of your application. We'll cover those details next.

But if you apply with a score below a 1535 SAT or a 35 ACT, you unfortunately start out with the odds against you and have a tiny chance of getting in. There are just too many students with high SAT/ACT scores and strong applications, and you need to compete against them.

Admissions Calculator

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are. Pick your test: SAT ACT

  • 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
  • 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
  • 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
  • 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
  • 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in

How would your chances improve with a better score?

Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?

At PrepScholar, we've created the leading online SAT/ACT prep program . We guarantee an improvement of 160 SAT points or 4 ACT points on your score, or your money back.

Here's a summary of why we're so much more effective than other prep programs:

  • PrepScholar customizes your prep to your strengths and weaknesses . You don't waste time working on areas you already know, so you get more results in less time.
  • We guide you through your program step-by-step so that you're never confused about what you should be studying. Focus all your time learning, not worrying about what to learn.
  • Our team is made of national SAT/ACT experts . PrepScholar's founders are Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers . You'll be studying using the strategies that actually worked for them.
  • We've gotten tremendous results with thousands of students across the country. Read about our score results and reviews from our happy customers .

There's a lot more to PrepScholar that makes it the best SAT/ACT prep program. Click to learn more about our program , or sign up for our 5-day free trial to check out PrepScholar for yourself:

SAT Free Signup

Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We'll cover the exact requirements of Northeastern University here.

Application Requirements Overview

  • Common Application Accepted
  • Electronic Application Available
  • Essay or Personal Statement Required for all freshmen
  • Letters of Recommendation 2
  • Interview Not required
  • Application Fee $75
  • Fee Waiver Available? Available
  • Other Notes

Testing Requirements

  • SAT or ACT Considered if submitted
  • SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
  • SAT Subject Tests
  • Scores Due in Office January 1

Coursework Requirements

  • Subject Required Years
  • Foreign Language 2
  • Social Studies 3

Deadlines and Early Admissions

  • Offered? Deadline Notification
  • Yes January 1 April 1
  • Yes November 1 February 1
  • Yes November 1, January 1 December 15

Admissions Office Information

  • Address: 360 Boston, MA 2115
  • Phone: (617) 373-2000 x2000
  • Fax: (617) 373-8780
  • Email: [email protected]

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in Northeastern University, you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. We've divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to Northeastern University.

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Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than Northeastern University. If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

image description

Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

If you're competitive for Northeastern University, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

image description

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for Northeastern University, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If Northeastern University is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.

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northeastern university admissions essay

Northeastern University

  • Cost & scholarships
  • Essay prompt

Acceptance Rate

Your Chancing: Phase 1

Average SAT

SAT 25th-75th

Students Submitting SAT

Average (25th - 75th)

Reading and Writing

Recommendation

You should work toward getting your SAT score at or above the average score. However, if you’re making a tradeoff on what to improve – remember that SAT scores are important, but carry less weight than GPA and coursework.

Average ACT

ACT 25th-75th

Students Submitting ACT

You should work toward getting your ACT score at or above the average score. However, if you’re making a tradeoff on what to improve – remember that ACT scores are important, but carry less weight than GPA and coursework.

Wondering your admission chance to this school? Calculate your chance now

Your chancing: phase 2, extracurriculars.

Your extracurriculars can have a big impact on your admissions chances. Add in your activities to our Chancing Calculator to see their impact.

Recommendation letters

Having a great recommendation sometimes improves your chances, but it’s most important to make sure that you’re not disqualified because one is missing.

Applications

How to apply, tests typically submitted, learn about chancing.

Colleges evaluate profiles using both academic and holistic reasons.

We evaluate your profile like colleges do, considering all factors.

Most websites only consider GPA and test scores when determining what sort of applicant you are. We consider your coursework, GPA, extracurriculars, demographics, intended major, class rank, and test scores (if you have them).

Academics are more than just grades, which we take into account.

Grades matter, but so does the difficulty of the classes you took. Extracurricular activities count, both in terms of what positions you have held and how you have improved your community.

How does the chancing calculator help me without counting in all the holistic factors?

You can use it as your baseline for building school lists, improving your profile, and coming up with application strategies.

We also have tools and resources that can assist with writing essays and improving other holistic aspects.

northeastern university admissions essay

Northeastern University Guide

The Ivy Scholars guide to Northeastern University’s culture, admissions, and other essential information for prospective students and their families.

Location: Boston, Massachusetts

Mascot: Paws the Husky

Type: Private Research Institution

Population: 27,400 (18,400 undergrads)

Jump to Section:

Statistics  

Natl. Rankings  

Admissions Info

Academics  

Special Programs

Student Life  

Financial Info  

Fun Facts     

northeastern university admissions essay

About Northeastern

Founded in collaboration with the YMCA, Northeastern has become a well regarded research school. Known especially for its co-op program, where students learn experientially and on the job with partners around the globe. While the school’s rapid rise through the rankings has caused concern for some, the school is proud of its academic traditions and focus on research and student experience.

northeastern university admissions essay

Northeastern Statistics

Year Founded:  1898

4 Year Graduation Rate:  19%

Gender Distribution: 51% Female, 49% Male

Acceptance Rate:  19%

Residency: 25% in state, 42% out of state, 33% international

Location Type:  Urban

Schedule System:  Semesters

Student/Faculty Ratio: 14:1

Average Class Size:  20

Demographics: 45% Caucasian, 30% Other/unknown, 13% Asian, 8% Hispanic, 4% Black

Need assistance with the college admissions process?

National rankings.

US News Rankings:

  • #1 Co-ops/Internships
  • #9 Most Innovative Schools
  • #16 Study Abroad
  • #40 National Universities
  • #40 Best Undergraduate Teaching
  • #46 Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs

Independent Rankings:

  • #5 Best Colleges for Criminal Justice per Niche
  • #7 Best Schools for Internships per The Princeton Review
  • #14 Best College for Nursing per Niche
  • #19 Best Colleges for Business per Niche
  • #27 Best Colleges for Engineering per Niche
  • #93 National Universities per The Times of Higher Education
  • #96 Research Universities per Forbes

Northeastern Admissions Information

Application Deadlines:

  • Early Decision I: November 1st
  • Early Decision II: January 1st
  • Early Action: November 1st
  • Regular Decision: January 1st
  • Transfer Deadline: April 1st

Notification Dates:

  • Early Decision I: December 15th
  • Early Decision II: January 15th
  • Early Action: February 1st
  • Regular Decision: April 1st

Acceptance Rates:

  • Transfer: 31%

Average Applicant Pool: 62,200

Average Number of Applicants Accepted: 11,100

Average Number Enrolled: 2,000

Application Systems:  Common App, Coalition App

Average GPA: 4.04 weighted

SAT Scores: 25th% – 1390, 75th% – 1540

ACT Scores: 25th% – 32, 75th% – 35

*Test mandatory. Writing sections are not required.

Demonstrated Interest:

Northeastern does consider demonstrated interest.

How to Demonstrate Interest

Recommendation Letter Policies:

One letter from a counselor and one letter from a teacher are required.

Northeastern Essay Prompts:

  • Common App personal statement (650 words)

Northeastern Essay Writing Tips

Special Notes:

Studio Art majors are required to submit a portfolio, and all students applying to the School of Art and Design are encouraged to submit a portfolio.

  • Applicants must use either the Common or Coalition App.
  • One evaluation/letter of recommendation from a professor, advisor, or employer is required.
  • Standardized testing is required for most transfer applicants. This is waived if the applicant has done more than 1 year of undergraduate coursework, or who graduated from high school more than 5 years ago.
  • Transfer Credit guidelines.
  • On-campus housing is not required or guaranteed for transfer students.

Northeastern Admission Strategy

Admissions Criteria:

Northeastern is looking for students who are academically prepared for college, and who have demonstrated this through their GPA, course rigor, and standardized test scores. These are the most important factors for admission to Northeastern. 

Other important factors include the essay, recommendations, extracurriculars, and talent. More than numbers alone determine admissions, and Northeastern wants an interesting and diverse student body. 

Factors which are considered in admission are demonstrated interest, first-generation status, geographic origin, and race/ethnicity.

Recruited athletes do receive an advantage in the admissions process, though they are still expected to have strong academic preparation.

What is Northeastern Looking For?

Northeastern is looking to improve its ranking in the US News annual college list. They are not the only school to try to game the system, but they have done it more successfully than any other. Much of what they are looking for in college applicants reflects this desire to rise in the rankings. 

Most important are grades, course rigor, and standardized test scores. These are important for two reasons; the first is that average standardized test scores have a direct impact on the rankings, so Northeastern tries to attract the highest scoring students they can. The other factor is graduation and retention rates: Northeastern wants to ensure that the students it admits are ready for the college experience, and to that end uses their GPA, course rigor, and standardized test scores to judge their level of preparation. 

Beyond metrics alone, Northeastern is trying to build a student body of interesting and talented individuals. They are looking for students with clearly demonstrated passions and interests, both academic and otherwise. The student’s extracurriculars and essay are how they look for insight into these. They, like all other elite schools, prefer students who have specialized; focusing on one or two activities or interests. 

Northeastern has begun a new diversity initiative, and is looking to increase its recruitment and enrollment of under-represented and minority students on campus. They will thus be actively working to consider such applicants for admissions, although they will not want to compromise their academic standards to do so.

Finally, Northeastern wants to increase its yield, or the number of admitted students who attend, and thus looks to student’s demonstrated interest.

Northeastern Strategy:

The most important consideration when applying to Northeastern is academic readiness, as represented by GPA, test scores, and course rigor. You should be taking the most challenging courses offered by your school that you can succeed in. Further, you want your standardized test scores to be as high as possible; if they are not at the 50th percentile, consider studying and retesting. As Northeastern has been consistently trying to raise their average, having scores over this mark is even better, although not strictly necessary.

As Northeastern is trying to increase its yield, demonstrating interest and applying Early Decision are good ways to show the school that you are interested. Applying ED is especially helpful if Northeastern is your top choice, as it doubles your chances of admission compared to Regular Decision. Applying Early Decision II is a good idea if you aren’t ready for the first round of ED, or if you want more time to raise your test scores.

Unlike many top schools, Northeastern does not consider legacy status. This is a small but helpful thing, as legacy admits drive up the competition for non-legacy students, and are often admitted at twice the average rate. 

Finally, you should clearly demonstrate your passions and interests through your extracurriculars and personal statement. As Northeastern does not have supplemental questions, there is less room to expound upon what your passions are and what makes you unique. This increases the importance of the personal statement, as it is the only piece of writing admissions will have to make a decision with.

Northeastern Academics

  • Bouve College of Health Sciences
  • College of Arts, Media, and Design  
  • Khoury College of Computer Sciences
  • College of Engineering
  • College of Professional Studies
  • College of Science
  • College of Social Sciences and the Humanities
  • D’Amore McKim School of Business
  • Changing schools or majors requires meeting with your advisor, and fulfilling school-specific transfer requirements, although it is generally simple. Ease of transfer varies by school.

Core Requirements:

  • Northeastern has comprehensive core requirements called NUPath. Students must take at least 2 courses in each of the following competencies, but each course may count for up to 2 competencies. Major courses and AP credit may also count towards this credit. The competencies are: Natural and Designed World, Creative Expression and Innovation, Interpreting Culture, Formal and Quantitative Reasoning, Societies and Institutions, Analyzing and Using Data, Differences and Diversity, Ethical Reasoning
  • Comprehensive Information

Courses of Study: 

  • 90 Majors Offered
  • Option to double major
  • Popular majors include General Business, Economics, Mechanical Engineering, Communications, Computer Information Systems
  • Minors offered
  • Course Catalog

AP Credit Policies:

  • Northeastern awards course credit for scores of  4 or 5. They grant credit for scores of 5 or higher on IB exams.
  • Comprehensive Test Credit Information

northeastern university admissions essay

Honors Programs:

  • The Honors Program offers enhanced opportunities for experiential learning, research, and networking. They have their own housing, faculty advisors, and events.
  • Academic Honors (based on cumulative GPA)
  • Academic Honors Societies These offer an involved group of similarly focused scholars.

Research Availability:

  • The office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (URF) serves to connect students with research opportunities.

Study Abroad: 

  • Study Abroad Options

Business Options: 

  • The School of business offers multiple majors , some of which focus on business alone, while others explore it in conjunction with another field.
  • There are also joint Masters programs, which allow students to earn an MS in only a year. 
  • The school runs several centers for research in business as well.
  • There is an Engineering and Business program run through the College of Engineering.

Pre-Med Options:

  • There is no dedicated pre-med major, but there is an advising program for students interested in pursuing careers in health. This includes an overview of required coursework for students interested in advanced degrees.

The health sciences major serves as a catch-all for students interested in pursuing careers in medicine.

Pre-Law Options:

  • Law and Public Policy Minor
  • PlusJD Program Early admittance to Northeastern’s Law School.
  • Pre-Law Advising

Computer Science Options: 

  • The Khoury School of Computer Sciences offers majors, minors and interdisciplinary courses of study with other schools, along with core classes on CS fundamentals.
  • The school offers 4 accelerated degrees , which combine an undergraduate degree with an MS in Computer Science or a related field.
  • The school sponsors research by students and faculty alike.
  • CS Student Organizations

Additional Specialty Programs: 

  • Combined Majors
  • Plus One Bachelors/Masters Programs  
  • General Studies Program
  • Torch Scholars Program
  • Engineering Leadership Program
  • Cooperative Education

Programs for High Schoolers:

  • Pre-College Programs are experiential programs for talented high school students from around the country and around the globe.
  • Northeastern Accelerate offers half-day deep dives into specific topics and subjects virtually for high school students.
  • Young Scholars Program is open to rising Seniors, and offers future scientists and engineers from Massachusetts hands-on research experience.
  • Experiential Entrepreneurship is a residential summer program for talented high school students, and seeks to act as an incubator for future entrepreneurs.

northeastern university admissions essay

Student Life at Northeastern

School Motto:   Light, Truth, Courage

Mission and Values:

  • Additional Information
  • Student Testimonials ( Niche , Unigo , Grad Reports )

Residential Housing System:

Freshmen are divided into groups, called living learning communities, based on shared academic or social interests. These can fill floors or even buildings of residence halls. The school runs traditional, suite, and apartment style residence halls. Honors students are housed together. All first and second year students are required to live on campus, upperclassmen may continue to live on campus or move off.

Housing Statistics:

  • 85% of Freshmen live on campus
  • 49% of undergrads live on-campus at any given time

Campus & Surrounding Area :  

  • Located in Boston’s Fenway neighbourhood, the campus is covered in trees and green spaces despite its urban surroundings, and was designated an arboretum in 2019.
  • Primarily located along Huntington avenue in the “ Fenway Cultural District ” there are many points of interest near campus, including the Museum of Fine Arts , the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum , Huntington Theatre Company and Symphony Hall . 
  • Safety Information ( Northeastern , College Factual )
  • Virtual Tour , Virtual Events

Transportation:

  • The school offers discounted MBTA passes on a semester basis. They have a rideshare program, and resources for cyclists .
  • Parking Information

Traditions:

  • Fall Fest – Students are welcomed back to campus every Fall by a weekend of games, activities, and free food.
  • Husky Hunt – Teams of students compete in this 24 hour long scavenger hunt and series of puzzles that leads them around Boston.
  • The Beanpot – An annual hockey tournament held between Northeastern, Harvard, Boston College, and Boston University, granting the winner a year’s worth of bragging rights over their cross-town rivals.
  • Springfest – A weeklong celebration held on campus, featuring games, guest lectures, food, and music, capping off with a major concert.

Student-Run Organizations:  

  • Organization Database
  • Sample Organizations ( International Relations Council , Finance and Investment Club , Dance Company )
  • D1 Athletics Colonial Athletic Association (Good Men’s and Women’s hockey)
  • Intramural Sports
  • Club Sports

Greek Life:  

  • 11% of students are members of Greek life, including social, service, and academic organizations.
  • There are frat or apartment parties most weekends.
  • There is a vibrant nightlife in the neighborhood , not to mention the city of Boston itself.
  • Ranked the #7 top party school in Massachusetts per Niche.

northeastern university admissions essay

Financial Information

Yearly Cost of Attendance:

  • Total: $72,932
  • Tuition: $54,360
  • Fees: $1,092
  • Room & Board: $17,480

Financial Aid:

75% of students receive some form of financial aid. Northeastern commits to meeting every student’s demonstrated need, and will maintain that amount for 8 semesters of attendance. Aid packages will be reevaluated if tuition increases or if your family’s finances change. Students are required to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year to be eligible for aid.

Additional Financial Aid & Student Loan Information

Scholarships: 

There are a number of merit-based scholarships which are also available. These do not require FAFSA to be filled out to qualify for, all students are automatically considered. Some programs, such as the Torch Scholars , have additional requirements to be eligible.

  • The first baseball World Series was held at Huntington Avenue Grounds, which is now part of their campus.
  • The original name of the school was “The Evening Institute for Younger Men.”
  • The Matthews Arena on campus is the world’s oldest surviving indoor ice hockey arena.
  • Northeastern outright purchased a small private college in London in 2018 in order to set up a branch campus there.
  • Twitter’s co-founder Biz Stone attended Northeastern to study art, but dropped out.
  • Napster was started by Shawn Fanning while he was a student at Northeastern.

northeastern university admissions essay

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Top Tier Admissions

Northeastern University Admissions

Get into northeastern university, everything you need to know about northeastern university admissions..

northeastern university admissions

About Northeastern University

Northeastern University is a private higher university located in Boston, with additional campuses in Arlington, Charlotte, London, Miami, Oakland, Portland, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Seattle, Toronto, and Vancouver. It is currently ranked #53 in the U.S. News and World Report ranking of National Universities (tied with University of Minnesota and Case Western, among others). It’s an impressive rise for a school that, two decades ago, ranked #162 and is a direct result of the university’s decision to institute smaller class sizes. Notably, U.S. News and World Report ranked Northeastern #8 for Most Innovative Schools, #15 for Service Learning, #22 for Senior Capstone, and #11 for Best Undergraduate International Business Program. (More on that below.)

Northeastern was founded in 1898 and currently has 18,656 undergraduate students and 20,286 graduate and professional students enrolled. Undergraduate students at Northeastern choose from over 220 majors and combined major programs, offered across Northeastern’s schools: the College of Social Sciences and Humanities, the College of Science, the Bouvé College of Health Sciences, the College of Engineering, the Khoury College of Computer Sciences, the D’Amore-McKim School of Business, and the College of Arts, Media and Design.

What Sets Northeastern Apart?

Northeastern’s emphasis on Experiential Learning manifests in opportunities to integrate classroom learning with professional experience. A particularly striking feature is the Co-op, which places students in two to three professional experiences with over 3,000 employers around the world over the course of the student’s college career. The university’s PlusOne program further prioritizes post-college professional readiness by allowing students to jump start their graduate degree in Northeastern’s accelerated bachelor/graduate degree program. There are also ample opportunities for students to build plans of study that are tailored to their interests: undergraduates have the option to declare as a combined major, pursue a unique culminating capstone project as relates to their field(s) of study, perform cutting edge research in their chosen field(s) (often alongside faculty in over thirty research centers and institutes), embark on myriad service-learning experiences, and study abroad in a wide range of countries.

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Unique Opportunities

The University Honors Program — which applicants are automatically considered for as part of the application process — further facilitates such opportunities by providing undergraduate students with additional resources and support. Honors students also live together during their first year on campus, participating in group activities on and off campus, and are connected with a robust network of Honors alumni, who provide the students with additional career guidance and mentorship. Northeastern touts many exciting programs: for example, student entrepreneurs have ample opportunity to build and flex their entrepreneurial skills in Northeastern’s IDEA program, which provides resources including funding and mentorship to entrepreneurs across all disciplines. Add on to these myriad opportunities the robust history and culture of the city of Boston itself and it’s no surprise Northeastern has attracted 96,327 first-time, full-time, first-year students this application cycle — a 49.5% increase over the past four years alone!

Applying to Northeastern University

When applying to Northeastern, students apply to one of the university’s schools — the College of Social Sciences and Humanities, the College of Science, the Bouvé College of Health Sciences, the College of Engineering, the Khoury College of Computer Sciences, the D’Amore- McKim School of Business, and the College of Arts, Media and Design. Students who are undecided may elect to enroll in Northeastern’s Explore Program, which connects them with advisors, faculty, alumni, and peers through events and seminars and helps prepare them to declare a major.

Northeastern offers four application options for first-time, first-year students: two rounds of binding Early Decision, non-binding Early Action, and Regular Decision.

Early Decision I: Northeastern offers two Early Decision options. Students who apply to Early Decision I must submit their applications by November 1. Applicants are then notified by December 15 and, if admitted to their first-choice program, are bound to that program. If the applicant is not admitted to their first-choice program, a non-binding decision will be issued.

Early Decision II: The second Early Decision option is Early Decision II, which enables students who decide that Northeastern is their top choice later in the application process to nevertheless apply under the more forgiving admit rates of the Early Decision program. Students who apply via Early Decision II must submit their applications by January 1. Applicants are notified by March 1 and, if admitted to their first choice program, are bound to the program.

Early Action: Northeastern’s non-binding Early Action program has a deadline of November 1, with applicants being notified of their application status by February 1.

Regular Decision: Northeastern’s Regular Decision deadline provides students with the standard, non-binding application option. The Regular Decision deadline is January 1, with decisions being released by April 1.

Northeastern prioritizes applicants who show that they prioritize the school: while only 3,000 of the 50,000 students who applied Early Action to the Northeastern Class of 2026 were accepted (a 6% admit rate), 875 of the 2,100 students who applied to the Class of 2026 ED1 — an impressive 32.41% — were accepted. Early Decision applications have also risen dramatically since 2015 — from 772 applications to last year’s 5,872, which itself was a 30% increase over the previous year alone!

Northeastern College Admissions Wrap Up

Class of 2028 Northeastern received 56,000 EA applications to the Class of 2028 and accepted 2,640 students, for a rate of 5 percent. In the Early Decision II round they accepted, 600 students, from the pool of 6,000, for a rate of 20 percent. A record 98,373 applications were received for fall 2024.

Top Tier Admissions Can Help You Get Into Northeastern:

I KNOW that YOU were beyond instrumental in this process and I wanted to say THANK YOU SO MUCH for your efforts from August in Boston onward. You were always available and such a massive help for K with her supplements.

I just wanted to let you guys know I’ve officially been admitted to Williams. I am SO excited and so grateful for all of your help along the way. Thank you so much. Woohoo!

We are enormously grateful for your nurturing presence in our lives and we can’t thank you enough for the gift of your extraordinary experience and expert advice during this nerve-racking process. I still can’t get over the collective brain power in the “room” at ABC.

You might be surprised at what I heard H say yesterday but it’s such a tribute to how hard he worked, how much support he received, and the connections he made. After his 3-hour nap on Friday, a celebratory dinner, and a great night’s, he got up on Saturday and said, “Mom, I want to go back to Bootcamp!” True story. I’m not sure how you do it with the pace and intensity of ABC but T felt truly seen, deeply respected, pushed in the best way possible, and overjoyed about the results. We appreciate your help more than words can express.

Trust The Process . Those words are etched in my brain forever. We were so happy and excited to watch our daughter find out she had been accepted early into Notre Dame last night. I felt like a millstone that had been hanging around my neck was taken off immediately. Thank you for your patience and for your expertise in guiding our daughter. Her friends from ND are coming home this weekend and she is so happy and proud to be able to wear a ND sweatshirt she had been keeping in her closet since she picked it up at ND last June. The Boot Camp was really awesome in teaching her how to write essays for the supplemental questions. I would say it also boosted her confidence, knowing that experts such as yourselves taught her the pearls of wisdom in writing college applications. From South Dakota to South Bend… it was a journey uphill but our daughter is finally home… Thank you!

Michele, I know E has already written you but I wanted to reach out and say thank you to you and R as well as the rest of the Top Tier Team. E is over the moon and being able to enjoy the rest of the year without the stress of college decisions is priceless. We all appreciate what you and your team were able to do to help guide the process as well as make the essay writing much smoother that it would have been otherwise.

I’m already envious of the red carpet you are rolling out for ABC; these kiddos are so fortunate to be in such caring and attentive hands! T is very excited for Bootcamp and that is a gift in and of itself. A million thank yous for creating an application experience that generates more enthusiasm than panic.

I just wanted to share with you the very exciting news that I was accepted into the University of Miami!!! Thank you so much for all your help and support during this process. All the team from Top Tier really made a difference and were extremely supportive.

She’s IN at Stanford! Thank you for all your support and hard work, and to the others at TTA who worked over her application. You are very much appreciated. K is a great kid and I trust her to do good in the world.

I just got my Brown Early Decision back and I wanted to let you all know that I got in!!!! Thank you, guys, so much for all the help with my application and my essays. I couldn’t have done it without your help! I am so happy that I got into my first-choice school!!! Once again, I can’t thank you all enough for all the help and guidance

MASSIVE thanks to you for all you did to shepherd us through this nerve-racking process! You are the rock, the hub, and the heart of TTA. H is so extraordinarily fortunate to have had you supporting, guiding, and believing in her. I saw her grow right before my eyes during Bootcamp (which was phenomenally well run, due to your effort and skill). I still marvel at how much she accomplished in such a condensed period of time but I am most grateful for how you nurtured her spirit and confidence. Empowering her in that way has made all the difference this year. I know everyone must say “we couldn’t have done it without you” but that sentiment is true beyond words. You have given her a gift that will keep giving for the rest of her life and you have changed us for good AND for the better.

I hope you are enjoying some extremely well-deserved R&R after the intensity of Bootcamp! We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for offering R and I your warmth, encouragement, expertise, and seasoned insight. R was so very lucky to have the chance to work with you. We now count you as part of our beloved extended family! ABC was certainly rigorous but it was wonderful to see R’s pride and relief when she came home on Friday.

I wanted to share the good news that I was accepted to Wharton ED last night!! Thanks again to you and ABC for all the support.

We want to share the good news that P was admitted ED to Williams yesterday! Thank you!

We are thrilled to inform you that H has been accepted to Duke University and will be joining his brother K there this fall. We were admittedly a little nervous when Application Boot Camp (understandably) went virtual, but we should not have worried as H came away super-prepared for application season. We really appreciate all of the frank advice and counsel we have received from everyone at Top Tier over the last few years as our sons have journeyed through this process.

I’m not in complete TTA withdrawal after ABC, thanks to you continuing to keep us on track! My heartfelt gratitude for all you have done for the K family. Your care and calm have meant the world to us. So much appreciation for being our rock and guiding light!

Without ABC I would have had a strictly mediocre application.

We wanted to let you know that L was accepted at Tufts – his first choice and ED app!  Thanks again for all of your help!

I can’t thank you enough for all your guidance and encouragement during ABC! I’m still exhausted but also really happy about my essays. It’s a huge relief to have my common app in such good shape. I’ll never forget how much you and the rest of the amazing TTA team helped me.

While H awaits his early round decisions, I wanted to give you an update on R. He just finished his first semester at Occidental and he has been crushing it. He loves the school and he is motivated, curious and working so hard. It has been an ideal place for him.

We cannot thank you enough for all of your help and truly wonderful advice. We are so grateful!

I got into Brown University! I’m so excited to attend!! Thank you for all your guidance and support during the whole process. I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome, and Top Tier was critical in this result.

I just wanted to let you all know that I was accepted into Northwestern! Thanks for all your help!

I wanted to share the good news that J was accepted to Duke early admission. Thank you for your support!

I wanted to share with you the great news that I was accepted to Tulane ED yesterday! Thank you both so much for your advice and help along the way. I can’t imagine how hard it would have been without it. I am so excited and looking forward to the fall. Thank you!!

I wanted to share that M GOT INTO PRINCETON! We are so happy for her. She worked super hard. She couldn’t have done the application questions and created a niche without all of your support. Thank you so much for everything. We will forever be in gratitude.

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Northeastern University Graduate Programs

How to Write a Statement of Purpose for Graduate School

How to Write a Statement of Purpose for Graduate School

Congrats! You’ve chosen a graduate program , read up on tips for applying to grad school , and even wrote a focused grad school resumé . But if you’re like many students, you’ve left the most daunting part of the application process for last—writing a statement of purpose. The good news is, the task doesn’t have to feel so overwhelming, as long as you break the process down into simple, actionable steps. Below, learn how to write a strong, unique statement of purpose that will impress admissions committees and increase your chances of getting into your dream school.

What is a statement of purpose?

A statement of purpose (SOP), sometimes referred to as a personal statement, is a critical piece of a graduate school application that tells admissions committees who you are, what your academic and professional interests are, and how you’ll add value to the graduate program you’re applying to.

Jared Pierce, associate director of enrollment services at Northeastern University, says a strong statement of purpose can be the deciding factor in a graduate student’s admission.  

“Your statement of purpose is where you tell your story about who you are and why you deserve to be a part of the [university’s] community. It gives the admissions committee the chance to get to know you and understand how you’ll add value to the classroom,” he says.

How long should a statement of purpose be?

“A statement of purpose should be between 500 and 1,000 words,” Pierce says, noting that it should typically not exceed a single page. He advises that students use a traditional font at a readable size (11- or 12-pt) and leave enough whitespace in the margins to make the statement easy-to-read. Make sure to double-space the statement if the university has requested it, he adds. 

Interested in learning more about Northeastern’s graduate programs?

Get your questions answered by our enrollment team.

REQUEST INFORMATION

How to Write a Statement of Purpose: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you understand how to format a statement of purpose, you can begin drafting your own. Getting started can feel daunting, but Pierce suggests making the process more manageable by breaking down the writing process into four easy steps.

1. Brainstorm your ideas.

First, he says, try to reframe the task at hand and get excited for the opportunity to write your statement of purpose. He explains:

“Throughout the application process, you’re afforded few opportunities to address the committee directly. Here is your chance to truly speak directly to them. Each student arrives at this process with a unique story, including prior jobs, volunteer experience, or undergraduate studies. Think about what makes you you and start outlining.”

When writing your statement of purpose, he suggests asking yourself these key questions:

  • Why do I want this degree?
  • What are my expectations for this degree?
  • What courses or program features excite me the most?
  • Where do I want this degree to take me, professionally and personally?
  • How will my unique professional and personal experiences add value to the program?

Jot these responses down to get your initial thoughts on paper. This will act as your starting point that you’ll use to create an outline and your first draft.

2. Develop an outline.

Next, you’ll want to take the ideas that you’ve identified during the brainstorming process and plug them into an outline that will guide your writing. 

An effective outline for your statement of purpose might look something like this:

  • An attention-grabbing hook
  • A brief introduction of yourself and your background as it relates to your motivation behind applying to graduate school 
  • Your professional goals as they relate to the program you’re applying to
  • Why you’re interested in the specific school and what you can bring to the table
  • A brief summary of the information presented in the body that emphasizes your qualifications and compatibility with the school

An outline like the one above will give you a roadmap to follow so that your statement of purpose is well-organized and concise. 

3. Write the first draft.

Your statement of purpose should communicate who you are and why you are interested in a particular program, but it also needs to be positioned in a way that differentiates you from other applicants. 

Admissions professionals already have your transcripts, resumé, and test scores; the statement of purpose is your chance to tell your story in your own words.

When you begin drafting content, make sure to:

  • Provide insight into what drives you , whether that’s professional advancement, personal growth, or both.
  • Demonstrate your interest in the school by addressing the unique features of the program that interest you most. For Northeastern, he says, maybe it’s experiential learning; you’re excited to tackle real-world projects in your desired industry. Or perhaps it’s learning from faculty who are experts in your field of study.
  • Be yourself. It helps to keep your audience in mind while writing, but don’t forget to let your personality shine through. It’s important to be authentic when writing your statement to show the admissions committee who you are and why your unique perspective will add value to the program.

4. Edit and refine your work.

Before you submit your statement of purpose:

  • Make sure you’ve followed all directions thoroughly , including requirements about margins, spacing, and font size.
  • Proofread carefully for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
  • Remember that a statement of purpose should be between 500 and 1,000 words. If you’ve written far more than this, read through your statement again and edit for clarity and conciseness. Less is often more; articulate your main points strongly and get rid of any “clutter.”
  • Walk away and come back later with a fresh set of eyes. Sometimes your best ideas come when you’re not sitting and staring at your computer.
  • Ask someone you trust to read your statement before you submit it.

Making a Lasting Impression

Your statement of purpose can leave a lasting impression if done well, Pierce says. It provides you with the opportunity to highlight your unique background and skills so that admissions professionals understand why you’re the ideal candidate for the program that you’re applying to. If nothing else, stay focused on what you uniquely bring to the classroom, the program, and the campus community. If you do that, you’ll excel.

To learn more tricks and tips for submitting an impressive graduate school application, explore our related Grad School Success articles .

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in March 2017. It has since been updated for thoroughness and accuracy.

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Advanced degree holders earn a salary an average 25% higher than bachelor's degree holders. (Economic Policy Institute, 2021)

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The Essay Competition is now closed.

Northeastern University London is inviting competition entries from students who are currently in their penultimate year of secondary education (equivalent to Year 12 in the English education system, or Grade 11 in India).

Our selection of essay titles engage across a broad range of technology, social science and humanities topics and we look forward to receiving entries from talented and intellectually curious students who show passion in their subject area. We welcome entries from students located anywhere in the world.

If you have any further questions please see our  FAQ page before contacting us.

Choose your essay question

Applied Digital & Technology Solutions: Discuss the societal risks and rewards associated with generative AI (such as ChatGPT). 

Business: Is it possible to reconcile the cost-of-living crisis consumers are experiencing with the need for sustainable consumption?

Computer & Data Science: Describe a modern application of data science based on machine learning, generative AI or data analytics. Discuss its context in terms of topic, domain, and societal implications. 

Economics: Does the expanding gig economy contribute positively to sustainable economic growth? 

English: Is it fair to say that literature is another name for language which has no practical use? 

History: How have empires throughout history shaped the societies we live in today? 

Law: Ed Sheeran said “Defending copyright infringement lawsuits has become as much a part of the job description for top musicians as the performance of hits”. Discuss whether UK copyright laws are out of date and should be reviewed by Parliament. 

Philosophy: To what extent, and in what ways, can the past be a good guide to the future? 

Politics & IR: Is environmental degradation a greater threat to the international community than war? 

Psychology: Discuss to what extent mental factors impact ageing.

The following prizes will be awarded:

Overall winner across all essay subjects- £1000

Winner in a subject category- £500

Runner up in a subject category- £250

How to enter

1. Register for the competition – After registering you will be emailed detailed instructions on how to enter.

2. Choose one of the titles

3. Write your 1,500-word essay

4. Submit your essay via our online form (URL will be emailed to you after you register) by 1pm GMT Sunday 31st December 2023 .

If you have any further questions please see our FAQ page before contacting us.

Who can enter?

The Northeastern University London Essay Competition is open to students who are currently in their penultimate (second to last) year of secondary education (Year 12 in England or Grade 11 in India). This is a global competition, so we encourage entries from those studying anywhere in the world. Find full competition rules here .

Register here

We are no longer accepting registrations for the essay competition. If you have any questions please refer to our FAQ .

Transfer Applicants

We’re excited for you to continue your higher education journey at Northeastern. You can find information about transferring and required documents below. Our Fall 2024 application is available. Please refer to our Deadlines and Decisions page for information regarding our transfer application timeline.

Transfer applicants are students who will have completed at least 12 semester hours of college-level coursework (after high school graduation)  OR  have attempted at least one semester of full-time coursework and maintained enrollment through the add/drop period (after high school completion).

Application

  • Completed Transfer  Common Application  or  Coalition Application
  • Application fee  of $75

Transcripts

  • Official college transcript(s ) for all institutions you have attended
  • Final high school transcript or GED/HiSET score report

College Report

College Report (form available through the Common Application) to be completed by the Registrar Office or Dean of your current/previous school. All sections must be completed in order for your application to be reviewed. If you are having trouble downloading this form from the Common App, feel free to download this form  and have your school email it to  [email protected] .

Academic Evaluation

Evaluation from an academic advisor, professor, or employer (online submission through the Common Application).

Standardized Testing

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.

Current Year Courses

The transfer list of current year courses is a document that details the courses you are currently taking this semester. Typically, this requirement is fulfilled by either an unofficial copy of your current transcript that shows the courses in progress or a PDF screenshot of your current course list. Course description documents or a list of courses typed up do not fulfill this requirement. If you are not currently enrolled in courses, please contact the office of admissions to review your situation at [email protected] .

Optional Materials

  • Joint Services Transcript (JST)/Community College of the Air Force transcript  for veterans or active duty military
  • Mid-term Report (highly recommended) for students who are currently enrolled in courses. Form available online through the Common Application. If you are having trouble downloading this form from the Common App, feel free to download this form  and email it to  [email protected] .
  • An indication that the institution is accredited in US terms
  • A course by course credit and grade conversion

Additional Materials

English proficiency and international student requirements.

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.

Non-U.S. citizen applicants are required to submit the  Declaration and Certification of Finances  (DCF) form for their application to be considered complete.  The Certification of Finances is designed to assist colleges and universities in obtaining complete and accurate information about the funds available to international applicants. As Northeastern is unable to offer state or federally-funded financial support to international applicants, the process of verifying the financial resources of students is essential.

Students applying to the  College of Arts, Media and Design  can submit a portfolio under their 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.

The courses below outline recommended and required courses for transfer admission Northeastern University. Courses listed as required must be completed or in-progress to be considered for the specific college/program. All other courses are recommended. You may visit our  Transfer Equivalency Database  to find out if the courses you have taken have been previously evaluated for transfer credit.

For those applying into one of our 130+ combined majors, please review the course information for each individual college or program involved in the combined major. ( For example, if you choose to apply to the combined major of  Biology and English , please review the transfer requirements for both the College of Science and the College of Social Sciences and Humanities ). To learn more about our combined majors, please click  here .

Bouvé College of Health Sciences

Health science.

  • College Writing (equivalent to ENGW 1111)
  • Biology I & II with labs
  • Chemistry I & II with labs
  • Calculus or higher
  • Foundations of Psychology

School of Nursing*

  • College Writing (equivalent to ENGW 1111)  ( strongly recommended)
  • Anatomy & Physiology I & II with labs  ( strongly recommended)
  • Chemistry with lab  ( strongly recommended)
  • Microbiology with lab  ( strongly recommended)
  • Foundations of Psychology  ( strongly recommended)
  • Nutrition  (strongly  recommended)
  • Mathematical Thinking  ( strongly recommended)

*Please note that Nursing students must complete all recommended coursework in order to progress into year 2 of the program’s course sequence

  • Chemistry I with lab  (required)
  • Biology I with lab  (required)
  • Chemistry II with lab  (strongly recommended)
  • Biology II with lab  (strongly recommended)

College of Arts, Media and Design

  • Mathematical Thinking or Calculus
  • Foreign Language  (BA students only)

College of Engineering

  • Calculus I  (required – level should be for Engineering/Science majors)
  • Physics I  (strongly recommended – level should be calculus based)
  • Chemistry I  (strongly recommended)  

College of Social Sciences and Humanities

College of science.

  • Natural Science with lab

D’Amore-McKim School of Business

  • Calculus at the college level  (strongly recommended)
  • Macroeconomics  (BSBA only, strongly recommended)
  • Language  (Intermediate level strongly recommended for BSIB)
  • Business Statistics
  • Microeconomics

Khoury College of Computer Sciences

  • Calculus 1  (Required)

Enrollment Checklist

Please view your  Application Status Check  to view your enrollment checklist and next steps/important dates to note in order to enroll at Northeastern.

University housing is not available to transfer students. We encourage students to engage with the resources offered by the Off Campus Student Services Office  to secure housing.

Transfer Credit/MyPaws

  • Your transfer credit evaluation will be made available to you within the next couple of days.
  • To ensure we have the most up to date information, you should forward an updated college transcript with final semester grades
  • If you have completed AP, IB or GCE examinations, request that the results be sent to Northeastern.
  • Participation in dual enrollment programs while in high school may also be considered for transfer credit. You must submit the official college transcript from the institution that hosted courses.

We honor and value your service to the country and look forward to welcoming you to the Northeastern community. Northeastern participates in the Yellow Ribbon and Post 9/11 GI Bill. Members of the  Center for the Advancement of Veterans and Servicemembers  (CAVS) are able to assist you through the eligibility process. You may contact them at  [email protected] .

NU Transfer Organization (NUTSO)

NUTSO provides transfer students with an opportunity to meet one another and participate in social activities while transitioning to Northeastern. If you have questions about transfer and the Northeastern community, you can reach out to NUTSO via email at  [email protected] .

New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation is mandatory for all transfer students enrolling at Northeastern. During the daylong New Student Orientation you will meet with your academic advisor to choose classes, as well as other departments such as the Financial Aid, Housing, and Campus Safety departments, who are vital to your success at Northeastern. New Student Orientation information is sent via your Husky email account once you deposit.

Am I considered a freshman or a transfer student? Transfer applicants are students who have completed at least 12 semester hours of college-level coursework (after high school graduation) OR have attempted at least one semester of full-time coursework and maintained enrollment through the add/drop period (after high school graduation).

I am receiving an Associate’s degree and high school diploma at the same time. Why can’t I be considered a transfer student?  Northeastern’s definition of a transfer student is anyone who will have completed at least one full-time semester of college-level coursework  after  high school graduation. Students who do not have their high school diploma by the application deadline are not considered transfer applicants. Dual-enrollment courses can be considered for transfer credit.

Do I need to submit all official college transcripts even if my transfer credit appears on a transcript? Yes, we require students to submit all official college transcripts.

How does Northeastern review transfer applications? We review all applications holistically and are looking for students who are the best fit for Northeastern. We look closely at the student’s academic coursework and grades, along with extracurricular involvement, including work, clubs, community service, and internships. We value all information, and students should show how they are the best fit for NU and how they will take advantage of the opportunities here.

Does the Office of Admission review applications differently for specific majors? Each program has recommended and required coursework that we take into account in the review process. Students can view this information in the ‘Program Requirements’ section on the  Transfer Credit website .

My application is complete. When will I receive my admission decision? Decisions are released on a rolling basis; the latest notification date is June 30.

I applied as a transfer student for previous term and was not offered admission/didn’t attend. Do I need to submit a new application for the next Spring/Fall term? Students must submit a new transfer application through the Common Application for each academic term.

When will I receive my degree audit? Students will receive their official degree audit within one week of admission. To learn more about transfer credit at Northeastern, visit the  Transferring Credit  website.

I studied in a British-patterned education system but did not complete A-level exams, can I apply as a transfer student to Northeastern? All enrolling students from British-patterned education systems are expected to present three passing results on full GCE A-Levels (or if exceptional circumstances, 2 passing A-Levels, and 2 passing AS-Levels, taken across four different subjects). In cases where a student is unable to provide either, we will be unable to consider them for transfer until they have successfully completed an Associate’s degree or equivalent number of courses in a Bachelor’s degree-seeking program (64 credit hours). An application can be submitted during the final term in an Associate’s degree program, or typically in the third semester out of four total semesters in a Bachelor’s degree seeking program. A complete college or university transcript will be required, in addition to the Mid-Term Report.

I am a veteran/activity duty. Should I apply as a freshman or a transfer student? Transfer applicants are students who have completed at least 12 semester hours of college-level coursework (after high school graduation) OR have attempted at least one semester of full-time coursework and maintained enrollment through the add/drop period. Veterans who have not completed any college coursework can apply as freshmen, but they should submit an application based on how they identify. Please reach out to an admissions  for more information or email  [email protected] .

Do I still need to submit my SAT/ACT scores? For applicants applying for the 2024-2025 academic year, Northeastern University is test-optional and does not require standardized testing to complete an application for admission. You can learn more about our testing policy here.

Do I need to submit my Mid-term report? We highly recommend that students submit the Mid-Term Report if they are currently enrolled in classes, but it is not required.

Who should I contact if I have questions? Transfer students can email  [email protected] .

If you have more questions about Northeastern, please visit our  Frequently Asked Admissions Questions page  for more information.

We prefer most credentials be submitted online via The Common Application or by email to [email protected] . Credentials not submitted online should be mailed to the address below. Official transcripts must be sent in a sealed envelope, directly from the institution, or via an electronic exchange.

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

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

For Official transcripts, recommendation letters, and the College Report:

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

Additional Information for Transfer Applicants

Transfer credit.

View our transfer credit policies and course equivalencies.

Request information

Visit northeastern.

northeastern university admissions essay

Align Apply

  • Financial Support for Master’s Students
  • MS Frequently Asked Questions

To apply for admission to the Align Master’s Program, simply submit an online application . There is no application fee. For more information on applying to the Align Master’s program, including admissions timelines and required materials, please continue below. This page only applies to the Align Master’s program. For details on Khoury College’s other master’s programs, please visit that specific page .

  • Apply now for Fall 2024 admission
  • Apply now for Spring 2025 admission
  • View Align MS in Computer Science program details
  • View Align MS in Data Science program details
  • Request info
  • View scholarships and aid

International students applying to Vancouver campus (including those living in and out of the country): April 15*

International students applying to U.S. campuses (including those living in and out of the country): April 15*

Domestic students applying to all campuses: August 1

*Deadline is subject to change.

Decision Dates

Applications will be read on a rolling basis as they are received.

Students are considered domestic if they:

  • Hold a U.S. Citizenship
  • Hold a Dual Citizenship with the U.S.
  • Hold a U.S. Green Card

If the above do not apply, the student is considered international.

  • Hold a Canadian Citizenship
  • Hold a Dual Citizenship with Canada
  • Hold a Canadian Permanent Residency

International students applying to U.S. campuses (including those living in and out of the country): September 15*

Domestic students applying to all campuses: December 1

Please note that the campus preference you list on your application is only a preference and is not binding—an application for the MSCS program is applicable for all campuses and subject to campus capacity limits.

If program is offered in multiple locations, applicants are required to select a first and second choice campus, as the capacity limit in each location varies.

Northeastern appreciates the commitment of all of our incoming students, and please contact the Khoury Graduate Admissions Team at [email protected] should you have any questions.

General requirements

GPA minimums 3.0 on a 4.0 scale 8.0 on a 10.0 scale 80 on a 100 scale

Please upload a PDF copy of your transcripts to the application – we will not review unless this step is completed. For international students – a WES evaluation is not required.

Test score minimums We are currently waiving the GRE requirement per the University-wide policy. You may apply without a GRE. If you wish to submit GRE scores, we will consider them as a supplementary material only.

Transcript requirements Transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary education institutions (AKA after high school) are required. For applicants who have graduated from any post-secondary education program(s), degree certificate(s) are also required. If transcript(s) and/or degree certificate(s) are issued in a language other than English, an English translation must accompany the native language documents. An English translation only will not be deemed sufficient. For applicants who are pursuing or have completed a four-year undergraduate degree program, a minimum of six semesters of courses, grades and credits must be reflected in uploaded documentation (for three-year undergraduate degree programs, a minimum of four semesters must be present).

For applicants who have obtained credentials from India, semester mark sheets and degree certificate(s)/provisional certificate(s) are required in addition to the consolidated transcript. If semester mark sheets are unavailable, an official communication on institutional letterhead must accompany the consolidated transcript indicating any retakes/backlogs associated with the program.

For applicants who have obtained credentials from China, the degree certificate and graduation certificate are required.

Also include the reverse side of the transcript(s) when uploading your documentation; specifically any grading scale information, legend, or university instructions included on the reverse side of the transcript(s) should also be included in the scanned copy.

English proficiency tests TOEFL = 100, IELTS = 7.5, or Duolingo = 125 Note: We will not super-score the IELTS or TOEFL. At this time we accept all At Home versions of the English Language Tests.

International students may waive the English Language Test ONLY IF they have received a 4+ year degree (Bachelor’s or doctoral) in a country where English is an official language.

The following circumstances do not qualify for a waiver:

  • Degree received in a non-English speaking country (regardless of language of instruction in institution)
  • 2-year Master’s degree received in an English-speaking country
  • 2+2 or 3+1 programs (joint programs between international institutions)

Please upload a PDF copy of your test scores to the application – we will not review unless this step is completed.

Recent professional resumé

Your resumé should list your detailed position responsibilities.

Letters of recommendation

For students who are applying directly from undergrad, we recommend two academic and one professional reference. For students who are applying from the workforce, we recommend two professional and one academic reference. These are guidelines and not requirements.

Align applicants are given three essay prompts in lieu of the statement of purpose. Two out of three are required. They are:

  • Essay 1 (250 words) – Align students often cite the critical importance of perseverance—the capacity to keep iterating and working a problem. Tell us about a time you had to persevere. How has that shaped your career trajectory?
  • Essay 2 (250 words) – Some of our students wish to take their passion and combine it with tech; others wish to leave their past experiences behind and dive head-first into the computer science world. What drives your transition into tech?
  • Optional (250 words) – If you believe the above questions have not given you an opportunity to tell us enough about yourself, feel free to use this section to highlight something about yourself that is essential to understanding who you are and what drives you.

English proficiency tests TOEFL = 100 or IELTS = 7.5 Note: We will not super-score the IELTS or TOEFL. At this time we accept all At Home versions of the English Language Tests.

The Office of Global Services is the best resource for information regarding the I-20 process. Click here for information including deadlines and frequently asked questions.

If you cannot meet the I-20 deadline for your semester of enrollment, you may need to defer your enrollment to a future term. Feel free to contact the Khoury Graduate Admissions Team or the Office of Global Services with any questions.

Please see the New Align Student page for the full waiver policy.

April 15, 2024

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Khoury Align Admissions Team

  • How to Apply
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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…

My Interest to Study Data Analytical Engineering at Northeastern University

I am delighted to introduce myself as a tech enthusiastic person who is diligent, pragmatic, ambitious, hardworking, easily adaptable, and a confident independent person. I strongly believe success is a result of choices we make. Evolution of data dramatically in recent years, in type, volume,…

Pursuing Msc In Computer Science - My Best Opportunity (northeastern)

In fourth grade, I represented my school in the National Mathematics Olympiad and achieved the 7th position all over India. Mathematics being my subject of interest, it naturally became my central focus of study. I consistently achieved exceptional scores in examinations, earning the nickname of…

Knowledge Makes You Great: College Admission Essay Sample (northeastern)

“Learning gives creativity, creativity leads to thinking, thinking provides knowledge. Knowledge makes you great.” – Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam The most inspiring scientist that I have looked up to, not just for his knowledge but also for his humility and humbleness and I cannot yet…

My Motivation To Enroll In The Data Science Department At Northeastern University

There are numerous factors for which a person can be categorized into which status he belongs to. I would consider Education as the first and the foremost factor. Having education from a University comprising of high standards is very much (certainly) different from an ordinary…

Application For An Ms In Computer Science At Northeastern University

During the time I was pursuing the undergraduate programme I got fascinated with programming and realized the immense impact it had on human life. Invariably, the most interesting fact about Computer Science for me is its pervasiveness and how it has made things more comfortable…

My Mission of Making People Healthier and Happier

The focus of modern business and health care is growing more global each day. At the same time, growth has come hand in hand with increased regulations. In my current position as an Entrepreneur in health and wellness products field, I feel it is especially…

My Goal To Study Pharmacoeconomics In The United States

Endless queues, low budget , and limited resources. These are the main thoughts which first struck me on my first training as a pharmacy intern in year one. Years pass by, and the situation does not get any better. With the flotation of the Egyptian…

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COMMENTS

  1. Required Materials

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

  2. Northeastern University's 2023-24 Essay Prompts

    Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don't feel obligated to do so. Option 1. Some students have a background, identity, interest ...

  3. How to Get Into Northeastern: Acceptance Rate and Strategies

    Northeastern Admissions - SAT, ACT, and Class Rank. ... 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. ...

  4. Undergraduate Admissions

    Step One. Create your application through The Common Application or the Coalition Application (both are accepted). Once you have created your application, please select Northeastern University to directly submit your application to us. Apply via the Common Application Apply via the Coalition Application. 2.

  5. Admission Policy and Entrance Requirements

    Admission to Northeastern University is highly selective. Applicants are admitted either as first-year or transfer students. Candidates who bring diverse experiences, perspectives, and interests to our community are identified by the Admissions Committee following a holistic application evaluation. ... Letters of recommendation, resumé, essay ...

  6. First-Year Applicants

    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. You are a non-native English speaker, and you submit official results from a valid English Language Test.

  7. Application Information

    Information provided below will guide you through the Northeastern admissions process. If you're applying from high school, you should review information for First-Year Applicants.If you're applying from a college or university, you should review information for Transfer Applicants. You should also review our International Applicants page if you're an international student or U.S ...

  8. How to Apply

    Submit your application through The Common Application or the Coalition Application (both are accepted). Once you have created your application, please select Northeastern University to directly submit your application to us. Application fee of $75 or need-based fee waiver*. *Northeastern accepts need-based fee waivers from the Common ...

  9. How to Get Into Northeastern: Admissions Stats + Tips

    2. Aim for a 1540 SAT and 35 ACT. Standardized test scores are "very important" to admissions decisions at Northeastern. The middle 50% SAT range of NU's incoming 2020-2021 class is 1430-1540, and its middle 50% ACT is 33-35. Any score in the middle 50% is good, however, your odds of admissions improve the higher into the range you score.

  10. Admissions

    Our admissions process is designed to support you at every step. Start here for a world-class education fueled by experience. From undergraduate through doctorate, see how we can help you reach your goals. of undergraduate students and 95.3% of graduate students are employed full or part time or are pursuing additional education within six ...

  11. How to Get into Northeastern University: Admission Requirements and

    The application essays are a vital component of your application to Northeastern University. They provide an opportunity for you to share your unique experiences, perspectives, and aspirations. Unlike test scores and GPAs, essays are your chance to speak directly to the admissions committee, offering a glimpse into who you are beyond the numbers.

  12. Northeastern University Admission Requirements

    Application Requirements. Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews.

  13. Northeastern University Admission Requirements

    What are your chances of getting into Northeastern University? Learn the admissions requirements, including test scores and GPA, and calculate your chances. Schools. ... Admissions; Essay prompt; Acceptance Rate. 18%. Your Chancing: Phase 1. SAT. Average SAT . 1490. SAT 25th-75th. 1430 - 1550. Students Submitting SAT. 28%. Math.

  14. Northeastern University Guide [Admission Overview]

    Admissions Criteria: Northeastern is looking for students who are academically prepared for college, and who have demonstrated this through their GPA, course rigor, and standardized test scores. These are the most important factors for admission to Northeastern. Other important factors include the essay, recommendations, extracurriculars, and ...

  15. Graduate Application Process

    Northeastern offers more than 200 online, in-class, and hybrid graduate degree and certificate programs across 20 different areas of study, meaning there are countless ways for prospective students to achieve their personal and professional goals. The graduate admissions process varies by program or college.

  16. Get Into Northeastern University

    Northeastern College Admissions Wrap Up. Class of 2028. Northeastern received 56,000 EA applications to the Class of 2028 and accepted 2,640 students, for a rate of 5 percent. In the Early Decision II round they accepted, 600 students, from the pool of 6,000, for a rate of 20 percent. A record 98,373 applications were received for fall 2024.

  17. How to Write a Statement of Purpose for Graduate School

    1. Brainstorm your ideas. First, he says, try to reframe the task at hand and get excited for the opportunity to write your statement of purpose. He explains: "Throughout the application process, you're afforded few opportunities to address the committee directly. Here is your chance to truly speak directly to them.

  18. Essay Competition

    The Northeastern University London Essay Competition is open to students who are currently in their penultimate (second to last) year of secondary education (Year 12 in England or Grade 11 in India). This is a global competition, so we encourage entries from those studying anywhere in the world. Find full competition rules here.

  19. Transfer Applicants

    Through 2026, Northeastern University is test-optional and does not require applicants to submit standardized testing to be considered for admission. ... Northeastern University Application Processing Center P.O. Box 8210 Portsmouth, NH 03802, USA. Additional Information for Transfer Applicants.

  20. What Does Northeastern University Look for in ...

    In prospective students' applications, Northeastern University also looks at other factors, such as extracurricular activities, leadership experience, community service, and personal qualities. It is important to note that Northeastern takes a holistic approach to admissions. This means Northeastern University looks at all aspects of ...

  21. Align Apply

    There is no application fee. For more information on applying to the Align Master's program, including admissions timelines and required materials, please continue below. This page only applies to the Align Master's program. For details on Khoury College's other master's programs, please visit that specific page. Apply now for Fall 2024 ...

  22. Northeastern University Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

    Northeastern University's supplemental essays for 2023-2024 offer a unique opportunity to showcase your individuality. These essays allow you to weave in your experiences, thoughts, and dreams, thereby giving the admissions committee a glimpse into who you are beyond grades and test scores.

  23. Northeastern University Admission Essays

    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…