Northwestern Admits Most Early Decision Applicants Ever

EVANSTON, Ill. --- Northwestern University has extended invitations to more than 1,000 students who applied under its Early Decision Program (ED) -- the largest number of students in the University’s history accepted early.

“While our ED applicant pools over the years have been strong, this year’s pool is exceptionally so,” said Michael Mills, associate provost for University enrollment. “It’s exciting to us that students with so much talent and potential chose to commit to Northwestern.”

Ninety-one percent of this year's class ranked in the top 10 percent of their high school class; more than one-third of the group had SAT scores of 1,500 or above.

The number of international students increased by 20 percent to 85, also the highest number for this group in Northwestern’s history. 

Northwestern received 2,793 common applications for the Class of 2019 under its Early Decision Program -- the second highest number of ED applications in the University's history -- down slightly from last year’s record of 2,863 applicants. 

Early decision applicants commit to enroll at the university to which they apply if they receive an offer of admission. Students admitted through Northwestern’s Early Decision Program this year will represent 49 percent of next fall’s class, which is expected to total 2,025 students.

Regular decision applications are due Jan. 1.

“The sheer number of classes and the flexibility of the curriculum across Northwestern’s three campuses offer students unparalleled classroom opportunities for defining and developing their ambitions,” added Christopher Watson, dean of admissions at Northwestern. “And Northwestern is leading the pack in the ways its curriculum is integrated with learning opportunities outside the classroom.” 

The University’s offerings cross numerous disciplines, continents and 12 schools and programs on campuses in Evanston, Chicago and Qatar.

More than 60 percent of Northwestern students graduate with a double major or a major and a minor, or a major plus a certificate or various other combinations of studies -- sometimes in completely different fields.

“Northwestern attracts students who are both creative and analytical and provides a left-brain, right-brain type of education that provides plenty of opportunities for them to explore multiple interests,” Watson said.

Everything that Northwestern offers is driven by key strategic initiatives to discover creative solutions that will improve lives; to integrate student learning with experiences beyond the classroom; to be a diverse and truly inclusive community; and to engage with the world to heighten the University’s global impact.