With a rich history dating back to 1851, Northwestern University has consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States, known for its exceptional faculty, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a diverse and engaged student body. It is also one of the most competitive, with over 52,000 applicants last year and an overall acceptance rate of 7%. The university’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary learning and a strong sense of community ensures that students have access to a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities. Northwestern’s beautiful lakeside campus is just a stone’s throw away from the bustling city of Chicago, providing students with countless cultural and professional experiences. As you delve into Northwestern’s supplemental essays, consider how your unique background and aspirations align with the university’s values and offerings to craft a compelling application that showcases your potential as a Wildcat.
TTA Top Tip: Want to learn more about Northwestern? The undergraduate admissions office offers a wealth of digital programming. In addition to their 45-minute online information sessions, led by an admissions counselor and student representative, you can also view an online campus tour (with a student tour guide who will be available via live chat to answer questions). Other virtual opportunities include online panels and office hours with current students and the option to connect with student outreach teams for conversations in a more informal setting.
Essay Guidance
Get our expert guidance on your college essays.
In addition to one required essay, applicants to Northwestern are also asked to answer 1-2 optional questions that focus on the specific ways Northwestern would be a good fit.
NORTHWESTERN’S SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAY PROMPTS
The following question is required for all Common Application and Coalition with Scoir applicants (optional for QuestBridge applicants). Please respond in 300 words or fewer:
1. We want to be sure we’re considering your application in the context of your personal experiences: What aspects of your background, your identity, or your school, community, and/or household settings have most shaped how you see yourself engaging in Northwestern’s community, be it academically, extracurricularly, culturally, politically, socially, or otherwise?
2. The following questions are optional, but we encourage you to answer at least one and no more than two. Please respond in fewer than 200 words per question:
A. Painting “The Rock” is a tradition at Northwestern that invites all forms of expression—students promote campus events or extracurricular groups, support social or activist causes, show their Wildcat spirit (what we call “Purple Pride”), celebrate their culture, and more. What would you paint on The Rock, and why?
B. Northwestern fosters a distinctively interdisciplinary culture. We believe discovery and innovation thrive at the intersection of diverse ideas, perspectives, and academic interests. Within this setting, if you could dream up an undergraduate class, research project, or creative effort (a start-up, a design prototype, a performance, etc.), what would it be? Who might be some ideal classmates or collaborators?
C. Community and belonging matter at Northwestern. Tell us about one or more communities, networks, or student groups you see yourself connecting with on campus.
D. Northwestern’s location is special: on the shore of Lake Michigan, steps from downtown Evanston, just a few miles from Chicago. What aspects of our location are most compelling to you, and why?
E. Northwestern is a place where people with diverse backgrounds from all over the world can study, live, and talk with one another. This range of experiences and viewpoints immeasurably enriches learning. How might your individual background contribute to this diversity of perspectives in Northwestern’s classrooms and around our campus?
Personal Boot Camp
Three days of one-on-one work with a Senior Counselor from the Application Boot Camp® team.
It’s important, throughout your essays, to highlight how your unique qualities would contribute to Northwestern’s community, emphasizing how they align with the university’s values and goals. Ultimately, the key to a successful response is to demonstrate a genuine connection between your background and your potential role within Northwestern’s diverse and dynamic environment.
TTA Top Tip: When tackling Northwestern University's supplemental essay prompt about the aspects of your background that have shaped how you see yourself engaging in their community, it's essential to be authentic and reflective. Start by brainstorming key experiences, values, or identities that have shaped your life. Consider how these aspects have influenced your academic interests, extracurricular pursuits, cultural perspectives, political beliefs, social interactions, or any other relevant facets of your identity. Be specific and provide concrete examples to illustrate your points.
Are you aiming for Northwestern University? Not sure how to approach these questions strategically? Contact us today to discuss our Essay Guidance Program or Personal Boot Camp!
Top Tier Admissions is tracking supplemental essay prompts for all top schools here — we look forward to supporting you!
Follow us on Instagram @toptieradmissions for more tips and the latest admissions news!
Liz graduated Magna Cum Laude with high honors from Dartmouth College and earned her MA and PhD in Art History at the University of Virginia, where she taught undergraduate courses, earned the All-University Graduate Teaching Award, and received a Fulbright Research Grant.
- Introducing the New Ivies - May 9, 2024
- Penn’s Record-Breaking Admissions Cycle - April 5, 2024
- Strong Programs in Classics - April 3, 2024