college essay northeastern

How to Get Into Northeastern: Acceptance Rate and Strategies

May 29, 2023

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).

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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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How hard is it to get into northeastern university, what is northeastern university looking for, average academic profile of accepted northeastern university students, how to apply to northeastern university .

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

Discover your chances at hundreds of schools

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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See the Essay That Helped This Student Get into Northeastern

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As part of College Confidential's essay series, we're sharing personal essays from students who were admitted to college during a prior admissions cycle. The student who wrote this was accepted to Northeastern University, and we are sharing it with the student's permission.

Successfully creating this source of warmth and light has eluded even the most skilled survivalists from time to time, due to the delicate balance of fuel, oxygen and ignition required.

Despite the knowledge that creating a fire was a well-known challenge, it was my job to generate one out of the materials I could find on my grandfather's farm, and I only had one night to make it happen.

"You're gonna do what the cavemen couldn't," my father told me. I didn't point out that he was actually incorrect. Cavemen had successfully built fires, I'd learned in school — but if I shared that information, it would only make me look worse if I was unable to create one on my own.

Some kids learn how to make a fire in Boy Scouts or on Outward Bound excursions, but that wasn't going to be my experience. "We aren't joiners," my dad liked to tell people. "We do things on our own."

That meant learning to swim in nearby lakes and rivers. While other kids participated on swim teams, I would be at the edge of an algae-ridden pond, clinging to a tree root as water snakes slipped past my feet. It also meant I'd spent my afternoons building a horse pen with my brothers while my classmates made shoe racks in the after-school woodworking club. Whereas the "joiners" came home with a sanded, stained and varnished Father's Day gift to proudly offer their dads, I worked with my father on unexpected first aid concepts as I came into contact with thorns, stray staples and rusty nails during my building project.

After telling me that my new task was to create a fire and ensure that it burned all night long, my dad disappeared back into the house. The only tool I had was the knowledge I'd gained from watching my parents and grandparents make fires for the prior 15 years of my life.

I gathered leaves, sticks, dried grass and logs from around the property and took them to a rock-encircled area where we'd made many fires before. I set up my tepee of materials over the black stain that showed me where our previous fires had burned. I organized my tinder, kindling, logs and leaves in a perfect formation.

I walked into the woods to seek material that might work as a fireboard when I saw something unexpected. A small stream of smoke was rising from a part of the woods we'd always described as "no man's land." It was where local teenagers would gather, and from the looks of the trash they often left behind, to drink beer and smoke. They'd obviously done exactly that this very night, around a fire, which they'd since abandoned.

The fire was clearly winding down to the "nearly just embers" stage. I sat down and threw some leaves on it, and then blew on it to ensure that the new flames would grow. After that, I put a branch with dead leaves into it. Once it lit up, I took that flaming torch and walked back to the logs I'd set up around our family fire pit.

Back on my family's property, I held the torch against my tinder and watched it ignite, blowing on it and rearranging my setup to ensure that my fire would take hold. As the flames traveled from the dry grass to the leaves to the kindling to the logs, I leaned back to watch it.

I kept that fire burning all night long, and the next morning, when my dad asked how things went, I told him the truth, although I knew there might be a chance I'd have to start over again.

He stared at me for a few seconds and then smiled before he spoke.

"We may not be joiners, but we're not idiots either."

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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.

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.

We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies . We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools , from state colleges to the Ivy League.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

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

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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• 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
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• View Align MS in Computer Science program details
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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.

International students applying to Vancouver campus (including those living in and out of the country): May 6*

International students applying to U.S. campuses (including those living in and out of the country): May 6*

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.

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The Northeastern Advantage

You’ve made it..

All of your hard work—a lifetime of curiosity, ambition, and determination—has led you to this point. You’re going to college. At Northeastern, you will define your future through a powerful education that integrates learning inside and outside of the classroom.

Through experiential learning and our signature co-op program, you’ll bring your academics to life, and your life experiences back to your classroom.

Whether you’re walking the grassy quad en route to class, traversing unfamiliar roads halfway across the globe, or moments away from a breakthrough in the lab, it’s your experiences here that give you a leg up. No two educational paths are the same.

We prepare you to engage with the world—not just learn about it. To set the curve, not follow it. And embrace change that propels you forward. Because excellence, not average, is your measure.

So create something. Try new things. Follow your instincts. Fail when you can—then learn from it. Make your mark.

This is why you choose Northeastern University.

You’re ready.

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Does Northeastern Have Supplemental Essays?

• Post author By Top Tier Admissions
• Post date October 6, 2023
• No Comments on Does Northeastern Have Supplemental Essays?

Over the past four years, Northeastern University has experienced a surge in applicants — from 64,428 in the 2019-20 admissions cycle to nearly 100,000 full-time, first-year applicants to the Northeastern Class of 2027. And Northeastern isn’t alone: in the uber-competitive, post-pandemic admissions landscape , colleges and universities have been inundated with record-breaking application numbers, stretching admissions teams thin and leading students to wonder how they can pivot to stand out in the crowd.

One perennial approach has been to use supplemental essays as a way to show colleges why you belong. But at a school like Northeastern, which doesn’t have supplemental essays (and in the absence of other key storytelling opportunities like admissions interviews ), what can you do to increase your odds?

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Make sure the school is a good fit.

When safeties no longer feel “ safe ” and overly-qualified applicants are rejected in favor of less-qualified applicants (a trend known as “ yield protection ”), it can feel like the whole system is, at best, unpredictable and, at worst, rigged. The fact is, to be a college is to be a business: colleges that can flaunt statistics like “90% of accepted applicants chose to enroll!” become increasingly appealing to high-achieving applicants, which, in turn, improves the college’s reputation as being “in-demand.”

What does this mean for you? It is in your best interest for colleges to think that, if they admit you, you will enroll. This is called “ Demonstrated Interest ”; more on this below.

First, you want to ensure that you are actually a good fit for the school. Look at your high school’s Naviance scattergrams to check that your GPA and test scores are in range with those of other successful applicants. If you’re school doesn’t use Naviance or SCOIR, review the college’s “class profile” and see how your GPA and scores compare. With fewer opportunities for applicants to share their “why” (AKA, why they belong), test scores and GPA become paramount in admissions decisions — even if test score submission remains “optional.” It may be tough to hear, but if your test scores and GPA are not in range at Northeastern, you may want to pivot your application strategy.

You also want to consider the school’s academic offerings: Northeastern is known for its business and engineering majors (the two most popular areas of study ), along with its emphasis on Experiential Learning . Because of this emphasis, Northeastern doesn’t offer a number of common humanities majors like Spanish, Art History, or Gender Studies. Northeastern should be able to see, upon reviewing your application, how you will find your place in their academic community.

Apply Early Decision

If you’ve done your homework and determined that Northeastern is both a good fit and your dream school, then it is in your best interest to apply to Northeastern through their binding Early Decision round. While Early Action applicants to the Northeastern Class of 2026 had a 6% admit rate, the Class of 2026 ED1 had a far more favorable admit rate of 32.41%. It all comes back to yield: if a college knows for certain that you will attend (Early Decision is binding), it will be more inclined to admit you.

Apply to a Satellite Campus

Northeastern has built a rather remarkable international network of satellite campuses from Boston to Oakland to London. If your heart is set on Northeastern, be open to the idea that starting your Northeastern experience at one of these satellite campuses could very well boost your odds of admission. Consider applying through one of Northeastern’s first-year programs, like the Global Scholars program, which places students on two separate Northeastern campuses for their first two semesters, the London Scholars program, through which students spend their first two semesters on Northeastern’s London campus, or the N.U.in program, which places students as a cohort in a global location for their first semester..

Essay Guidance

Get our expert guidance on your college essays.

Write a Strong Personal Statement

Even though Northeastern doesn’t have supplemental essays, the university does still read your Common Application personal statement. The personal statement is a major part of your application, helping colleges get to know you and your academic interests and enabling them to envision how you might contribute to their community.

Teacher Recommendations

In a survey conducted by the National Association of College Admissions Counselors, 54 percent of admissions offices reported that teacher recommendations are considerably or moderately important. At Northeastern, teacher and counselor recommendations are up there with the personal essays and grades as “ Very Important ” criteria in admissions decisions. When you’re deciding who to ask to write your recommendation for Northeastern, identify a teacher who will emphasize all of the unique qualities that you might otherwise show through supplemental essay questions.

Demonstrated Interest

Although some colleges, most notably the Ivies , have officially stopped tracking demonstrated interest , the fact of the matter remains that many schools do still consider your engagement when making admissions decisions. Visit campus, attend online info sessions and webinars, and open the college’s emails both to learn more about the school and to show your genuine interest in attending. Bear in mind also that you’ll want to keep your email address consistent throughout the college process, as this is how schools will track engagement. (Swap that funnylemon527 email address out for something more professional early on in your college process!)

Need expert feedback on your early application? Check out our Application Review Program !

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Community Engagement

Finally, remember that Northeastern, like any college, is looking for students who exemplify their values. Northeastern, which ranks #12 for Service Learning, is committed to Experiential Learning, a broad set of offerings that integrate classroom learning with real-world, often workplace-readiness and service-oriented, experience. According to the Common Data Set, applicants’ prior volunteer experience, work experience, extracurriculars, and “character” are all “Important” criteria that the university takes into account. As you prepare to apply to Northeastern, make sure that you’re making the most of your weekends and summers by participating in programs and activities that will both lead to personal growth and increase your college odds

SHIFT YOUR MINDSET

Just because Northeastern doesn’t have supplemental essays doesn’t mean you’re doomed to a rigged system. You simply need to shift your mindset. Grades and scores remain king and are the first hurdle in the admissions process. Once you’ve overcome that hurdle, focus on crafting a compelling main essay that showcases your intellectual curiosity and unique contributions to your community.

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MacFarland Scholarship

To be considered for the MacFarland Scholarship applicants must submit an essay response to the below prompt.

Essay Prompt:

The Graduate School of Education at Northeastern University is committed to providing access to quality educational opportunities for students from all backgrounds. Please describe how the MacFarland Scholarship and your degree choice in the School of Education will impact your career goals and intentions to work with urban and under-served populations within elementary and secondary public education. (500-1000 words)

New, incoming students, who are working or have the intention of working as an educator in a public school at the elementary or secondary level, within an urban area, are eligible to receive a scholarship award of up to $10,000.

Must meet the following criteria:

• Work or have the intention of working as an educator in a public school at the elementary or secondary level in an urban area
• Master of Arts in Teaching- Elementary or Secondary Education
• Master of Education in Learning and Instruction with ESL Initial licensure in Massachusetts or Special Education with Initial licensure in Massachusetts
• U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident
• Have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Submit a completed FAFSA and have financial need. Click here to learn more about submitting a FAFSA.

Scholarship Award Process:

Individuals who are accepted into one of the above specified programs, submit a scholarship application, and meet the scholarship criteria will be eligible for the MacFarland Scholarship.

Selected scholarship recipients will receive a formal letter via email of the award granted.

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Colleges Rates and Requirements

Find the right college for you., core college requirements for competitive acceptance rates.

As you start thinking about which colleges to apply to and how to put together your college applications, don’t forget to familiarize yourself with current admissions requirements and acceptance trends. You may have seen recent headlines about college acceptance rates and how low they were for students who applied to the most selective colleges and universities. It’s important to remember that while admissions requirements for the most competitive schools didn’t change, the number of students applying to these types of institutions has gradually increased. As a result, acceptance rates of colleges, particularly elite universities, decreased. You should also keep in mind that due to the covid-19 pandemic, most institutions saw a spike in applications. This has caused acceptance rates to further decrease.

The headlines shouldn’t deter you from moving ahead with the application process. Although it might feel seem like there’s more competition than ever before, it’s important to remember two things: Acceptance rates vary among colleges, and most colleges accept two-thirds of applicants. Once you understand what college entrance requirements are and how to interpret college admission rates, you'll be better prepared to find the right school for you.

Understand These Key Requirements for College Applications.

Each college uses its own formula when evaluating applicants, and these practices vary from school to school. In addition, many colleges over the last few years have begun instituting "test optional" and "test flexible" policies for the SAT and ACT. Despite these factors, colleges still look for certain key requirements. You can learn more about admissions requirements for individual colleges in College Search .

Standard Core Curriculum and Beyond

All colleges emphasize GPA requirements, but they focus particularly on performance in core subject areas such as mathematics, science, English, and history. Colleges look at your grades, curriculum, and the courses you take as indicators of your ability to be successful in college. To get a better understanding of which colleges might be the best fit for you, research the GPA requirements for colleges you’re interested in. Also look at the range of GPAs accepted at those institutions on the BigFuture College Search tool. Consider taking more advanced coursework such as AP courses if it fits with your career goals and if your school offers them.

Extracurriculars

Extracurriculars are where you can really stand out, especially from others with similar grades. Extra academic activities show off your personal strengths and interests to admissions officers. Ideally, they want to see students who were deeply involved in school activities outside of the classroom and held leadership positions. Learn more about how extracurriculars matter to you and colleges .

Application Essay

For colleges that require it, the application essay can be a very important part of your application and is your pitch to the university. This is your opportunity to show the school of your dreams the unique individual you are, something that may not necessarily be conveyed in your transcript. It indicates how your talents will contribute to their community. Find tips for writing your college essay here.

Standardized Test Scores

Though the trend in some U.S. colleges has been to put less emphasis on SAT scores, make no mistake: They still play an important role in the college admissions process. Test scores are still used by many colleges for course placement and merit aid. High test scores can also help you stand out and strengthen your college application. If you’re not sure if you should submit your scores, talk to your school counselor or the college’s admissions officer for guidance.

Letters of Recommendation

Although not required by all colleges, letters of recommendation can give admissions counselors insight into who you are beyond just your grades and activities. If letters are required by the institutions you’re applying to, the college will let you know who they want letters from. It’s usually a teacher or counselor. Pick someone who knows you well.

Keep on Top of College Application Deadlines.

Application deadlines can sneak up on high school seniors like a tiger in the night. It’s of utmost importance that you double-check your prospective school’s application deadlines and submit everything you need sooner rather than later. Most college application deadlines fall into the following categories:

Understand the College Application Platform.

There are two main types of college applications : The Common Application and the Coalition Application, which allow students to apply to multiple schools using a single application platform. You should check with the institutions you’re interested in applying to see which application platform they prefer.

How Do College Acceptance Rates Work?

A college’s acceptance rate is actually a ratio. It's the total number of applicants in relation to the number of students who were accepted. For example, Harvard received applications from 61,220 students in 2022─the highest-ever number of applicants to the school. Of those, only 1,214 received admission, leading to the school’s lowest-ever acceptance rate of 3.19%.

This illustrates the point earlier that college acceptance rates are on a decline as the number of applicants increases, saturating the pool with more competition than ever before.

Acceptance rates are based on the number of spots available at a college. This is a set number of applicants who can be admitted to that class of graduates, and it's not subject to change based on the volume of applicants. As you can imagine, more competitive schools, such as Ivy League colleges and universities, have fewer spots available and are thus affected more by the number of applicants.

This same logic applies to private and public colleges. Public colleges, which are characteristically larger institutions, will admit greater numbers of students, leading to higher acceptance rates. However, public colleges have also been impacted by a larger number of applicants. When you’re building your college list, it’s advisable to include a balance of reach, match, and safety schools to improve your chances of acceptance.

It's important to keep in mind that college admission rates don’t necessarily reflect the quality of education or the quality of students who apply, and you shouldn’t be discouraged from applying to schools based on these numbers.

What is the Difference Between Admission Yield and Enrollment Rate?

Admission yield is the percentage of students who accepted enrollment into a college after being granted admission. These vary significantly from school to school. For example, the University of California, Berkeley’s yield rate for 2022 was just 40% while the yield rate for Yale was a whopping 83%.

As students apply to greater numbers of colleges and have more options, yield rates decline.

Review the Latest College Acceptance Rate Stats.

Students faced competitive acceptance rates in 2022. Common Application public colleges and universities saw a 24% surge of applicants since 2019-20 and 17% for private institutions. Meanwhile, the acceptance rates continue to decline. For example, Emory University’s acceptance rate fell 8 percentage points between 2020 and 2022.

Students who are eyeing colleges with highly competitive acceptance rates must focus more than ever on the things that will set them apart: exceptional performance beyond the standard core curriculum, strong extracurricular participation, powerful application essays, letters of recommendation, and excellent standardized test scores. However, even with all of these differentiators, it’s important to remember that none of these can guarantee acceptance, especially at selective institutions. Be sure to build a balanced college list that gives you options.

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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 .

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A first-generation college student’s guide to navigating the application process.

Senior Associate, JPMorgan Chase

If you’re the first person in your immediate family who’ll be attending college, you may be on your way to becoming a first-generation college student. While this may feel intimidating, know that you aren’t alone. According to recent data by the Center for First-Generation Student Success, about one in four college students have parents who didn’t attend any form of schooling after high school.

Being the first person in your family to attend college is an outstanding achievement. Not only will you be furthering your education, but you’ll also set yourself up for future career success . While you don’t need a college degree to land a job, some estimates show that having a bachelor’s degree may help you earn 84% more than having only a high school diploma . A college degree may also serve as a buffer during an economic downturn.

Understanding the benefits of college is one thing, but navigating applying and enrolling in college as a first-generation college student is another. How do you get started on your college application journey and ensure your transition is a successful one?

Keep reading as we break down the college application process for first-generation college students and provide resources that may help you on your journey.

What’s a first-generation college student?

First things first, what’s a first-generation college student? According to the federal government, a first-generation college student is someone whose parents did not complete a bachelor's degree or some kind of higher education. In a scenario in which you only lived with one parent your whole life who cared financially for you (and this could be for many reasons), and this parent didn’t complete a bachelor’s degree, and you end up attending college, you too count as a first-generation college student under this definition. This definition is important to understand because the federal government uses it to determine eligibility for financial aid programs like the TRIO programs, for instance.

The definition of what a first-generation college student is may vary among colleges and universities, though. For instance, the University of Pennsylvania definition includes students whose parents received a degree outside of the U.S.

Given that institutions define first-generation student differently and offer benefits and resources to first-generation students specifically, you may want to check with college and university admissions offices during the application process to see if you qualify as a first-generation student, according to their unique standards.

How to apply to college as a first-generation student

The college application process may feel daunting, especially if you don’t have parents or immediate family who’ve attended college to guide you. During the process, you’ll have to research colleges, study for standardized exams, fill out school applications, potentially apply for financial aid, and decide where to attend. Fortunately, many resources are at your disposal to make these responsibilities easier.

Checklist for first-generation college students applying to college

Here’s a list that may help you prepare for college applications.

1. Start preparing early (like in your sophomore year of high school)

• Research potential colleges and universities to understand their offerings, campus culture, and admissions requirements.
• Identify the type of college experience you want (size, location, majors, extracurriculars).

2. Understand the academic requirements you need to meet

• Understand your target schools’ grade point average (GPA) and standardized test score requirements.
• Consider meeting with your high school academic advisor and college counselor often to ensure you’re enrolled in the right classes and overall tracking toward your goal of attending college.

3. Prepare for standardized tests

• Register for the SAT or ACT exams and check if your desired schools require or recommend taking them.
• Prepare for these exams using online resources, books, or classes.

4. Research and apply for financial aid and scholarships

• Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ® ) to determine if you're eligible for federal financial aid along with other types of financial aid.
• Consider researching and applying for scholarships. Consider looking for those that specifically support first-generation students (see below for tips for this).

5. If you’re able to, plan college visits

• Schedule campus visits if it’s feasible for you to get a feel for the environment and ask questions.
• Attend college fairs in your area and meet with college admissions representatives.

6. Tee up your letters of recommendation

• Identify teachers, counselors, or mentors who can write strong, personal recommendations.
• Request these letters well in advance of deadlines.

7. Prepare your personal statement and essays

• Start brainstorming and drafting your college essays early (see below for tips for this).
• Have teachers, counselors, and others review your essays for feedback.

8. Complete your college applications

• Familiarize yourself with the Common App (which you can use to apply to over 1,000 U.S. colleges) and individual college applications.
• Complete all sections of applications carefully and accurately.

9. Keep track of deadlines to make sure you meet them

• There are many deadlines to keep track of during the college process, including college application deadlines, financial aid deadlines, and scholarships deadlines.
• Consider Early Decision or Early Action applications in which you’d apply to colleges earlier in the process.

10. Utilize all the resources that you can

• Connect with organizations and programs that support first-generation college students.
• Look for mentorship programs at potential colleges and within your community to help with the college process.

11. Undergo interview preparation

• If interviews are required, prepare by practicing with teachers, counselors, or mentors.
• Research common interview questions and think about your responses.

12. Do a final review and submit your applications

• Review all materials for completeness and accuracy.
• Submit applications and confirm receipt with each college.

13. Start preparing to enroll in college

• Prepare for potential waitlist or deferral outcomes that may come from your college applications.
• Accept an offer and complete any necessary steps for enrollment.

First-generation college student essay tips

As covered briefly above, you’ll likely need to write one or several personal essays during the college application process. As a first-generation college student, your college essay is a unique opportunity to showcase your perspectives, experiences, and the obstacles you’ve overcome on your road to college.

You may want to begin by reflecting on your journey — what being the first in your family to attend college means to you, the challenges you’ve faced, and how these experiences have shaped your ambitions and character. By crafting a compelling essay, you may help admissions officers understand your background and the resilience you bring to your educational pursuits.

As you write your essay, you may want to focus on specifics rather than generalities to bring your story to life. Instead of simply stating that you’ve faced challenges, describe a moment that illustrates how you’ve been challenged and how you responded. Remember, the goal is to let college admissions committees see the world through your eyes and appreciate the context of your achievements.

After you have a draft of your essay or essays ready, don’t hesitate to seek feedback from teachers, mentors, and counselors who understand the college application process. They may be able to provide valuable insights into how college admissions officers might perceive your essays. 

First-generation college student scholarship tips

As briefly covered above, alongside the college application process, if you’re looking for financial aid to support your college journey, you may consider looking into scholarships specifically for first-generation college students. Some organizations and nonprofits are specifically seeking to help students like you.

Here are a few scholarships you may consider as a first-generation college student:

• The Thurgood Marshall College Fund and The Sallie Mae Fund Completing The Dream Gap Scholarship
• Esperanza Scholarship Foundation Dollars for Scholars Scholarship
• The National Society of High School Scholars First Generation Scholarship
• EducationDynamics Minority First Generation Scholarship Contest

Programs that support first-generation college students

If the steps involved in applying for college seem overwhelming, the good news is that many programs aim to support first-generation college students on their educational journey. Here are a few.  

College Track Scholar Program

College Track is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping students with limited resources achieve their dream of attending college. The organization works with students from the time they’re in ninth grade through college to help them on their journey to receiving a bachelor’s degree.

At the high school level, they help students through academic learning labs, college counseling, and even individualized coaching. When students reach college, the organization helps with career readiness, community building, and financial wellness activities. Finally, they provide early career support in the first two years after a student’s college graduation.

Let’s Get Ready

Let’s Get Ready prioritizes admittance for students who meet specific criteria, such as first-generation college students or students from historically underrepresented communities. It provides students with free college application support with help from peer-led coaches and virtual SAT exam prep courses, and other tools. For those who’d like to seek help from someone who’s been in their shoes, Let’s Get Ready pairs program participants with current college students who act as mentors.

America Needs You

For first-generation students already enrolled in college, America Needs You is a nonprofit organization with a Fellows Program that supports low-income, first-generation college students with resources to help them successfully graduate college, succeed in their careers, and remain competitive in today’s workforce. The Fellows Program helps with internship placements, provides up to $1,000 in grant funding annually, and offers one-on-one mentorship to all enrollees.

Navigating the summer before college starts as a first-generation college student

After you commit to college, you may want to see if any summer orientation programs or bridge programs at your chosen college specifically for first-generation students are available to you before you start school.

Some colleges offer orientation programs that bring together faculty, students, and in some cases, family members to help ensure first-generation students have an easy transition into college life.

If the college you’re enrolling in offers one of these programs, consider taking part. They typically last from between two to four weeks during the summer months. During these programs, you can also ask questions related to everything from picking out classes to navigating dorm life if you plan to live on-campus. You can also start to make college friends.

Final thoughts

If you’re a first-generation student embarking on your college journey, know that it may feel confusing at first, though many resources are available to help. Above all else, as you undergo this journey, you should feel proud that you’re the first in your family to start this path toward higher education. You may inspire many others in your professional and personal circles for years to come.  

Northeastern Illinois University

• Cost & scholarships
• Essay prompt

Want to see your chances of admission at Northeastern Illinois University?

We take every aspect of your personal profile into consideration when calculating your admissions chances.

Northeastern Illinois University’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Common app personal essay.

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? 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.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

With US college-age population falling, luring more international students could help schools survive

More than half of the 66,000 foreign college students in massachusetts came from just two countries, india and china. recruiting more students from more countries may help schools cope with the expected decline in us-born students..

Bunker Hill Community College enrollment has dropped precipitously over the past decade, from more than 8,900 students in fiscal 2014 to about 5,400 in fiscal 2023. New England is experiencing outmigration, fewer students are graduating from Massachusetts high schools, and COVID-19 drove many low-income students — who might otherwise have enrolled at Bunker Hill — into the job market.

“When you ask what’s the traditional college student, the answers you get are the people we no longer have: the 18- to 22-year-old with two parents, a white picket fence, and dogs,” Bunker Hill president Pam Eddinger said.

That’s where students like Gabriele Deliperi come in. A 26-year-old music producer from Italy, Deliperi already earned his bachelor’s degree back home. But his dream is to produce music for Hollywood, so he wanted to sharpen his skills in the United States. He said he was attracted to Boston because it has public transportation and “European vibes.” He said Bunker Hill Community College offers him the opportunity to study music at a price that is far more affordable than private colleges. Now in his second semester, he hopes to transfer to Berklee College of Music after getting his associate’s degree.

As colleges in Massachusetts face the so-called “demographic cliff,” many schools will need to expand into new markets to survive. This could mean looking to growing communities, like adult new immigrants, or expanding to new domestic markets or nontraditional students. It will almost certainly include attracting students from other countries, whether immigrants or international students.

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Of course, some schools already do cater to foreign students. There were around 1 million international higher ed students studying in the United States last year, according to Open Doors, which tracks international student data. Education analysts at HolonIQ , which maps international student flows, predict that by 2030, there will be more than 1.2 million international students here, with close to 60 percent of them coming from China or India.

International students have for years served a vital role for certain colleges, often elite, selective schools. Since international students generally pay full tuition, they can financially subsidize aid for domestic students. Massachusetts ranks fourth among all states in the number of international students it hosts, around 66,200 in 2021, according to Open Doors. More than half those students came from China or India, and more than 26,000 attended either Northeastern University or Boston University.

The question of which students to recruit and prioritize raises a host of questions about finances, education, and institutional character, and practical questions about how to serve a nontraditional student population. These are questions colleges must wrestle with.

The gold standard for attracting international students in Massachusetts is Northeastern, which ranks second after New York University for the US school with the most international students, according to Open Doors. Northeastern has more than 20,000 international students between its undergraduate, graduate, and work-related programs . Northeastern president Joseph Aoun said the school made a decision in 2007 to “globalize” the university to give students opportunities “to understand the world and be active and engaged in the world.”

For Northeastern, it is not about increasing enrollment — the school accepts just 6 percent of applicants — but an educational philosophy. “You want domestic students to be at ease whether in Mumbai or Paris or Jakarta,” Aoun said. And Aoun acknowledges that higher education has long used full-paying international students to subsidize aid for domestic students.

Open Doors maintains a separate list of 40 leading associate’s degree programs ranked by number of international students. Bunker Hill Community College is the only Massachusetts school to make that list, with around 550 international students in 2022-2023. Donna Casula, director of the college’s International Center, said Bunker Hill has students from more than 90 countries. Many are drawn to specific programs and are seeking an affordable path toward a bachelor’s degree. About 10 percent of international students will transfer to Northeastern, with others studying at other four-year schools, Casula said.

However, attracting large numbers of international students may not be right, or feasible, for all schools. Students learn about Northeastern or Boston University through word of mouth, while other schools lack that reputation. Boston schools have an advantage because international students have a local community of other expats. A nationally ranked school like the University of Massachusetts Amherst may have more power to draw international students than a lower-ranked regional school. Some wealthier schools — like Harvard and MIT — can offer international students financial aid.

The decision to rely on wealthy international students can draw criticism from those who believe American students should get priority for admittance since they will likely contribute to the US workforce.

UMass Amherst has more than 4,000 international students, putting it in the top five Massachusetts universities for international students. At a Board of Higher Education subcommittee meeting, Massachusetts Teachers Association President Max Page, a UMass Amherst professor, appeared to criticize this strategy, complaining to state officials that public underfunding leads to a situation where UMass must “attract wealthier out-of-state students.”

In an interview, UMass president Marty Meehan said given the impending demographic problems colleges face, the reality is that “universities will have to draw students from everywhere.”

And that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Kevin Shih, an assistant professor of economics at Queens College who has studied international students, said at some smaller colleges, international students may displace domestic students. But at larger schools, having more full-pay international students provides the resources to admit more domestic students with aid. “In some cases where they pay much more than the average cost of educating students, [international students] can actually create seats for domestic students,” Shih said.

There are also strategies to address concerns that international students — who are more likely to major in STEM fields — will leave after graduation.

In her fiscal 2025 budget proposal, Governor Maura Healey is seeking to start an “Entrepreneur-In-Residence Program,” where the state would partner with schools and industry to offer tailored services that help immigrant students navigate the federal visa system and find ways to stay in Massachusetts after graduation. The Healey administration says Massachusetts retains just 66 percent of international graduates, compared to 85 percent in top-performing areas of the United States, and about 7,000 international graduates leave the state each year.

Programs like this could help harness the talents of international students like Erxhela Cabiri, a 35-year-old from Albania who’s studying at Bunker Hill Community College. Cabiri’s parents are US citizens living in Braintree, and her sister lives in Boston. Cabiri saw an ad for Bunker Hill Community College on the MBTA while visiting her family. She has a law degree and was working in technology for a telecommunications company in Albania. But she wanted more formal training in technology and wanted to be closer to family. After determining that Bunker Hill had a strong support system for international students, she moved with her husband and two young children to Boston and enrolled to study web development. Cabiri said she is potentially interested in moving to the United States if she can get a visa and find a job.

Schools that can identify the right markets to recruit from and tailor programs to meet those students’ needs will not only help their own bottom line but could also play an important role in recruiting new young people to study — and eventually live and work — in Massachusetts.

Next week: Some colleges won’t survive falling enrollment. What happens to them?

Editorials represent the views of the Boston Globe Editorial Board. Follow us @GlobeOpinion .

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‘Back to school’ means anytime from late July to after Labor Day, depending on where in the U.S. you live

About 70% of the 46.7 million public school students in the United States are now back in class, according to a new Pew Research Center analysis. Depending on where you grew up or live now, your reaction might be, “That sounds about right,” “Already?” or “What took them so long?”

Pew Research Center conducted this analysis to determine when public schools in the United States start classes. We collected school start dates for the 2023-24 school year from a nationally representative, stratified random sample of 1,573 districts.

To create this dataset, we began with a stratified random sample of 1,500 public school districts that was used in a 2023 Center analysis of school district mission statements (this analysis only covers “regular” public school districts and their equivalents; institutions such as charter schools and specialized state-run schools are excluded). That sample had been drawn from a comprehensive list of public school districts maintained by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). For more details for how that earlier sample was selected, read the methodology for that analysis.

We then supplemented that stratified sample in several ways:

• One district no longer exists and was removed from the dataset.
• Because school districts in Vermont, New Hampshire and New York City are classified not as “regular local districts” but as “component districts,” the initial sample missed them. So we drew an additional sample of 72 districts from those areas and added it to the original sample.
• The lone districts in Hawaii and Washington, D.C., neither of which were initially selected, were also added so that at least one district from all 50 states and the District of Columbia would be represented.

The data was weighted to account for each district’s probability of selection in both the initial and supplementary samples. Then it was calibrated so that both the weighted number of districts and the weighted number of students matched the totals for all eligible districts in the NCES list.

After these adjustments, we had a sample of 1,573 districts. For each one, we manually searched its website to find its 2023-24 calendar. If we couldn’t find a calendar (or a functioning website), we called the district office. In the end, we found start dates for 1,551 districts; the rest were coded as “no data.”

In most cases, districts had a single reopening date for all of their schools. When start dates varied, we used the date that applied to the most grade levels. In the few cases where we couldn’t determine that reliably, we went with the earliest reopening date on the calendar.

In some districts, certain schools may follow a “year-round” calendar rather than the “traditional” calendar (late summer/early fall to late spring/early summer). In those cases, we used the start date on the traditional calendars, since those were more comparable to the vast majority of U.S. school districts. As of the 2017-18 school year, only about 3% of public schools were on any type of year-round schedules , according to the U.S. Department of Education’s National Teacher and Principal Survey.

Student enrollment figures are taken from the NCES database and are for the 2021-22 school year. In addition, each district was coded as belonging to one of the U.S. Census Bureau’s nine geographic divisions for regional analysis.

Some, but not all, U.S. school districts offer prekindergarten classes. Student weights for each district in the sample include pre-K students when appropriate, but start dates are based on grades K-12.

Information on the laws and policies governing school start dates in each state came from the Education Commission of the States , a nonprofit research organization that serves education policymakers throughout the country.

For most U.S. K-12 students, the school year runs about 180 days, spread over roughly 10 months with a long summer vacation. Within that broad timeframe, however, there are substantial regional variations, according to our analysis of over 1,500 public school districts. (The analysis only covers “regular” public school districts and their equivalents; institutions such as charter schools and specialized state-run schools are excluded.)

For example, school tends to start earlier in southern regions than farther north, broadly speaking. More than two-thirds of students in the U.S. Census Bureau’s East South Central division – Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee – went back to school the week of Aug. 7. They joined another 19% of students who had started classes earlier. In the West South Central division (Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas), 94% of students returned to school between Aug. 7 and Aug. 18.

But in the six New England states, almost no one goes back to school before the week of Aug. 28. And students in the Middle Atlantic states – New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania – go back even later: About three-quarters won’t hit the books until after Labor Day, which falls on Sept. 4 this year.

Even within regions, districts in the southernmost states sometimes start classes earlier than those farther north. For instance, within the sprawling South Atlantic division, sampled districts in its southernmost states (Florida and Georgia) have similar start-date patterns to those in the East South Central region, while the division’s northernmost jurisdictions (Maryland, Delaware and D.C.) more closely resemble districts in regions up north.

Some states stand apart from the overall trends in their region in other ways. In the West North Central region, for instance, roughly two-thirds of public school students start classes between Aug. 14 and Aug. 25. However, Minnesota law requires schools to start after Labor Day in most cases, and the vast majority of sampled Minnesota districts will go back after the holiday.

In the Census Bureau’s eight-state Mountain division, which stretches from the Canadian border to the Mexican border, nearly half of public school students overall return to school between Aug. 14 and Aug. 25. But almost all of the sampled districts in Arizona and New Mexico, the two southernmost states in that division, start one to three weeks earlier.

Why do start dates vary so much?

While such geographic variations are fairly apparent, the reasons for them are less clear. State laws certainly play a part: 16 states establish windows, either by statute or rule, for when school must start, according to data from the Education Commission of the States and individual state education agencies. But even in those states, the rules are fairly loose – merely requiring school to start before or after a certain date – and waivers for individual districts are not uncommon.

Contrary to popular belief, the school calendar isn’t a relic of the nation’s agrarian past . In fact, into the early 20th century, rural schools typically operated summer and winter sessions, with children working on farms in spring and fall to help with planting and harvesting. Urban schools, on the other hand, were open nearly year-round, though many children attended sporadically or for just part of the year.

Between roughly 1880 and 1920, urban and rural school calendars converged into more or less the pattern we know today, driven by factors such as pressure from education reformers, the high cost of keeping schools open year-round, the shift from one-room schoolhouses to age-graded education , and lower attendance in urban schools during the summer months (especially as family vacations grew in popularity).

Another possible explanation, for both the traditional calendar and the regional clustering of start dates, is “network effects,” in which a given standard becomes more useful as it’s adopted more widely. It’s easier, for instance, for a school district to recruit teachers from neighboring districts if those districts are on similar schedules.

School start dates could vary even more in the future with climate change. Some education experts predict hotter temperatures may force districts to adjust their start dates or times , especially in places like the Southwest, if schools can’t update air conditioning systems or make other accommodations.

Note: This is an update of a post originally published Aug. 14, 2019.

About 1 in 4 U.S. teachers say their school went into a gun-related lockdown in the last school year

About half of americans say public k-12 education is going in the wrong direction, what public k-12 teachers want americans to know about teaching, what’s it like to be a teacher in america today, race and lgbtq issues in k-12 schools, most popular.

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Guest Essay

Why Biden Has a Narrower Path to the Presidency Than Trump, in 11 Maps

Illustration by Akshita Chandra/The New York Times; Images by PhotoObjects.net, Yuji Sakai, and THEPALMER/Getty Images

By Doug Sosnik Graphics by Quoctrung Bui

Mr. Sosnik was a senior adviser to President Bill Clinton from 1994 to 2000 and has advised over 50 governors and U.S. senators.

While polls show the race for president is tightening, Joe Biden still has a narrower and more challenging path to winning the election than Donald Trump. The reason is the Electoral College: My analysis of voter history and polling shows a map that currently favors Mr. Trump, even though recent developments in Arizona improve Mr. Biden’s chances. The Biden campaign will need to decide this summer which states to contest hardest. Our Electoral College maps below lay out the best scenarios for him and Mr. Trump.

Seven states with close results determined who won both the 2020 and the 2016 presidential elections, and those same seven states will most likely play the same battleground role this fall: three industrial states – Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin – and four Sun Belt states – Arizona, Georgia, Nevada and North Carolina.

The seven states that will most likely decide the 2024 presidential election

Mr. Biden’s declining popularity in the Sun Belt states is the main reason Mr. Trump has an edge right now. He is especially struggling with young and nonwhite voters there. Let’s take a closer look:

According to 2020 exit polls , Mr. Biden won 65 percent of Latino voters, who comprised roughly a fifth of voters in Arizona and Nevada. And Mr. Biden won 87 percent of Black voters, who made up 29 percent of the Georgia vote and 23 percent of the North Carolina vote. He also won 60 percent of voters aged 18 to 29. Now look at this year: A New York Times/Siena College poll released last weekend showed support for Mr. Biden had dropped 18 points with Black voters, 15 points with Latinos and 14 points with younger voters nationally.

Abortion could be a decisive issue in Mr. Biden stemming this erosion of support in Arizona and Nevada. The Arizona Supreme Court’s ruling last week that largely bans abortions raises the stakes of a likely ballot initiative on the issue there in November. It also appears likely that there will be a similar ballot measure in Nevada.

Nevertheless, the key to Mr. Biden’s victory is to perform well in the three industrial states. If Mr. Trump is able to win one or more of Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, Mr. Biden’s path to 270 electoral votes becomes even narrower.

If Mr. Biden and Mr. Trump remain ahead in the states where they are currently running strongest, the outcome of the election could come down to who wins Michigan and the two Sun Belt states where abortion will very likely be on the ballot, Arizona and Nevada.

Based on past voting, Mr. Trump will start out the general election with 219 electoral votes, compared to 226 votes for Mr. Biden, with 93 votes up for grabs.

Voter history and recent polling suggest that Mr. Trump is in a strong position to win North Carolina . Republicans have carried the state in every presidential election since 1976 except in 2008. In a Wall Street Journal battleground poll taken in March, Mr. Biden had only 37 percent job approval in the state. By winning North Carolina , Mr. Trump would have 235 electoral votes and two strong paths to 270.

The first path involves carrying Georgia , a state he lost by fewer than 12,000 votes in 2020. Before then, Republicans won Georgia in every election since 1992. If Mr. Trump carries North Carolina and Georgia , he would have a base of 251 electoral votes with four scenarios that get him to 270.

Scenario 1 Then all Mr. Trump needs is Pennsylvania …

Scenario 2 … or Michigan and Nevada …

Scenario 3 … or Michigan and Arizona …

Scenario 4 … or Arizona and Wisconsin.

The second and harder path for Mr. Trump would be if he carried only one Southern swing state – most likely North Carolina . He would have only 235 electoral votes and would need to win three of the six remaining battleground states.

Scenario 5 Then he would need to win Arizona , Michigan and Wisconsin …

Scenario 6 … or Arizona , Nevada and Pennsylvania .

How Biden Can Win

It is difficult to see how Mr. Biden gets re-elected without doing well in the industrial battleground states – the so-called “ Blue Wall ” for Democrats. This is particularly true of Pennsylvania, given the state’s 19 electoral votes and Mr. Biden’s ties there and appeal to middle-class and blue-collar voters. That’s why he’s spending three days in Pennsylvania this week.

Mr. Biden will most likely need to win at least one other industrial battleground – with Wisconsin the most probable, since his polling numbers there are stronger than in the other battleground states.

A combination of factors have made winning Michigan much more challenging for Mr. Biden. Hamas’s attack on Israel and the war in Gaza have ripped apart the coalitions that enabled Democrats to do so well in the state since 2018. There are over 300,000 Arab Americans there, as well as a large Jewish population. Both groups were crucial to Mr. Biden’s success there in 2020.

In addition, Michigan voters’ perception of the economy is more negative compared with the other battleground states. In the Journal battleground poll , two-thirds of Michigan voters described the national economy negatively; more than half had a negative opinion of the state’s economy.

Now let’s look at Mr. Biden’s map.

Mr. Biden’s best strategy is based on winning Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, which would give him 255 electoral votes (assuming that he carries the 2nd Congressional District in Nebraska). By carrying these states, Mr. Biden has several paths to 270, but the first three scenarios are his most viable.

Scenario 1 He just needs to win Michigan …

Scenario 2 … or Arizona and Nevada …

Scenario 3 ... or Georgia .

There are two other scenarios where Mr. Biden loses Wisconsin and keeps Pennsylvania . But that would mean winning states where Mr. Biden is polling much worse.

Scenario 4 They involve Mr. Biden winning Georgia and Arizona …

Scenario 5 … or Michigan and Georgia .

A Look Ahead

With over six months to go until Election Day, given the volatility in the world and the weaknesses of Mr. Biden and Mr. Trump, it would be foolish to make firm predictions about specific results. And other electoral map scenarios are possible: Recent polling shows Mr. Biden with a narrow lead in Minnesota, a state that usually votes for Democrats for president. While it is mathematically possible for Mr. Biden to win without carrying Minnesota, it is unlikely he will be elected if he cannot carry this traditionally Democratic state.

For the third election cycle in a row, a small number of voters in a handful of states could determine the next president of the United States.

If the election remains close but Mr. Biden is unable to regain support from the core group of voters who propelled him to victory in 2020 — young and nonwhite voters — then we could be headed to a repeat of the 2016 election. The outcome of that election was decided by fewer than 80,000 votes in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Last week’s abortion ruling in Arizona, and the likely abortion ballot initiatives in that state and Nevada, give Mr. Biden the possibility of being re-elected even if he loses Michigan. That’s why, if we have another close presidential election, I think Arizona, Michigan and Nevada will likely determine the outcome for Mr. Biden or Mr. Trump.

Based on my experience as Bill Clinton’s White House political director in his 1996 re-election campaign, I would take immediate advantage of Mr. Biden’s significant fund-raising advantage over Mr. Trump to focus on shoring up the president’s chances in Michigan and the must-win states of Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, while at the same time trying to keep Georgia and North Carolina in play. Mr. Biden does not need to win either of those Sun Belt states to get re-elected, but draining Mr. Trump’s resources there could help him in other battleground states.

More on the 2024 presidential election

Democrats Need to Stop Playing Nice

Too often, Democrats litigate; Republicans fight.

By Joe Klein

One Purple State Is ‘Testing the Outer Limits of MAGAism’

North Carolina Republicans are “in the running for the most MAGA party in the nation.”

By Thomas B. Edsall

2024, Meet 1892, Your Doppelgänger

Great political change can unfold when the political system seems woefully stalled.

By Jon Grinspan

Doug Sosnik was a senior adviser to President Bill Clinton from 1994 to 2000 and has advised over 50 governors and U.S. senators.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

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