northwestern university admission essay

Northwestern University

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Northwestern University’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Why this college short response.

We want to be sure we’re considering your application in the context of your personal experiences: What aspects of your background, your identity, or your school, community, and/or household settings have most shaped how you see yourself engaging in Northwestern’s community, be it academically, extracurricularly, culturally, politically, socially, or otherwise?

Select-A-Prompt Short Response

The following questions are optional, but we encourage you to answer at least one and no more than two. Please respond in fewer than 200 words per question:

Painting “The Rock” is a tradition at Northwestern that invites all forms of expression—students promote campus events or extracurricular groups, support social or activist causes, show their Wildcat spirit (what we call “Purple Pride”), celebrate their culture, and more. What would you paint on The Rock, and why?

Northwestern fosters a distinctively interdisciplinary culture. We believe discovery and innovation thrive at the intersection of diverse ideas, perspectives, and academic interests. Within this setting, if you could dream up an undergraduate class, research project, or creative effort (a start-up, a design prototype, a performance, etc.), what would it be? Who might be some ideal classmates or collaborators?

Community and belonging matter at Northwestern. Tell us about one or more communities, networks, or student groups you see yourself connecting with on campus.

Northwestern’s location is special: on the shore of Lake Michigan, steps from downtown Evanston, just a few miles from Chicago. What aspects of our location are most compelling to you, and why?

Northwestern is a place where people with diverse backgrounds from all over the world can study, live, and talk with one another. This range of experiences and viewpoints immeasurably enriches learning. How might your individual background contribute to this diversity of perspectives in Northwestern’s classrooms and around our campus?

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.

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3 Northwestern Essay Examples

Northwestern University, located in Evanston, IL, is one of the top colleges in the country. With a total enrollment of over 20,000 and a suburban location, many students across the country look to call Northwestern home. This university offers six undergraduate schools, over 200 programs of study, over 4,700 undergraduate courses, and three, rather than two, academic terms to give students more opportunities to explore their academic interests. 

Since it’s such a competitive school, your application needs to shine. One of the most important parts of your application is your supplemental essays. In this post, we’ll share two essays from real students who applied to Northwestern and cover what each did well and should improve upon. 

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Read our Northwestern essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts. 

Essay Example #1

Prompt: While other parts of your application give us a sense of who you are, we are also excited to hear more about how you see yourself engaging with the larger Northwestern community.

In 300 words or less, help us understand how you might engage specific resources, opportunities, and/or communities here. We are curious about what these specifics are, as well as how they may enrich your time at Northwestern and beyond. (300 words)

The Venn diagram of my life encompasses many different passions; however, none are as prominent as the dichotomy of business and music. 

On the left side of my Venn diagram lies business, my primary pursuit at Northwestern. While not a traditional business major, economics will allow me to gain a deep understanding of the fluctuation of markets and how it impacts our everyday lives. As an aspiring business owner, courses such as Microeconomics I and Microeconomics II will provide valuable insight into profitable business decisions and their effects on the company. Additionally, by minoring in entrepreneurship, I will receive more guidance on starting a company. To further explore this interest, I will join the club Lending for Evanston and Northwestern Development (LEND) to see the innerworkings of small businesses as well as give back to my Northwestern community.

Contrarily, the right side of my Venn diagram holds my passion for music. With ten years of experience playing the guitar and many more years exploring different styles and genres, music has always played a big role in my life. During my time at Northwestern, I have no desire to change that. With the flexibility allowed in the curriculum, I will take courses such as Harmony, Form and Analysis, and Class Composition to cultivate my love of music composition and performance.

Ordinarily, two seemingly unrelated passions in life can be hard to intertwine; however, Northwestern will encourage the combination of my love for business and music. By providing opportunities like LEND and Microeconomics courses, I will be able to gain the necessary tools to become a business owner at no expense to my musical endeavors. Although the two sides of my Venn diagram are separate, the overlap in the middle is where I want to be: Northwestern.

What the Essay Did Well

A strength of this essay is the venn diagram analogy that runs throughout the response. Not only is this a clever way to address two seemingly unrelated interests, but the student does a nice job of incorporating the analogy into every paragraph, rather than using it as a hook and abandoning it until the conclusion. Having it continue through the essay makes the response feel much more cohesive.

This student also does a good job fully addressing the prompt in the business paragraph. They include an academic (Microeconomics) and non-academic (LEND) opportunity they hope to engage with and how taking advantage of that resource will help them in the future by sharing their dream to be an entrepreneur. Northwestern is looking for active community members, so discussing opportunities both inside and outside the classroom is a good way to demonstrate how you will contribute to the campus. The student ran out of space to go into the same level of detail for the music paragraph, so it’s important to remember to allocate space properly while still fully answering the prompt.

What Could Be Improved

Ultimately, the biggest thing missing from this essay is this student’s motivation. While we know what their two primary interests are and how they intend to expand on those interests at Northwestern, the crucial element the essay doesn’t touch on is why they are passionate about business and music. Including the why is what would take this essay from good to great.

What does that look like? They could share their first experience with either subject and the feelings that it sparked. Or, describe the way they lose themselves when engaging with a topic they are passionate about. Maybe the student would explain how music and business stirs up nostalgia or brings them closer to others in their life. There are many ways to delve into the emotional connection behind your academic and extracurricular interests, just make sure what you write is genuine to you.

One other thing this essay should have avoided is restating opportunities that were already discussed in the final paragraph. Every word counts in college essays, especially when you only have 300 words, so do not waste your space discussing things you already shared. While it can sometimes work to bring back ideas in your conclusion for extra emphasis, in an essay like this, avoid restating specific classes and programs to make the essay less redundant. 

Essay Example #2

Prompt:  While other parts of your application give us a sense of who you are, we are also excited to hear more about how you see yourself engaging with the larger Northwestern community.

For as long as I can remember, I have seen my parents, both farmers, struggling to produce food because of the challenges presented by the environment. Joining Northwestern’s community, and majoring in Environmental Engineering, will allow me to understand what are the reasons behind climate change and learn how to stop them and/or prevent them from happening. 

Having witnessed how plant diseases affect crops, I would like to collaborate in the PLANT-Dx project and in its widespread application. I strongly believe that it will be able to help farmers to improve the quality and quantity of their production, and reduce famine around the world. At some point in my education, I want to take advantage of the study-abroad programs Northwestern has to offer and learn about farming practices in a different part of the world. In addition, I want to conduct research on sustainable alternative farming methods that adapt to the new environmental conditions and that can be practiced in countries with fewer resources.

Apart from having access to outstanding professors, rigorous academics, and cutting-edge research resources, I will be able to be part of a close-knit community genuinely curious about others’ activities, truly passionate about what they do, and not afraid to step out of their comfort zone to make of this world a better place. Being part of Engineers for a Sustainable World at Northwestern will allow me to get to know people that share one of my passions in addition to learning and teaching how to apply sustainable practices in daily life.  

I am already looking forward to marching through the Weber Arch. 

This essay does a good job of establishing a direct connection between the student and their intended major. By telling the reader right off the bat that they have personally been affected by a lack of agricultural solutions, we understand how much this student could gain from a degree in environmental engineering. That connection is strengthened with the inclusion of opportunities that span a range of disciplines—project teams, studying abroad, conducting research, and social communities—but all directly correlate to their interest in sustainable farming.

It’s very clear what this student hopes to get out of their Northwestern education and how they plan to make a difference in the world. The last part of the prompt wants to know how the resources you discuss will impact you beyond your college career, so this student’s elaboration on what they will get out of each opportunity shows the reader how they will benefit from being at Northwestern, without having to explicitly spell out the direct impact each resource has on their future.  

While this essay includes four Northwestern opportunities that nicely relate back to this student’s passion, they could have used more detail and elaboration to make the essay more specific.

For example, they should have mentioned a specific country or region of the world they hope to study abroad in that piqued their interest because of a unique farming practice or a particular need for innovation. Additionally, they described the type of research they want to conduct, but it would have been great if they included the name of a Northwestern faculty member or class that focuses on that research to show that they can only fully realize their goals at Northwestern.

Another way this essay could be improved is with more sophisticated language. The student relies on “I” statements (“I have”, “I want”, “I believe”, etc) that separate the reader from the author. Rather than feeling like we have been invited into the mind of the student who just shares their thoughts, they are telling us what they want and think, almost as if they are a third person. Great college essays should read like a transcript of a student’s thoughts and feelings, which is much easier to convey with more sophisticated and intentional language.

Essay Example #3

In my everyday life I often find myself considering how things around me could be better designed. Generally these are insignificant issues, like a poorly designed door handle or an un-ergonomic chair. Other times, however, the issues are on a grander scale. A traffic light that causes never ending backups. A public bus transport system that forces the primarily lower income students that use it to choose between getting help after school or having to wait until an evening bus. It is the opportunity to fix those design problems that gravitates me towards civil engineering. Because of this, I am especially excited about the opportunities Northwestern offers to gain experience in engineering while helping local and global communities. By participating in a program like the Civic Engagement Certificate, I will be able to begin achieving my career goal of bettering communities through civil engineering as I am completing my education.

Within civil engineering I am most interested in transportation engineering. Because of this, Northwestern’s pioneering transport center is a huge draw for me. Past research at the center such as work on utilizing the network-like structure of urban areas to improve school bus routing truly excites me, and I would love to participate in similar research in the future. Northwestern’s transportation and logistics minor is also a unique offering that I would love to take advantage of. By combining engineering and economics in such an interdisciplinary program, the minor would expand my horizons as an engineer and better prepare me to tackle the socio-economic challenges facing communities. 

Northwestern’s strong commitment to social justice and emphasis on innovation and community improvement perfectly align with my career goals and what draws me to civil engineering. Combined with extremely prestigious academics, these commitments make the Northwestern experience a perfect fit for my future.

This essay makes an excellent use of the limited space and is able to provide the reader with details about their background interest in civic engineering, the unique opportunities they can only take advantage of at Northwestern, and how they hope to make a positive difference in the world. It’s concise and every sentence included is intentional and contributes to the narrative, thus making it quick and engaging to read.

Although the student only includes three Northwestern resources, they demonstrate their knowledge of those resources and how each opportunity directly relates to the student’s interest and future career aspirations. Discussing the past research the center has conducted that directly relates to their passion mentioned in the introduction is a great way to show exactly how the student would fit into the community. Additionally, they explain the economics requirement of the minor and how that would allow them to more effectively pursue their career. 

Overall, this essay very nicely encapsulates how this student will engage with the Northwestern community and how the Northwestern community will enrich the student for the future. There is a nice balance between what they hope to do in the short-run (in college) and long-run (post-grad), combined with enough background details in the introduction to understand what drives this student to pursue civic engineering. 

This essay does an excellent job of showing us what this student’s interest is and exactly how they plan to pursue it at Northwestern, but this prompt does specifically ask for opportunities and resources. To better address the prompt, the student should have included one or two more Northwestern-specific opportunities in their response. 

An easy way to add in additional opportunities without taking up too much space is to include the names of classes or professors. This could work in nicely by mentioning one of the required classes for the transportation and logistics minor that interests them, or listing one or two faculty members at the center that the student is excited to work with. 

While CollegeVine normally cautions against name-dropping in these types of essays, given how flushed out and detailed the other opportunities already are, incorporating the names of professors or classes into these opportunities would bolster the response, rather than detracting from it. As long as the elaboration is already there, adding more details will help to show your dedication to and excitement for the school.

Where to Get Your Northwestern Essays Edited

Do you want feedback on your Northwestern essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 3 tips to write a perfect "why northwestern" essay.

College Info , College Essays

Northwestern University is an excellent choice for college, but can you easily explain just why you want to go there? If you're planning to apply to Northwestern, you'll need to submit the Northwestern supplemental essays —supplemental statements that describe why you've chosen to apply to this school and what you think Northwestern can offer you in terms of your future goals.

In this article, we'll go over what these supplemental essays entail as well as why you're required or encouraged to submit them. We'll also cover various topics and tips you can use to craft a compelling Northwestern supplement essay.

Feature Image: Herb Nestler /Flickr

No More Northwestern "Why This College" Essay

In the past, Northwestern asked students to write an optional "why this college" essay , which asked students to explain why Northwestern was a perfect fit for them. As of 2023, Northwestern no longer requires a "why this college" essay as part of the application process. 

Instead, the Northwestern application now has new essay prompts  that students have the option to answer. 

While Northwestern no longer has a "why this college" essay , many other schools require it.  Other schools that require or offer this type of essay include NYU , Tulane , and Brown .

If you're considering applying to a school with a "why this essay" prompt, reviewing 

Do You Need to Submit the "Why Northwestern" Essay?

According to the Northwestern application, although you are not required to submit the "Why Northwestern" essay, Northwestern strongly recommends that you do so anyway.

On both the Common Application and Coalition Application (depending on which system you use), you'll be shown this message on the Northwestern application:

Do you plan to complete the ''Why Northwestern'' Statement? (We strongly encourage a response, as your answer will help us connect the dots across your application to imagine what kind of college student you might become.)

You'll then select either "Yes" or "No" from a drop-down menu. If you select "Yes," you'll get a blank space in which to type/paste your essay. While you technically have a choice about whether to submit the "Why Northwestern" essay, we strongly recommend that you complete it.

Here's what the Northwestern application requirements page says in regard to the essays that applicants must submit with their applications:

"Applicants to Northwestern complete two sets of essays: essays appearing on the Common Application or Coalition Application, and the Northwestern Writing Supplement essay [i.e., the 'Why Northwestern' essay]."*

*Bold emphasis mine

Interestingly, there's no mention here of the "Why Northwestern" essay being optional at all—you're simply expected to write it. It's safe to say, then, that this "extra" essay actually plays a hugely important role in the application process, and that the majority of Northwestern applicants write two essays for their applications: the Common App/Coalition App essay and the (supposedly optional) "Why Northwestern" essay.

Additionally, it's worth noting that Northwestern highly values the concept of "fit" within their community . In this sense, it's not much of a surprise that Northwestern wants applicants to spend some time thinking about what kind of relationship they want to develop with the school.

Overall, you should treat the Northwestern supplement essay as a required part of your application.

The Northwestern Essay Prompt Analyzed

You should definitely submit the Northwestern supplement essay—but what is the prompt asking you to do, specifically? Also, how should you answer it so that you can give yourself a solid chance of getting accepted to the school?

In order to answer these two questions, let's take a look at the Northwestern essay prompt:

While other parts of your application give us a sense of who you are, we are also excited to hear more about how you see yourself engaging with the larger Northwestern community. In 300 words or less, help us understand how you might engage specific resources, opportunities, and/or communities here. We are curious about what these specifics are, as well as how they may enrich your time at Northwestern and beyond.

Your "Why Northwestern" essay can be a max of 300 words, making it rather short. (Most college essays are around 500-550 words.) This means that you'll need to be clear and concise in order to get your point across and ultimately be able to craft an effective response.

This Northwestern essay prompt isn't that different from other "why this college" essay prompts in that it really just wants you to answer one big question: how will Northwestern help you further your interests and achieve your goals?

Northwestern already has a general idea of how you can contribute to the school; now, it wants to know how it can help you .

The "Why Northwestern" essay is more of a "why us" essay than it is a "why you" essay because it's asking you to elaborate on why you're applying to Northwestern specifically, and how an education there will help you fulfill your academic, professional, and/or personal aspirations.

Here are some topics you could write about in your Northwestern supplement essay:

• Your experience visiting the campus and talking to current students or professors and why this experience helped you envision yourself feeling at home at Northwestern
• Specific professors you want to work with or classes you want to take and how they'll help you achieve your goals
• Specific activities, clubs, or events Northwestern offers that you wish to participate in and why these are important to you and your aspirations
• Any other specific resources the school offers, such as internship opportunities, career fairs or connections, lectures and talks, study abroad programs, etc., that you believe will benefit your intellectual and professional growth

If you're not sure what to write about for your Northwestern supplement essay, spend some time doing research. Start by perusing the official Northwestern website , paying particular attention to pages about any programs, courses, and/or majors you're interested in.

You can also browse other student-geared websites to see what people have to say about Northwestern, including what makes it unique.

Real Northwestern Essay Examples + Analysis

Below are two real Northwestern essay examples for you to use as references when writing the "Why Northwestern" essay. The essays were both written by admitted applicants and should give you a good idea of what kinds of topics and styles you can use in your own essay.

Before we look at the two essays, though, be aware that both are answering an older, slightly different version of the "Why Northwestern" prompt, which was as follows:

What are the unique qualities of Northwestern—and of the specific undergraduate school to which you are applying—that make you want to attend the University? In what ways do you hope to take advantage of the qualities you have identified?

Northwestern Essay Example 1

As noted above, this first essay responds to an older version of the "Why Northwestern" essay prompt: it asked applicants to focus on the specific qualities that made the school unique and explain why these were ultimately appealing to them.

Since this student wanted to study in the Medill School of Journalism, he mainly writes about this facet of Northwestern.

At about 350 words, this essay is a little longer than what the current word limit allows (300 words), so just know that you'll have to write more concisely for your own essay.

Here's the sample:

One unquestioned pillar of journalism is the importance of accuracy in a journalist's work. So when my counselor at the National High School Institute, a current Northwestern journalism student, proclaimed, "Medill kicks your ass," I knew she had given my fellow cherubs and I the straight-up truth. Many exchanged nervous looks, and several immediately dismissed any chance of attending the Medill School of Journalism.

I surveyed the room, surprised at the fear hanging over the group. After all, we were 83 student journalists giving up a substantial portion of our summer to learn about and participate in the art.

Northwestern's reputation as a top-rated academic institution immediately drew me to the school. Specifically, the close connection with high-caliber professors was one quality that I originally found appealing even before my summer stay. I was also intrigued by the abundance of resources and facilities within the university and the city of Chicago. The journalism school has unmatched amenities and a rigorous curriculum designed to produce top-of-the-line journalists. But above all, Medill has a reputation as the best journalism school in the country.

Outside of the classroom, I would be the first to get involved with resources such as the Northwestern News Network, The Daily Northwestern , Northwestern Radio WNUR, and other student periodicals.

Northwestern's outstanding academics combined with an athletic program in the Big Ten Conference makes the university unique. It is certainly fun for everyone (except maybe for the Northwestern football team) to see the Buckeyes and Wolverines roll into Ryan Field every couple years.

I would be able to use my experience writing about the Detroit Lions to report on Northwestern teams. And by covering the lowly Lions, I would be prepared for any sort of losing season thrown at me.

But I am sure of one thing: I am attending college in order to learn, contribute, and to become the best journalist I can be. So while my friends may be having an easy, fun time at some school not named Medill, I'll be getting my ass kicked. And to tell the truth, I won't mind at all.

Here's what makes this "Why Northwestern" essay work:

• It's super specific. There's no doubt this essay was written for, and only for, Northwestern. The applicant goes into detail about the School of Journalism specifically and also mentions many unique opportunities he's interested in, such as working with The Daily Northwestern and the Northwestern News Network.
• It's got a lot of personality and humor. The applicant injects bits of humor with references to Medill "kicking his ass" and the Detroit Lions' losing streak. These quirky areas add tons of color to the essay and give balance to the student's more practical and academic reasons for applying to Northwestern.

Northwestern Essay Example 2

This second "Why Northwestern" essay example was written by an admitted student who chose to focus on extracurriculars at Northwestern and how the School of Engineering and Applied Science would benefit their desire to learn several skills at once. Once again, like the first essay, this essay is responding to the older version of the "Why Northwestern" prompt (given above).

Note that this essay is exactly 300 words long —the max length you are allowed to do for your own "Why Northwestern" essay.

Sweat drips onto my violin as we are filing into the auditorium.

I just arrived from a basketball game, I'm not nervous. However, that changes when I realize that I still have my basketball shoes on. And that I still have a plethora of edits to make in the newspaper room. And that I have three tests the next day.

Although it was stressful, I enjoyed every minute of juggling such diverse extracurriculars. I appreciated the many opportunities that my high school gave me, and took advantage of as many as I could handle. Thanks to these opportunities, I've fallen in love with various topics in different disciplines; all of which can be nurtured at Northwestern.

I'd be thrilled to pursue membership in the University Singers and the Philharmonia. It would be a great opportunity to learn from nationally recognized Emily Ellsworth with the Singers. I would also love to continue working with orchestral music in the Philharmonia.

The excellent humanities classes at the Weinberg School of Arts and Sciences also interest me. I'd love to pursue further education in subjects I was introduced to in high school, such as physics, psychology, and economics.

Finally, I believe that I am a perfect fit for the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science due to its unique philosophy. The idea of "Whole-Brain Engineering" meshes perfectly with my interest in a wide array of subjects and disciplines. I have always believed in equal emphasis on logic and creativity in problem-solving situations, and an education at McCormick (and Northwestern in general) will bolster my well-roundedness.

My Northwestern experience isn't only about reaching an engineering career, but growing as a person. Such balanced growth will allow me to succeed through analyzation and innovation, preparing me to have an impact on the world.

• It's got a creative, attention-grabbing opening. There's not a lot of space to write for this essay, yet this applicant manages to come up with a memorable hook that grabs you almost immediately and thrusts you into the story. Within just the first few lines, we learn—through showing, not telling—that the applicant plays basketball in addition to helping out with the school newspaper. While these activities have contributed to increased stress, they've also (and more importantly) led to a stronger sense of intellectual satisfaction.
• It's highly specific. Like the first sample essay, this essay uses clear examples and details to discuss what attracted the applicant to Northwestern in particular . These include things such as the University Singers and the McCormick School's philosophy concerning the importance of a well-rounded education.

How to Write a Great "Why Northwestern" Essay: 3 Tips

Once you have an idea about how you want to approach the Northwestern essay prompt and what you plan to write about, use the following three tips to help you produce a great essay.

#1: Focus On What Makes Northwestern Unique

One of the most important tips to remember when writing the Northwestern supplement essay is to concentrate on what makes Northwestern different from other colleges. Think about it: If Northwestern didn't offer anything unique, why would students want to apply there specifically?

Don't just say you want to go to Northwestern because it's super prestigious or because your mom went there and loved it. Think deeply about why you've chosen to apply to Northwestern over the thousands of other colleges in the country.

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• Does Northwestern offer the major(s) you're interested in pursuing? Is it well known for a specific program or field of study you want to enter?
• Are you interested in specific clubs, sports, or other extracurricular activities offered at Northwestern?
• Are there certain professors you wish to work with?
• What unique features of Northwestern do you like or think will be useful to you? For example, perhaps you're a fan of the school's close proximity to Chicago, where you'll have convenient access to research positions, internships, and other professional opportunities. Or maybe you love Northwestern's emphasis on small class sizes, or its impressive array of 100+ study abroad programs.
• Have current or former Northwestern students said anything about the school that made you want to apply there?

Although the Northwestern essay prompt is pretty open ended, take care to avoid writing about how prestigious, popular, and selective it is (after all, lots of schools are like this!) .

#2: Be Specific and Use Concrete Examples

You don't have a lot of space (just 300 words!) for the Northwestern essay, so try to write as clearly and specifically as possible. Use concrete examples to ground your story in reality and to make it clear to the admissions committee why applying to this school is so important to you.

For example, if you visited Northwestern, don't just say you went there and liked the campus—talk about something specific that happened to you and why this experience had such an impact on your decision to apply there.

Perhaps a professor said something encouraging to a student that made you realize how much you appreciated the supportive nature and sense of camaraderie there. Or maybe you noticed how earnestly students studied and could readily envision yourself doing homework alongside them.

In addition, if you plan to mention a specific professor you want to work with or a class you want to take, try to go beyond simple name-dropping. Instead, discuss why working with that professor or taking that class will help you attain your future goals, and why Northwestern is the only place you can actually do this.

#3: Polish It Up

As with any college essay, you need to spend some time editing and proofreading your "Why Northwestern" essay. Doing this will ensure that you're submitting a clean, polished, and overall well-written statement.

Here's what to do: once you finish writing a rough draft of your essay, put it away for at least a few days. Don't look at it during this time; you want to have a fresh perspective when you take it out again.

After some time has passed, take out your essay and begin to look for any glaring typos and grammar errors, as well as any areas you can expand, add, or delete. Pay attention to the organization and structure of your essay, too. Ask yourself: is the focus clear here? Am I being specific enough? Does the general flow make sense?

Once you've done this entire process a few times, give your essay to someone you trust, such as a mentor, teacher, parent, or older sibling. Have them look over your essay and offer comments on its topic, style, and structure. They should also check for technical errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Finally, make sure they read the Northwestern essay prompt so they can confirm that you're actually answering what's being asked of you.

What's Next?

Applying to Northwestern means you'll also have to submit an essay for either the Common App or Coalition App. Check out our guide to the current Common App essay prompts for tips on how to compose an unforgettable personal statement.

Freaking out about how to write a killer college essay? First, take a deep breath. Second, read our step-by-step guide on how to write a college essay and take a look at our analysis of 100+ real college essays to get a feel for what colleges want—and don't want—to read in an application.

Learn more about Northwestern, including its average test scores and average GPA, by reading its admissions requirements page .

Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel.

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Northwestern Supplemental Essays 2023-24 – Prompts and Advice

September 6, 2023

With an acceptance rate of just 7% for the Class of 2027, Northwestern University is very much an “Ivy-equivalent” school. This is true both in terms of quality academics and selectivity. Last fall, incoming Wildcats almost universally placed within the top 10% of their respective high school class. They also boasted average SAT scores in the 1470 range. In 2023-24, even high schoolers bringing superior credentials to the table need to realize that the majority of the other 52,000+ other applicants can demonstrate comparable levels of achievement. Therefore, applicants need to look for other ways to separate themselves from the pack. And that brings us to the Northwestern supplemental essay prompts.

 (Want to learn more about How to Get Into Northwestern University? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into Northwestern University: Admissions Data and Strategies   for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

In addition to one required essay prompt, Northwestern also gives applicants the opportunity to respond to at least one (and up to two) optional prompts. Essentially, every applicant has three opportunities to stand out in the eyes of admissions officers and showcase what makes them uniquely qualified for admission. Below you will find Northwestern’s supplemental prompts for the 2023-24 admissions cycle along with our advice on how to pen winning compositions.

2023-2024 Northwestern Supplemental Essays

Prompt #1 (required for all applicants).

We want to be sure we’re considering your application in the context of your personal experiences: What aspects of your background, your identity, or your school, community, and/or household settings have most shaped how you see yourself engaging in Northwestern’s community, be it academically, extracurricularly, culturally, politically, socially, or otherwise? (fewer than 300 words)

Northwestern is inviting you to share more about your background/identity/community through the lens of how that will impact your experience at the university. Take note of the wide-open nature of this prompt. You are essentially invited to talk about any of the following topics:

• A perspective you hold
• An experience/challenge you had
• A community you belong to
• Your cultural background
• Your religious background
• Your family background
• Your sexual orientation or gender identity

Although this prompt’s open floor plan may feel daunting, a good tactic is to first consider what has already been communicated within your Common App personal statement and activities list. What important aspect(s) of yourself have not been shared (or sufficiently discussed)? The admissions officer reading your essay is hoping to connect with you through your written words, so—within your essay’s reflection—be open, humble, thoughtful, inquisitive, emotionally honest, mature, and/or insightful about what you learned and how you grew.

Northwestern Supplemental Essays (Continued)

You’ll then need to discuss how your background/identity/experiences have influenced your academic, social, or extracurricular college goals. As such, think about what you learned and how it relates to one of the previously mentioned areas. For example, perhaps growing up in Northern California has made you passionate about post-wildfire ecosystem restoration, which you hope to pursue further through Northwestern’s environmental science program. Or, perhaps your experience as a poll worker has made you interested in NU Votes , or the discrimination you watched your sibling face after revealing their gender identity has informed your desire to be part of organizations like the Rainbow Alliance .

To that end, be sure you address how you will take advantage of Northwestern’s immense resources both inside and/or outside of the classroom by citing specific academic programs , professors , research opportunities , special opportunities , study abroad programs , student-run organizations , etc.

Prompt #2 (Optional but recommended)

Most “optional” essays are not truly optional, and Northwestern’s new essay prompts are no different. Think of it this way: if you’re truly interested in attending Northwestern, you have two more incredibly valuable opportunities to further demonstrate that fit. Take advantage of them!

The following questions are optional, but we encourage you to answer at least one and no more than two. Please respond in fewer than 200 words per question:

• Painting “The Rock” is a tradition at Northwestern that invites all forms of expression—students promote campus events or extracurricular groups, support social or activist causes, show their Wildcat spirit (what we call “Purple Pride”), celebrate their culture, and more. What would you paint on The Rock, and why?

Out of everything on this Earth, what makes you tick? What keeps you up at night? What issue could you talk about or debate for hours? If you could address one problem in the world, large or small, what would it be? What do you love to do? Do you have a treasured cultural tradition that you’d love to share with others? If you are answering at least one of these questions, you are on the right track with this essay.

• Northwestern fosters a distinctively interdisciplinary culture. We believe discovery and innovation thrive at the intersection of diverse ideas, perspectives, and academic interests. Within this setting, if you could dream up an undergraduate class, research project, or creative effort (a start-up, a design prototype, a performance, etc.), what would it be? Who might be some ideal classmates or collaborators?

Firstly, you’ll want to select a course centered around a topic about which you are an expert or hope to become an expert. The admissions reader is well aware that you are a teenager and not someone who has yet earned a Ph.D. Therefore, being a self-taught, informal expert is perfectly fine. You’ll then want to explain “why”—why will (or should) your passion be made relevant to a wider audience? And who would you want to work with along the way? These classmates and collaborators could be peers, mentors, or even guest speakers. Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind:

• Given the prompt’s wording, quality answers should involve the intersection of two or more disciplines.
• Course creation essays can and should reveal your ability to connect and synthesize information.
• Make sure that the topic of your course is not overly broad or already offered. The topic should not be akin to a 101 college course like Intro to Psychology…be creative!
• Community and belonging matter at Northwestern. Tell us about one or more communities, networks, or student groups you see yourself connecting with on campus.

Keep in mind that Northwestern has already seen the President’s Volunteer Service Award and the impressive number of hours you volunteered at multiple nonprofit organizations. They know that you have been an active member of your high school/local community. The admissions committee now desires to understand precisely how you will contribute to  their  community of 8,000+ undergraduate students. Highlighting the link between your past efforts and future aims is critical here. For example, if you dedicated many hours to increasing your high school’s mental health support services, it will be more impactful when you now express your commitment to joining Northwestern’s Active Minds organization.

The strongest Northwestern community essays will show evidence of meaningful school-specific research. This research process will actually give you a better idea of how you would sincerely like to become engaged at each prospective school on your list. Admissions officers will appreciate a Northwestern-centric answer far more than a generic (often recycled from app to app) response. Moreover, given the word count, you’ll be able to produce the strongest response if you focus on just one or two specific aspects of your identity and perspective.

• Northwestern’s location is special: on the shore of Lake Michigan, steps from downtown Evanston, just a few miles from Chicago. What aspects of our location are most compelling to you, and why?

If you choose to answer this question, know that you’ll need to think very deeply about your answer. Admissions officers are going to receive scores of responses about the number of opportunities available in Chicago, generalities about living in a suburb of a major city, and proximity to famous regional landmarks. As such, if Northwestern’s location feels particularly important to you, dig deep as to why . What location-specific experiences will you be able to have at Northwestern that you won’t be able to have anywhere else?

• Northwestern is a place where people with diverse backgrounds from all over the world can study, live, and talk with one another. This range of experiences and viewpoints immeasurably enriches learning. How might your individual background contribute to this diversity of perspectives in Northwestern’s classrooms and around our campus?

This prompt asks you to not only share a particular life experience but also describe why that experience will enable you to contribute to Northwestern in general. Essentially, it’s asking you to take your essay’s reflection one step further—you’ll need to share why the experience you’ve chosen has impacted you as well as why/how you believe it will allow you to positively impact the Northwestern community.

First, choose a key aspect of your experiences or background that reveals something deep and meaningful about you. (Although you could choose more than one, we’d advise against it, given that you only have 200 words in which to respond.) As you brainstorm, consider the following avenues:

• Your role in your family.
• Your role in your social group.
• A challenge you’ve faced.
• A formative experience or realization.
• Core values and beliefs.
• Important aspects of your upbringing.
• Cultural, religious, community influence.

Second, you’ll need to describe both personal and future impact. Make sure that your answer reveals something about how you will live out Northwestern’s values or contribute to a specific academic/social community.

Finally, this prompt is quite similar to the required prompt about background and identity (see above), so if you choose this option, be sure you’re not repeating yourself in any way. If you’ve already said everything you need to say about your background in the required prompt, you’ll likely want to choose a different option.

How important are the Northwestern supplemental essays?

The essays (including the Common App essay) are viewed as “important” to the Northwestern applicant evaluation process. The other factors that are also considered “important” are: recommendations, extracurricular activities, talent/ability, and character/personal qualities. The only four factors viewed as being more important than the essays are GPA, test scores, class rank, and the rigor of one’s curriculum.

Want personalized essay assistance?

If you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your Northwestern supplemental essay, we encourage you to  get a quote  today.

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Northwestern adapts new application process in wake of Supreme Court affirmative action ruling

For the first time in more than a decade, Northwestern’s undergraduate admissions application will not feature a version of the perennial “Why Northwestern” essay this 2023-24 admissions cycle.

The signature prompt, which asked students to share what drew them to NU and what resources they would prioritize on campus if admitted, is a common supplemental essay prompt at competitive colleges and universities. 

This year, all Common Application and Coalition with Scoir applicants will be required to answer a new 300-word essay prompt asking them which aspects of their background, identity or community have impacted how they see themselves engaging in the NU community.

The revised NU application also includes five optional essays — of which applicants are encouraged to submit one or two. These less formal questions ask prospective students how they envision themselves participating in various aspects of campus culture including academics, student groups and painting The Rock.

The change comes after the Supreme Court barred universities from considering race as a factor in the admissions process in June. The justices did not prohibit universities from considering how race or ethnicity have impacted a prospective students’ life in their supplemental essays and overall application, however.

“Universities may continue to embrace appropriate considerations through holistic application-review processes and provide opportunities to assess how applicants’ individual backgrounds and attributes — including those related to their race, experiences of racial discrimination, or the racial composition of their neighborhoods and schools — position them to contribute to campus in unique ways,” the Education and Justice Departments explained in an August memo for universities.

Hilary Hurd Anyaso, NU’s director of media relations, told The Daily that NU chose to replace the old prompt with more specific questions, since the “Why Northwestern” essay was not always effective given its broad framing.

“Our new supplemental questions are designed to focus responses on areas we consider most important to our holistic review: How candidates’ personal experiences have shaped various ways they see themselves engaging at Northwestern, and how their vision for college aligns with Northwestern’s institutional values, academic culture, and campus community,” Anyaso said in a statement to The Daily.

Cathleen Sheils, a college counselor based in New York, said the Supreme Court decision has undoubtedly impacted the college admissions process. She expects to see larger process changes in the coming years.

Sheils, who previously led the admissions office at Cornell University, said the application update intends to put students’ applications into a greater context ― which is why she advises her clients to consider the question carefully.

“We read through it, and we think about their personal experiences and what aspect they want to bring to life in answering that question that may not be fully articulated in other parts of the application,” Sheils said.

Sanjana Shah is a junior at Johns Creek High School in Johns Creek, Georgia, and plans to apply to NU her senior year.

“I definitely think that (the new essay) is a step in the right direction,” Shah said. “My whole life, my culture (has) played a large part in shaping who I am. I would definitely want to let colleges know about that … By bringing part of that diversity into a student’s essay, you’re really showing exactly how your race or your ethnicity is going to bring more color into the university as a whole.”

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Related Stories: 

— Northwestern to consider race in admissions through essays, compliant with Supreme Court ruling

— Northwestern affirms commitment to diversity after SCOTUS strikes down affirmative action

— Ahead of national affirmative action rulings, Schill emphasizes NU’s commitment to diversity

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6 Northwestern Essay Examples & Why Northwestern (2023)

Writing your Northwestern supplemental essays can be tricky, but they're important because your responses can have a big effect on your application chances.

Along with your personal statement essays , Northwestern offers students the chance to respond to a "Why Northwestern" essay prompt as part of its writing supplement.

In this article, I've gathered 6 essays that worked that helped get students admitted into Northwestern recently.

What is Northwestern University's Acceptance Rate?

Getting into Northwestern is quite difficult. Last year, a record 51,554 students applied to Northwestern.

And Northwestern had an overall admit rate of only 7%. Or in other words, about 1 in 13 students get accepted.

Northwestern University Acceptance Scattergram

To get into Northwestern, you've got to stand out from the crowd, which you can do by writing a strong writing supplement section.

What are the Northwestern Supplemental Prompts for 2022-23?

The Northwestern writing supplement for this year only asks one essay question of 300 words: Why Northwestern?

''Why Northwestern'' Statement :

While other parts of your application give us a sense of who you are, we are also excited to hear more about how you see yourself engaging with the larger Northwestern community.

In 300 words or less, help us understand how you might engage specific resources, opportunities, and/or communities here. We are curious about what these specifics are, as well as how they may enrich your time at Northwestern and beyond.

6 Northwestern University EssaysThatWorked

Here are 6 of the best Northwestern essays that worked, including example essays for the "Why Northwestern" statement prompt.

I've also included some great Common App essays from admitted Northwestern students.

Get inspired and start writing your "Why" statement with the help of these examples.

• Northwestern University Essay Example #1
• Northwestern University Essay Example #2
• Northwestern University Essay Example #3
• Northwestern University Essay Example #4
• Northwestern University Essay Example #5
• Northwestern University Essay Example #6

"Why Northwestern?" Essay Example #1

Prompt: "Why Northwestern" Statement:

In 300 words or less, help us understand how you might engage specific resources, opportunities, and/or communities here. We are curious about what these specifics are, as well as how they may enrich your time at Northwestern and beyond. (300 words max)

I love Northwestern’s academic flexibility, including the freedom of the curriculum to explore a variety of fields and the emphasis on cross-department study. Also, the quarter system provides a faster pace of learning and the opportunity to take more classes than a semester school.

Specifically, I am excited by the Spanish and Portuguese department and the classes on Hispanic and Lusophone culture, literature, and phonetics. For example, the accelerated Portuguese program is a perfect way to pick up the language at a faster pace using my prior knowledge of Spanish. I intend to supplement my language acquisition through the study abroad programs offered at the Fundação Getúlio Vargas in Rio de Janeiro or an affiliate program in Santiago, Chile. Additionally, the GESI program in Costa Rica is another intriguing opportunity through its intersectionality. It will allow me to combine a practical application of my language skills with studies in environmental conservation that I find a pressing and interesting issue. As an open-minded learner keen to forge links between academic fields of study, I believe I would be an excellent fit for the program.

I am also interested in Linguistics and pursuing undergraduate research or possibly undertaking the coterminal BA/MA program. The opportunity to link my research to a modern language of choice and investigate, for example, regional variation in Latin American Spanish or how Portuguese loanwords have infiltrated native Amazonian languages sounds fascinating and exciting.

Finally, the unique sense of community at Northwestern captivated me when I visited campus. The residential college system, the school spirit at Wildcat games, and the friendliness of the students I met, one of whom described the school as “the most welcoming place ever”, were all emblematic of this atmosphere for me. I think I will thrive in such a dynamic and inquisitive place.

"Why Northwestern?" Essay Example #2

The only reason I fear going for lunch in a hotel is probably because I wouldn’t choose between fried chicken and roasted meat and so is my dilemma over my college major. The multifaceted whole brain approach at McCormick, however, grants me the perfect opportunity to pursue my interest in Computer Science whilst acquiring the appropriate skills in entrepreneurship to a one day startup as an innovator.

As a NU computer scientist, I particularly look forward to Software Development EECS 473 – NUvention: Web, through which I would not only learn intricacies of Software development, but have related studies in real time software development in relation to market requirements in CS+X that would form a base for a startup. That would also provide a bridge for me to join Prof Todd Warren at Farley Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation where I would specifically join the NUvention; Web + Media. Through this unparalleled program I would have the intimacy of working in a team with fellow wild cats towards an innovative business project. The results of which will be an introduction to the Northwestern Innovation and New Ventures Office (INVO) through which I look forward to gaining practical exposure in launching businesses to the general public.

Outside McCormick, I would be excited to pursue the Managerial analytics Certificate program at Kellogg to acquire intelligent business management skills, let off steam at SPARK exploring hacks while fostering entrepreneurial habits, and eventually joining preparations for the Benedictine Eagle Invite at the Henry Crown Sport’s Pavilion (SPAC) with the NU track club. I may not the best of singers, but I do have intense phases of music obsessions and where best to let it off than taking non major classes at Bienen and, joining one of the numerous Acapella groups as I await Armadillo day!

"Why Northwestern?" Essay Example #3

Why Northwestern? Because this introduction was so difficult to write; because I cannot possibly summarize these reasons in one introductory sentence. Simply put, my interests span across a wide range, and Northwestern has a place for them all.

As an enthusiastic programmer and advocate for positive minority representation in the media, I hope to combine both these interests and conduct research on the influence of media on society. To my delight as a prospective communications major, the School of Communication's research labs showcase project topics ranging from the depiction of STEM in media to improving digital communication. I look forward to taking advantage of the high-quality research, internship and even career opportunities offered to explore my ideas.

My multiple passions keep me creative and energetic, and I plan to continue pursuing them at Northwestern. With years of editing and writing experience for school publications under my belt, for instance, I hope to join the staff of Helicon and North by Northwestern . Last but not least is the constant school spirit and sense of inclusion present within campus. During my campus tour, each tour guide seemed genuinely excited to introduce prospective students to the school. As my particular tour guide described the quarter system and tradition of guarding and painting the rock with passion in her eyes, I knew that only at Northwestern could I find students as enthusiastic about the school itself as they are about their majors. I also spotted many students of color while visiting; as an Asian woman, Northwestern's focus on diversifying reassures me that not only will I not be judged for my background, but that I will get to meet students of all ethnicities and cultures.

College is a time of self-discovery, and I firmly believe I can see my dreams become reality at Northwestern.

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"Why Northwestern?" Essay Example #4

I felt the cold sheets beneath me and the beeping sounds of a monitor next to my bed, my chest moving up and down and my body sinking into the mattress. I opened my eyes and was greeted with a plastic surgeon holding the cyst that was once in the corner of my eye. Medicine, I decided, was my destiny.

Flash forward to 8th grade, the year I decided to read 100 books. Emerson, John Green, Ernest Cline--you name the author, I read them. I became instantly inspired to learn to write like the wonderful authors I had read. So, writing, I decided (maybe), was my destiny.

Wait--or was it medicine? Well, perhaps it can be both.

The thing I find most striking about Northwestern is its emphasis on the word “AND.” Northwestern students can love computer science AND music theory, poetry AND Latin History, journalism AND business--I can love science AND English. At Northwestern, my interests would not be hindered by strict and unwavering guidelines. Rather, they could be effortlessly streamlined and integrated into one another. I could go from ​PSYCH 361--Brain Damage and the Mind to ENG 206 - Reading and Writing Poetry to Carol Clayberger’s Lab to continue my extensive research on T-lymphocytes, similar to that I conducted at UPMC. I would be learning each level of the human psyche, communicating my thoughts through writing, and putting them into action through my research.

At Northwestern, I plan to take advantage of the various resources that would enable me to pursue my passions, find new ones, and combine them into one, pulling from both sides of my brain. I know that I am right for Northwestern and Northwestern is right for me because we have a mutual understanding of what education should look like--emphasis on “AND,” not “OR.”

"Why Northwestern?" Essay Example #5

Think Purple: Aspiring journalist dreams of being a Wildcat F​iled under ​A​dmissions​, ​Top Stories

After brochure browsing, website wandering, and campus canvassing what felt like hundreds of different schools, it took Daisy Conant exactly 32 seconds on the Northwestern University campus to realize she had found the one.

“Northwestern is undefinable in the best way, an addicting hub of intellectuality, creativity, and school spirit - something especially appealing to a football lover,” laughed Conant. “But what excites me most about NU is the opportunity to study at the Medill School of Journalism.”

A writer with hopes of becoming a foreign correspondent, Conant has always been drawn to people and their stories, especially those completely unfamiliar to herself and her experiences. Once learning she could start on day one at Medill acquiring investigative journalism experience writing an enterprise story and end on day 600 with a journalism residency and international experience already under her belt, she was hooked.

“Conducting groundbreaking research on the socioeconomic disparities in the CPS system for the Medill Justice Project, spending a semester abroad reporting on cultural crisis in Greece, interning at the Post - at Medill, my options are boundless,” remarked Conant. “I could explore the world of print news writing in-focuses for the Daily Northwestern, dabble in magazine editing laying out spreads for North by Northwestern, even try my hand at broadcast reporting for WNUR.”

A journalist at heart, Conant is fascinated with the intersections of other disciplines. As an NU student she would be free to engage her passions for international studies and business through outside concentrations in addition to investigative journalism, uncovering the adventures (and discovering the tenacious Wildcats) that lie between Evanston and the shores of Lake Michigan. “My story is just beginning,” said Conant. “And Northwestern is the perfect lede.”

Northwestern Essay Example #6

Prompt: Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (100-250 words)

I held my breath as my trembling fingers, made for the enter key, my eyes glued to the screen savoring every moment. In a split of a second, the results of my sleepless nights were imprinted on the screen.

>>>syntax error

I felt my eyes became watery but I quickly forged a smile convincing myself I wasn’t about to cry.

However disappointed I felt that moment, it wasn’t something new to me. I am not a natural programmer and I have failed more than a million times when running my codes. In fact, I have gotten used to failing, that anytime I get it right on the first attempt I assume I got lucky and I redo the code. Every time I get a syntax error I have eventually learned something new from the code. It’s at these moments that I have learnt more about my world.

Through coding, I have learnt to appreciate shortcomings in life as room for improvements. I have come to understand being raised in a camp in Chalbi dessert is a chance for me to have the first-hand experience of what needs to be done to make the world a better place. I stopped being disappointed I was born in a less tech-savvy country and seen it as an opportunity for me to create an impact with the much I have learnt. I understand with every syntax error, every life obstacle, I learn and take a step closer to a perfect code, achieving my dreams.

What Can You Learn From These Northwestern Essays?

These 6 Northwestern essays that worked show you exactly what it takes to write successful "Why Northwestern?" essays. Answering the "Why Northwestern" statement as best you can is the key to having a successful Northwestern application.

What did you think of these Northwestern essays?

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I'm Ryan Chiang and I created EssaysThatWorked - a website dedicated to helping students write college essays they're proud of. We publish the best college admissions essays from successful applicants every year to inspire and teach future students.

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People love to ask why. Why do you wear a turban? Why do you have long hair? Why are you playing a guitar with only 3 strings and watching TV at 3 A.M.—where did you get that cat? Why won’t you go back to your country, you terrorist? My answer is... uncomfortable. Many truths of the world are uncomfortable...

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Her baking is not confined to an amalgamation of sugar, butter, and flour. It's an outstretched hand, an open invitation, a makeshift bridge thrown across the divides of age and culture. Thanks to Buni, the reason I bake has evolved. What started as stress relief is now a lifeline to my heritage, a language that allows me to communicate with my family in ways my tongue cannot. By rolling dough for saratele and crushing walnuts for cornulete, my baking speaks more fluently to my Romanian heritage than my broken Romanian ever could....

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A cow gave birth and I watched. Staring from the window of our stopped car, I experienced two beginnings that day: the small bovine life and my future. Both emerged when I was only 10 years old and cruising along the twisting roads of rural Maryland...

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Northwestern University Essay Examples (And Why They Worked)

The following essay examples were written by several different authors who were admitted to Northwestern University and are intended to provide examples of successful Northwestern University application essays. All names have been redacted for anonymity. Please note that CollegeAdvisor.com has shared these essays with admissions officers at Northwestern University in order to deter potential plagiarism.

For more help with your Northwestern supplemental essays, check out our 2020-2021 Northwestern University Essay Guide ! For more guidance on personal essays and the college application process in general, sign up for a monthly plan to work with an admissions coach 1-on-1.

In 300 words or less, help us understand how you might engage specific resources, opportunities, and/or communities here. We are curious about what these specifics are, as well as how they may enrich your time at Northwestern and beyond.

Passion is described as “a strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement for something” according to Merriam-Webster. This quality certainly cannot be taken lightly or easily flaunted, but when it is present, it deems expression.

My passion for business sprouted when I was nine and my father enrolled me in a Finance and Economics summer program at my local community college. I had dreaded the idea of doing something educational over the summer, but those feelings were quickly replaced with interest and excitement. With a small team, I helped manage a fake stock portfolio and witnessed the beginning of a national recession.

Although I do not use the term passion lightly, my passions are certainly far spread. Being involved in orchestra has allowed me to experience the beauty of music and given me the opportunity to play in the White House, France, and Monaco. My passion for teamwork has driven me to explore my abilities in Cross Country and Track.

Northwestern is a place where I can express my passions and explore new ones. When I visited Northwestern over the summer, two perky tour guides told me about their own passions. One was the president of her sorority and the other loved to dance and raved about Northwestern’s Dance Marathon. Passion allows us to thrive and be happy in our pursuits for success. The suburban campus will be a perfect place for me to immerse myself in clubs and activities while having easy access to opportunities in the lovely city of Chicago.

Why This Northwestern Essay Worked: From an ex-admissions officer

This essay is persuasive because it communicates urgency and energy around the student’s activities. It shows enthusiasm for and depth in the academic and extracurricular pursuits that have clearly defined the student’s journey. The student does a good job of tying their interests to their expected involvements at Northwestern. In doing so, the student helps the reader see the linear connection between the student and their potential to make a positive impact on the school.

In 2013, I embarked with my family on a whirlwind tour of seventeen American universities. Of all the schools I visited, Northwestern stood out. In addition to stellar academic programs, its emphasis on civic and global engagement really spoke to me. It is vital for me to attend college where both academic rigor and openness to the world and to others are widely promoted.

In the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, I could take advantage of a broad liberal arts education while taking classes closely aligned with my career goals. My Middle Eastern heritage and international background have made me passionate about social justice, peace, and conflict resolution, fields I would like to work in after college. At Weinberg, I hope to pursue an undergraduate program focused on Middle East and North African Studies, taking classes such as “Middle East, Modernity and Identity” or “The Middle East in International Politics.”

In addition, given the University’s proximity to Chicago, a city renowned for its cultural vibrancy, I would take advantage of everything from guest speakers visiting campus to performances and exhibitions in the city.

Finally, I believe the Northwestern Community Development Corps is an amazing resource for young people who are passionate about community outreach. Service has always been very important to me, and I’d like to continue in this path throughout college. It would help me sharpen my skills and strengthen my confidence to lead initiatives that can make a positive difference in the lives of others. I believe Northwestern is the place where all the aspects of my personality would thrive. Northwestern students and faculty are motivated, active, and inspiring in the ways that inspire me. At Northwestern, I would grow both academically and socially in an international and open-minded environment. It would be an honor to spend the next four years in such an incredible college.

Why Northwestern This Essay Worked: From an ex-admissions officer

The ideal “why X college” essay communicates as much about the student as it does about the student’s potential to make a positive impact on the school community. The writer needs to convince the reader that they have legitimacy, meaning that they have done real, thoughtful research about the school, and have put thought into why they and that particular college are a good fit. A strong “why X college” essay also showcases the student’s particular passions, talents, or interests and how those will manifest on the college campus.

These essay examples were compiled by the advising team at CollegeAdvisor.com . If you want to get help writing your Northwestern University application essays from CollegeAdvisor.com Admissions Experts , register with CollegeAdvisor.com today.

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THE GRADUATE SCHOOL

• Application Procedures
• Application Requirements

For specific questions regarding your application, contact your program directly. See your specific  program webpage  for its contact information.

Answers to common questions can be found on our FAQs page.

All applicants are required to upload the following materials while completing the  online application:

Academic statement.

• What are your academic interests, and why do you wish to pursue graduate studies in this specific program?
• How has your academic and professional background prepared you for graduate study? (Please include any research, training, or educational experiences that align with the program you are applying to.)
• How will our program help you achieve your intellectual and professional goals?
• (For research-focused programs) Please make sure to address any scholarly questions you wish to explore in the program and name any specific faculty members in this program whose research interests align with your own.  

Personal Statement

All applicants to PhD and MFA programs are also required to submit a Personal Statement. Applicants to master’s programs (excluding MFA programs) are encouraged to do so, though this statement is not required for the submission of the application.

Write a statement that addresses the following prompt (500 words max):

• The Graduate School values diverse backgrounds, approaches, and perspectives, understanding them as essential ingredients for true academic excellence. As a Northwestern graduate student, how could you contribute to an intellectual community that prioritizes equity, inclusion, belonging, and cultural humility? Your answer may draw upon past or present experiences, whether in academic work, extracurricular or community activities, or everyday life.

Additional Information

All applicants are encouraged to submit an Additional Information statement of 250 words or fewer to highlight information not yet discussed in other areas of the application. This statement can also be used to address any concerns you may have with your application. If, for example, you do not believe that your academic credentials demonstrate your true capabilities, please explain why. Also, describe any gaps in your academic career and work experience or any extenuating circumstances in your profile of which the admissions committee should be made aware.

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August 7, 2023

2023-2024 Northwestern University Supplemental Essay Prompts

Northwestern University has released its supplemental essay prompts for the 2023-2024 college admissions cycle. And, unlike over the last several years, Northwestern is asking multiple essay questions of applicants — in addition to The Common Application ‘s Personal Statement. So what are this year’s Northwestern essay prompts ? Let’s dive in!

2023-2024 Northwestern Essay Topics and Questions

Required essay.

The first essay prompt, which is required of all applicants to Northwestern’s Class of 2028, reads as follows:

We want to be sure we’re considering your application in the context of your personal experiences: What aspects of your background, your identity, or your school, community, and/or household settings have most shaped how you see yourself engaging in Northwestern’s community, be it academically, extracurricularly, culturally, politically, socially, or otherwise? 

As, for years, Northwestern asked a “Why College” essay question as its only supplemental essay prompt, it can only be inferred that this year’s required prompt is a direct response to the Supreme Court’s outlawing of Affirmative Action — because the ruling left an opening for colleges to consider a student’s race and background in college admissions essays.

As Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in his majority opinion , “At the same time, as all parties agree, nothing in this opinion should be construed as prohibiting universities from considering an applicant’s discussion of how race affected his or her life, be it through discrimination, inspiration, or otherwise.”

Herein lies that opportunity for Northwestern applicants. And remember, students do not need to be an underrepresented minority to answer this question powerfully. Students, for instance, can focus on something interesting about their family or community in their response.

Optional Essays

In addition to the required essay prompt, Northwestern has posed five optional essay prompts to applicants this year. Applicants are encouraged to answer at least one of the essays and up to two in 200 words or fewer.

Translation: applicants should write two 200-word essays in addition to the aforementioned required essay on the Northwestern supplement because (1) that which is optional in elite college admissions should never be considered optional and (2) it gives applicants more real estate to make their case for admission.

1)  Painting “The Rock” is a tradition at Northwestern that invites all forms of expression—students promote campus events or extracurricular groups, support social or activist causes, show their Wildcat spirit (what we call “Purple Pride”), celebrate their culture, and more. What would you paint on The Rock, and why?

This prompt offers students a chance to pepper in some genuine Northwestern specifics into their application that do not apply to any other university — particularly since Northwestern is no longer asking the typically required “Why Northwestern?” essay prompt. Students should demonstrate, through their singular hook that they hope to contribute to Northwestern (rather than well-roundedness) how they hope to get involved in activities and causes on Northwestern’s campus. So if a student is an environmental activist, how they paint The Rock should reflect that passion.

2)  Northwestern fosters a distinctively interdisciplinary culture. We believe discovery and innovation thrive at the intersection of diverse ideas, perspectives, and academic interests. Within this setting, if you could dream up an undergraduate class, research project, or creative effort (a start-up, a design prototype, a performance, etc.), what would it be? Who might be some ideal classmates or collaborators?

This prompt offers students the chance to create a pithy course name or research project and explain why it would be meaningful to them. It should, of course, be a course or project that’s consistent with the hook the student has demonstrated through their activities and other essays. While students should never tell the same story twice, they should highlight different angles of their interest to showcase how they’re abounding in ideas related to their singular pursuit.

3) Community and belonging matter at Northwestern. Tell us about one or more communities, networks, or student groups you see yourself connecting with on campus.

This prompt is a Why College essay focusing on extracurricular activities and/or communities. As such, applicants should cite specific activities or communities (no more than two) and then include examples of how they hope to be engaged on Northwestern’s campus through the activity or community. Simply writing that an applicant wants to get involved in an activity without highlighting what Northwestern students have been doing through this activity would fail to showcase that a student has done their homework on Northwestern. It’s all about the small specifics. In their response, applicants should aim to teach Northwestern admissions officers stuff they don’t know about their own school.

4)  Northwestern’s location is special: on the shore of Lake Michigan, steps from downtown Evanston, just a few miles from Chicago. What aspects of our location are most compelling to you, and why?

This prompt is also a Why College essay prompt , but this particular prompt focuses on location. As such, students need to cite specifics about how the site of Northwestern — and, no, writing vague sentences about Evanston’s beauty or deep dish Chicago pizza will not suffice — will allow them to pursue their ideally singular interest (rather than well-roundedness). In short, students should showcase, by citing specific examples, how they hope to leave their mark through their hook on Northwestern’s surrounding community.

5)  Northwestern is a place where people with diverse backgrounds from all over the world can study, live, and talk with one another. This range of experiences and viewpoints immeasurably enriches learning. How might your individual background contribute to this diversity of perspectives in Northwestern’s classrooms and around our campus?

As this essay prompt is essentially a different way of saying the same question posed in Northwestern’s required supplemental essay, we would advise students to choose one of the previous four prompts unless they have another story to tell related to their background or community that they didn’t share previously.

Ivy Coach’s Assistance with Northwestern 2023-2024 Supplemental Essays

If you’re interested in optimizing your case for admission to Northwestern University, fill out Ivy Coach ‘s consultation form , and we’ll be in touch to delineate our college counseling services specifically for seniors.

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TOWARD THE CONQUEST OF ADMISSION

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Northwestern University 2020-21 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision: 

Northwestern University 2020-21 Application Essay Question Explanation

The Requirements: 1 essay of 300 words or less

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why

Is it a mirage? No it’s the Northwestern supplement. And yes , it only has one (1!) solitary question. But when a school like Northwestern (with its 9% acceptance rate ) lobs you a softball, you’ve got to wonder, “what’s the catch?” Hint: a seemingly easy supplement means that you have no excuse to slack off, no reason to cut corners. Your final draft had better be a sparkling example of your best writing, showcasing your best self (and your best spelling!). So what are you waiting for?

While other parts of your application give us a sense of who you are, we are also excited to hear more about how you see yourself engaging with the larger Northwestern community.

In 300 words or less, help us understand how you might engage specific resources, opportunities, and/or communities here. we are curious about what these specifics are, as well as how they may enrich your time at northwestern and beyond..

This is a why essay without the word “why” in its confines, but make no mistake: it’s putting you to the same test. As you likely already know, a why essay is the classic litmus test for your fit and commitment. Do you want what the school has to offer? How much do you even care? Demonstrating a depth of knowledge will address both of these questions, so put on your researching glasses and fire up the Internet! Spend some time on the Northwestern website digging beyond the basic admissions facts and figures. What classes would you take? What special programs or centers appeal to you? What activities would you pursue? Your final list doesn’t have to be comprehensive (you only have 300 words, after all), but it should be cohesive. In the end, you need to describe how you plan to “engage specific resources” that Northwestern has to offer, so pick a few that go together. Love birds? Why not extol the interdisciplinary benefits of studying biology at one of the few institutions to house a complete set of Audubon’s Birds of America ? You get the idea!

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Northwestern’s Class of 2028 is taking shape

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As an elite high school fencer, Daphne Chan has crisscrossed the globe to compete at every level all while keeping her academics in balance. She does it by focusing on her dream to participate in the Olympics — a dream that will become reality this summer when she represents Hong Kong, China, in the Paris Games.

Chan, who applied early to Northwestern, also is among the first to join Northwestern’s Class of 2028. And when the Office of Undergraduate Admissions released regular decision outcomes last week, the University moved a step closer to shaping another exceptional incoming class.

Stacey Kostell, vice president and dean of enrollment, is welcoming her first class of new Wildcats and says she is inspired by the personal stories and journeys of these newly admitted students.

“They represent the best things about Northwestern — their resilience, ambition, creativity, thirst for learning and a desire to make their marks on the world,” she said. “We’re thrilled to be able to extend invitations to these students and can’t wait to see them on campus this fall.”

First-year applications for the Class of 2028 totaled more than 50,000, and the acceptance rate is around 7.5%. In recent years, the number of secondary schools represented in this pool has climbed to more than 10,000 — “a meaningful testament to our ability to reach new audiences around the world and further diversify our pool,” said Liz Kinsley, associate dean and director of undergraduate admission. The incoming class size has also grown by about 5% since pre-pandemic and is expected to be around 2,100 this fall.

The incoming class size has grown by about 5% since before the pandemic and is expected to be around 2,100 this fall.

Northwestern’s growing partnership with QuestBridge, a national organization that supports high-achieving students from lower-income households, is another sign of increased diversity. In the fall, Northwestern reviewed nearly 1,700 candidates through QuestBridge’s National Match program and will enroll a record 93 QuestBridge Match Scholars in fall. Since Northwestern invites QuestBridge National Match finalists who are not matched anywhere to apply through the early and regular decision rounds, the Class of 2028 thus far includes nearly 140 Quest Scholars — up 34% since fall 2020. And, that number will grow as regular decision admits choose Northwestern in the weeks to come.

The University also continues to grow the number of students whose parents did not graduate from a four-year college — more than 16% of early admits already committed to Northwestern are first-generation college students, compared to 14% three years ago.

In 2023, Northwestern rolled out a new set of supplemental essay questions designed to focus student responses on areas the University considers important to holistic admissions review.

“Candidates reflected with impressive substance and specificity on how their backgrounds and experiences have shaped how they see themselves engaging our campus opportunities, resources and communities,” Kinsley said. “We also read thousands of exciting proposals for interdisciplinary courses or collaborations, ideas for painting the Rock and more.”

Test-optional policies implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic have remained in place for first-year and transfer students.

This year’s admitted students come from all over the country and the world, from all 50 states and over 90 countries of citizenship.

High school senior Sebastian Hesser, another incoming student admitted during early decision, grew up in Alaska and Maine. “My background has always been fun to explain since my mother is from Colombia and my father is from Pennsylvania,” he said. “As a family, we've been all over.

“At the beginning of the year, I had no clue about what I wanted to do in college. I love the life sciences, music and languages — there’s so much to discover and learn. Committing to just one of those fields was going to be very hard for me. But Northwestern stood out as a place that would enable me to really explore at a high level and feed my passion for learning.”

What about the FAFSA delay?

Recent changes to the U.S. Department of Education’s federal student aid application (FAFSA) promised a simpler form. However, the relaunch has been hit with delays, which means many families are waiting longer to find out how much support they’ll get in paying for college. But given Northwestern’s use of the CSS Profile alongside the FAFSA, these delays have not impacted Northwestern’s ability to provide loan-free financial aid packages that meet the full demonstrated need of all admitted students, according to Phil Asbury, University director of financial aid.

Students admitted to Northwestern through regular decision have until May 1 to accept their offer.

Wildcat Days are here again

With the arrival of spring, the Evanston campus will welcome hundreds of admitted students and their families for Wildcat Days on April 8 and 15. In these two centerpiece admitted-student days, Northwestern will present an expansive program that connects admitted students and their families with University leaders, advisers, faculty, staff and current students for a taste of campus life and Purple Pride. Admitted students can also access dozens of digital events throughout April and connect one-on-one in online “Purple Priority” conversations with current undergraduates and alumni.

Highlights during Wildcat Days include:

• Exploring academics, libraries, study abroad options and career services
• Having lunch in a dining hall
• Discussing opportunities for those who identify as first-generation, lower income
• Discovering how to make an impact through civic engagement
• Visiting “Actions for the Earth: Art, Care & Ecology” at The Block
• Seeing student startups in action at The Garage
• Touring athletics facilities
• Experiencing Evanston and walking along Lake Michigan
• Learning the traditions that bring Northwestern Wildcats together
• Meeting leaders of student clubs and organizations

Editor’s Picks

‘The Night Watchman’ named next One Book selection

Gita gopinath of the imf to deliver susan bies lecture on economics and public policy, the healing powers of theater, related stories.

Northwestern football ‘staying home’ with temporary enhancements to the Lanny and Sharon Martin facility on lakefront

Three promoted in business and finance division.

• Advice for Applicants

Set yourself up for success

We know that questions will come up.

Our staff has compiled some guidance as you prepare for college and complete your application. Use the links below to jump to our advice on various subjects.

Shaping Your Academic Path

Deciding what to study in college can be overwhelming at times. We've included some information to help you, whether you are trying to maximize your time at Northwestern or are still actively exploring your interests.

• Selecting an undergraduate school at the time of application
• Applying for a dual degree or second major
• Pursuing premed coursework
• Applying "Undecided"
• Pursuing multiple areas of study

Completing Your Application

Northwestern evaluates applications holistically. We seek to develop a contextual understanding of a student based on different sources of information. Read more about components of the Northwestern application below.

• Standardized test scores
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement and supplemental essays(s)
• Activity chart
• Selecting early or regular decision
• Applications that may require additional materials
• Special circumstances
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• After you click "submit"

• SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION

How to Apply

Application opens: .

Applications for the program are typically slated to open within the first week of September.

In the 2023 application cycle for Fall 2024 matriculation, the application will open on September 13 th , 2023.

Application Deadline:

The Application Package deadline for the program will typically fall within mid-January.

In the 2023 application cycle for Fall 2024 matriculation, the Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM PST on January 16th, 2024.

Application Prerequisite / Eligibility

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (or international equivalent) is required.

Application for Admission

All application materials must be submitted online through The Graduate School’s Collegenet portal . A complete Application for Admission consists of:

• Required — Academic Statement and Personal Statement
• Optional — Additional Information
• A 10-page Writing Sample – play, screenplay, teleplay. Either a complete work or an excerpt of one or more works. Whatever gives us the best sense of your potential. No prose, essays, spec scripts or short stories please.
• How do you see your writing in relation to other writers, artists, or theoretical works that have been meaningful to you?
• Are there experiences you’ve had that drive your writing?
• What themes are you interested in exploring in your work?
• What do you want to say, and what makes your work necessary?
• Unofficial transcripts from all higher education institutions attended. Official transcripts will not be accepted by the school — read more about this here .
• Three (3) letters of recommendation. From industry professionals, teachers, mentors – ideally people who are familiar with your writing and work. These letters must be submitted by your recommenders through the CollegeNET online portal.
• A one-page Synopsis of a writing project you would like to pursue while in the Program. Please upload under Supplemental Document — Section 2.

Note:  The GRE is not required.

Via the  online application  is the preferred method for receiving all supplemental materials including transcripts. Portfolio materials will not be returned.

For International Applicants

• The TGS school code for TOEFL is 1565 .
• Test takers may be asked by ETS to choose the “department” to which they want their scores sent; find more information here .
• Please find additional application information tailored especially for applicants to TGS programs who are citizens of countries other than the United States here

Applicants who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States must certify language proficiency in one of three ways:

• Providing acceptable Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT, International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic, or Michigan English Test (MET) test scores — Tests must be taken within two years of the intended quarter of entry.
• Earning an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited, four-year institution or equivalent, where English is the official language of instruction.
• Earning a graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution where English is the official language of instruction.

For non-native speakers: the TOEFL, IELTS, or MET (not less than two years old). The minimum score for the TOEFL is 600 paper / 250 computer / 80 Internet, 7.0 for the IELTS, and 54 for the MET.

Non-native MFA applicants wishing to be considered for appointment as a Teaching Assistant must submit a minimum score of 26 on the TOEFL speaking section, taken no more than two years before consideration for appointment. You can find more information on this requirement here .

We cannot accept DuoLingo or TOEFL Essentials as documentation of english proficiency.

You can find more information on Test Scores and The Graduate School’s English Proficiency Requirement here .

Fee Waiver Information

For domestic applicants & u.s. citizens:.

The Graduate School (TGS) is able to provide a limited number of fee waivers* to eligible applicants — find more information  here

For International Applicants:

There may be some cases where we may not be able to grant application fee waiver requests from all eligible applicants due to the volume of requests we receive. As a result, we encourage applicants to begin their applications as soon as possible, since application fee waiver requests are reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Please note that the below details how to submit a request for a waiver and that the waiver is not guaranteed.

To request a fee waiver, you must:

• Start an application for the MFA in Writing for the Screen and Stage program and complete at least the first three pages
• Complete the Writing for the Screen and Stage – Fee Waiver Request Form for International Applicants:  [ The Writing for the Screen and Stage MFA program can no longer issue fee waivers for the current application cycle.]
• Started an application for a TGS PhD or MFA program
• International applicant 
• A low-income individual as defined by the US Department of Education (converting international currency to U.S. currency in the review process using OANDA). 

We look forward to receiving your application!

For additional questions regarding admissions procedures or application requirements, visit the TGS applicant FAQ page .

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NCA Career Treks Help Students Network & Explore Industry Hubs 

We always provide an equitable way for students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to visit some of those places.”

Alyssa Thompson

Financial Assistance Available for Treks to NYC, DC and LA

Traveling to New York City, Washington D.C. and Los Angeles with a group of college students might sound stressful for the Northwestern staff member responsible for organizing the trip.  

Ask Alyssa Thompson, the Northwestern Career Center’s Assistant Director of Employer Strategy behind the NCA’s annual Career Treks program, and her biggest challenge might be just how focused her students are on networking and meeting employers.  

“Being Northwestern students, sometimes they’re like ‘Well we have another networking opportunity that we’ve set up on our own,’ so I’m always very impressed,” Thompson said. “We really want students to explore during this trip in addition to the events that we set up.”  

The NCA Career Treks provide Northwestern students the opportunity to meet and network with employers in different industry hubs across the country, including New York City (Finance), Washington D.C. (Government & Policy) and Los Angeles (Entertainment).  

By leveraging alumni connections and considering feedback about the careers that are of interest to students, Thompson and the NCA team schedules a range of networking events for Northwestern students in each city.   

McCormick sophomore Yuru Wu traveled to New York City with NCA as part of the Finance Career Trek. He said the program was a great way to network with employers in an industry where meeting face-to-face with finance professionals isn’t always easy.   

“The opportunity to speak with people is huge given the competitive nature of the process,” Wu said. “I also had four coffee chats with Northwestern alums that I reached out to and then I even had some time to meet up some friends who live in Manhattan.”  

The trips are organized to fit each industry's employment timeline, considering when students need to apply for internships in each career path.  

“For example, on the finance trip that I lead, students in their sophomore year who are interested in investment banking already need to be applying for internships that will take place during their junior year summer,” Thompson said. “So that trek is primarily designed to help students decide whether they want to apply for those internships, and we visit employers who are currently recruiting.”  

One of the most unique aspects of an NCA Career Trek is how much autonomy students have to explore the cities on their own and learn about living in these industry hubs.   

Thompson said that the most confident feedback she gets from students is how they are always looking for more time to network. It’s a big reason why Career Treks are designed to visit as many employers as possible while also giving students freedom outside of the trek schedule to explore and network.

Students are responsible for booking their own flights to each city, while on past treks, NCA has reserved a block of rooms at comfortable and convenient hotels located in the heart of each city for students to purchase, in addition to providing public transportation cards for students.  

Financial assistance is available for any student with a demonstrated need.  

“We always provide an equitable way for students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to visit some of those places,” Thompson said. “That’s what is really cool for me - getting to see some of our international students visit a place like New York City for the first time. That’s always a really rewarding experience for the NCA team.”  

Students can apply for Career Treks via Handshake by submitting a resume and essay response. Application information and participating organizations are shared on the NCA website and social channels throughout the year.  

  Wu recently signed an offer letter with a bank where he will spend the summer after his junior year at Northwestern. He said his experience traveling with the Career Trek program embodied much of what he believes college should be about.  

  “If I hadn’t done this program, I never would have experienced what it’s like to work in finance every day on the 47 th floor of Rockefeller Center,” Wu said. “College is such a great time to try different things and take full advantage of programs like Career Treks.”