As an international student how do I apply to Northwestern?

1. If English is your primary language, you should take the ACT or the SAT exam.

2. If English is not your primary language, arrange to take the TOEFL exam. The minimum score for admission on the paper-based TOEFL is 530; the minimum score using the computer-based test is 197; and the minimum score on the Internet-based test is 71.

3. Complete and return the Northwestern College Application for Admission, the International Student Aid Application 2008-09 Form, and the Northwestern College Financial Aid Application.

4. When all three applications are complete, we will send you a financial aid award packet, which includes the Financial Verification Form (FVF) for the I-20. Complete the FVF and return it to the Admissions Office. The line Total Resources must balance the line Total Costs on the FVF. You must demonstrate the ability to cover the cost of an entire year of education.

5. When we receive your Financial Verification Form in satisfactory condition and your application to the College is complete, it will be reviewed. If you are admitted, you will be sent a letter of acceptance. At that time, you will be asked to transfer $4,000 (U.S.) to the Student Accounts Office. This amount will be credited to your College bill. You will then be issued an I-20, which you will need in order to acquire a student visa to study in the U.S. [If, for some reason you are unable to attend Northwestern, your $4,000 will be refunded.]

6. Once you have acquired an F-1 student visa, you should contact the Admissions Office to inform us of your travel plans. At that time, you will be guided through the process of registering for Fall classes and making your housing arrangements. Before you arrive on campus, you must arrange a payment plan for any remaining costs through the Student Accounts Office.


We strongly encourage you to complete steps 1-5 by March 31. The process cannot be extended beyond June 1, and may have to be closed prior to that date. For your own sake, please do not delay.

The entire process of working through international student matters can take up to a full year from start to finish. Begin the process as early as possible. Financial Aid from Northwestern is in limited supply; it may not be available after May 1. Keep in mind that you will be working not only with the College, but with various financial institutions, your country’s embassy, and the Department of Immigration and Naturalization Services as well.

Is the TOEFL required if my native language is other than English?
Yes, unless you have taken the ACT or SAT exam and your scores are acceptable. New Student scholarships may be awarded on the basis of ACT/SAT scores and high school grades. The minimum score for admission on the paper-based TOEFL is 530; the minimum score using the computer-based test is 197; and the minimum score on the Internet-based test is 71.

What special documents are required for an international high school transcript?
A copy of your high school transcript is required, listing courses taken, number of credits, and grades received. If the transcript is in another language, a school official or other authorized person must translate it into English. Information on the school’s grading system should accompany the transcript. A diploma or certificate of graduation may be required. Official transcripts from any/all colleges attended are required. Any credits being transferred must be evaluated using one of the following evaluation services found at the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.

Contact Anita Cline-Cole (Admission Counselor, Multicultural Recruitment) with any questions.