It's time to rethink college tours
Traditional campus tours feel impersonal and can leave you with more questions than answers. You’re just a face in the crowd following a scripted tour led by a random guide. Is this really the best way to make one of the biggest decisions of your life?
SchoolScoops is the smarter, more personal way to tour colleges
Private and personalized tours
With traditional tours you’re just a number in a big group, making it hard to ask the questions that matter most. With SchoolScoops 1-on-1 tours and video chats you can ask all the questions that are important to you.
Choose your own guide
On a typical college tour, the school assigns you a guide. SchoolScoops lets you pick a guide who matches your academic interests, hobbies, and personality. You'll get authentic insights and advice from someone who truly gets you.
No scripts, just scoops
Traditional campus tours are essentially a sales pitch—the guide works for the school and their job is to show you the highlights. SchoolScoops guides don’t work for their school, so there’s no sales pitch—just genuine advice to determine if the school is a good fit.
Find the school for you
Choosing where to go to college is a major decision and a huge investment. SchoolScoops 1-on-1 tours and video chats go beyond the basics to help you make a well-informed college decision.
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What customers are saying
Get to know Northwestern University
Northwestern University is a top-tier private research institution known for academic excellence across fields such as journalism, business, engineering, and the arts, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, innovation, and global engagement.
Overview
Northwestern University, founded in 1851, is a private research university located in Evanston, Illinois, with additional campuses in Chicago and Qatar. It offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs across 12 schools and colleges.
Size
Northwestern University has a total enrollment of approximately 23,000 students, including around 8,000 undergraduates and 15,000 graduate and professional students.
Acceptance rate
Northwestern University has an acceptance rate of around 7%. Among admitted students who submitted test scores, half have an SAT score between 1490–1570 or an ACT score between 33–35.
Cost
For the 2024 academic year, undergraduate tuition at Northwestern University is approximately $66,700, with graduate tuition varying by program and school. Around 50% of undergraduates receive financial aid, with the average need-based scholarship totaling roughly $60,000.
Ranking
According to U.S. News, Northwestern University is ranked #9 out of 436 National Universities, based on its performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of academic excellence.
Academics
Northwestern University offers more than 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across its 12 schools and colleges. It maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, encouraging close collaboration and mentorship between students and faculty.
Traditions
Northwestern University’s most celebrated traditions include the annual Dillo Day music festival, the Wildcat Welcome for incoming students, the March Through the Arch, the Alma Mater at football games, and Senior Week events that honor graduating students with campus-wide celebrations.
Campus landmarks
Northwestern University’s most iconic landmarks include the picturesque Deering Library, the Arch at the entrance to campus, the Norris University Center, Alice Millar Chapel, and the scenic Lakefill along Lake Michigan—all highlighting the university’s historic charm and stunning lakeside setting.
Student body
Over 90% of Northwestern University students come from out-of-state, with strong representation from states like California, New York, New Jersey, Texas, and Florida, contributing to a diverse and nationally representative student body.
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Become a guideYour Northwestern University questions, answered
What distinguishes Northwestern University academically?
Northwestern University is a highly selective private research institution renowned for its interdisciplinary approach, particularly strong in engineering (McCormick School), journalism (Medill School), and performing arts (Bienen School of Music). Its unique quarter system allows students to explore more subjects and engage deeply in diverse academic pursuits.
How can I schedule an official admissions tour of Northwestern University?
To take an admissions tour of Northwestern University, you can register for an official campus visit that typically includes an information session and a student-led walking tour. Comprehensive details and registration options are available on their official admissions website.
What kind of academic credentials are expected for Northwestern admission?
While Northwestern employs a holistic review process, admitted students typically demonstrate outstanding academic performance, with average unweighted GPAs often exceeding 4.0 on a 4.0 scale. Competitive applicants usually present SAT scores in the 1470-1570 range or ACT scores of 33-35.
What is the general atmosphere and social scene like at Northwestern?
Campus life at Northwestern blends rigorous academics with a vibrant social scene, offering a wide array of student organizations, a strong Greek life presence, and enthusiastic support for Big Ten athletics. Students are known for being intellectually curious yet also highly engaged in extracurriculars and campus events.
Which academic programs or majors are most popular at Northwestern University?
Popular majors at Northwestern include Journalism, Economics, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, and Communication Studies. The university's strength lies in its diverse schools, allowing students to pursue interdisciplinary interests across various fields.
Where is Northwestern University situated, and what is its surrounding environment like?
Northwestern University is located in Evanston, Illinois, a picturesque suburban city just north of Chicago, nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan. This location provides students with a traditional collegiate campus feel while offering convenient access to the cultural and professional opportunities of a major urban center.
What are the residential options and housing experience at Northwestern?
Northwestern offers a unique residential experience through its "residential college" system, providing smaller, themed communities within larger residence halls. This system fosters intellectual and social engagement, with most first and second-year students living on campus.
What are the career prospects and alumni network like for Northwestern graduates?
Northwestern graduates benefit from exceptional career prospects and a highly influential global alumni network. The university's strong reputation, combined with dedicated career services and a proactive alumni community, leads to high employment rates and diverse opportunities across various industries.
Does Northwestern offer private campus tours?
Yes, through SchoolScoops, you can book a private campus tour led by a student guide of your choice.
Interested in other schools?
SchoolScoops also offers tours and video chats at many other schools
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