Northwestern University holds high standards for its applicants, and although many schools are now test-optional, standardized testing remains a significant aspect of the college application process. This article provides insights into Northwestern-specific ACT requirements and Northwestern ACT scores. Additionally, check out our companion article detailing Northwestern’s SAT expectations!
What is the average ACT score at Northwestern?
Reflective of their commitment to academic excellence, Northwestern boasts an average composite ACT score of around 34, surpassing the national average of approximately 21 by a considerable margin. Meanwhile, the 25th percentile score is a 33, while the 75th percentile reaches a composite score of 35. This indicates that the bottom 25% of scorers achieved 33 or below, while the top 25% achieved a 35 or above. These figures underscore Northwestern’s rigorous academic standards, even though they do not have a fixed threshold for admission.
What is the average ACT English score at Northwestern?
The average ACT English score for students admitted to Northwestern University ranges from the 25th percentile of 35 to the 75th percentile of 36. The 50th percentile of ACT English scores is a strong 35. Evidently most Northwestern students excel in the English section, with a significant proportion achieving perfect or near-perfect scores.
What is the average ACT Math score at Northwestern?
The average ACT Math score at Northwestern falls within the range of 32 to 35, which are the 25th and 75th percentiles respectively. Thus, a Math score of 34 positions an applicant within the middle 50% of scorers at Northwestern. Although slightly lower than English section scores, these Math scores remain notably high, emphasizing Northwestern’s academic rigor.
What are Northwestern’s ACT requirements?
Through 2026, Northwestern remains test-optional. Applicants are not required to submit ACT or SAT scores, and opting out will not disadvantage them. Nevertheless, applicants are encouraged to submit any materials, including test scores, that they believe will strengthen their application. Northwestern allows self-reporting of ACT test scores in applications, with admitted students required to later submit official test score documentation.
More details about Northwestern’s ACT requirements can be found on their Application Requirements webpage.
What percent of Northwestern applicants submit the ACT?
Of all students enrolled at Northwestern in the fall of 2021, 31% submitted ACT scores. SAT scores were submitted by 47% of applicants, while 22% did not submit either. While the SAT remains popular among accepted applicants, Northwestern admissions officers place no advantage on one exam over the other, or on omitting scores entirely.
Should I go test-optional?
Submitting a high SAT or ACT score can only help an applicant’s chances for admission to a competitive college like Harvard. We recommend that any student with the means to do so should take the SAT or ACT: if the test goes well and you achieve a competitive score, it will boost your application, and if not, you can choose to omit the score on your Northwestern application. Giving yourself a chance to perform well will only help, and poor scores can always be left off of a Northwestern application without a disadvantage.
A competitive score is considered to be within or above the 50th percentile range of Northwestern scores. If your scores fall above the 25th percentile of the school’s range, you should consider submitting your scores. If your scores fall above the 50th percentile of Northwestern, we highly recommend that you submit them. Regardless, submitting scores is a personal decision, and you will not be at a disadvantage if you do not submit scores.
Does Northwestern superscore the ACT?
Northwestern generates superscores. Moreover, applicants can select which test dates to submit scores from, providing flexibility. However, applicants may not calculate their own superscores.
More information about superscoring and other testing FAQs can be found on Northwestern’s admissions site.
What’s a good ACT score for Northwestern?
Northwestern doesn’t set specific score requirements or cutoffs, emphasizing a holistic application review process. While competitive scores are common among admitted students, aiming for a score around or above the composite average of 34 is advisable.
Regardless, anything that falls within the following ranges should put you in the running:
| Section | 25th | 50th | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 33 | 34 | 35 |
| English | 35 | 35 | 36 |
| Math | 32 | 34 | 35 |
Can I get into Northwestern with a low ACT?
A lower-end ACT score may still be relatively high, considering Northwestern’s standards. Applicants should aim for at least the lower quartile score of 33 or higher. However, academic achievements and extracurricular activities also play significant roles in admissions decisions, so while difficult, achieving admission to Northwestern with a lower ACT score is possible. Strong essays, teacher recommendation letters, and leadership experience all have the potential to make up for lower-than-average standardized test scores.
When should I take the ACT for Northwestern?
Junior spring of high school is considered an ideal time for standardized testing. That said, Northwestern permits Early Decision applicants to submit scores from the October or November test dates, even those after their November deadline. These scores should be self-reported as soon as they are available and no later than December 4. For Regular Decision applicants, tests can be taken as late as December and scores can be self-reported as late as February 12. Read more about Northwestern’s admissions process on their website.
What is Northwestern’s ACT code?
Northwestern’s ACT code for submitting official test scores is 1106.
In conclusion, while Northwestern no longer requires ACT or SAT scores, scores in their 50th percentile or above will only help an application. That said, the decision to submit scores should be based on individual strengths and goals. If you’re considering the SAT instead, check out our article on Northwestern’s SAT stats and requirements.
