Freshman Admissions
Freshman admission is based on a combination of academic and personal considerations within the moderately selective designation. Northwest takes an individual, holistic approach to the review of applications. All applicant’s academic accomplishments are a priority and are demonstrated by test scores, grades, class rank and exposure to a college prep curriculum. Admission to Northwest is not viewed as an entitlement based on grades and test scores. Our admission process combines an examination of academic ability with flexible assessment of an applicant’s experiences and potential.
New freshmen graduating from high school in the Spring of 2010 or after are required to have completed a 24-unit curriculum (16-unit core curriculum for 1996-2009 graduates). In addition, students must be from an accredited high school and meet the requirements in Category I or Category II below.
Category I
- 21 ACT composite or higher (or the SAT (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing + Math) equivalent: SAT-1060 or higher) and
- Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA or above (on 4.00 scale)
Category II
- Have a combined percentile index that equals or exceeds 100 points; and
- Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA or above (on 4.00 scale)
For those students not meeting these requirements, the University will consider each case on an individual basis and will use professional judgment in admitting students that demonstrate academic promise and potential for success. Additional information, such as letters of recommendation and a personal statement, may be requested. Conditions may be placed on the enrollment of such students, if accepted into the University.
Application Fee
An application fee may be required for new students applying to Northwest. A complete listing of application fees is available by phone at (800) 633-1175.