Frequently Asked Admissions Questions
Visiting
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The Visitor Center is located on the first floor of West Village F. For GPS driving instructions, please use 40 Leon Street, Boston, MA 02115. If you choose to utilize public transit, Northeastern is easily accessible via Ruggles Station (Orange Line) and Northeastern University Station (Green Line E). More information about how to use the MBTA can be found here. If you are using a rideshare provider such as Uber or Lyft, we recommend entering 40 Leon Street as your destination.For more information about arrival, parking, and what to expect from your visit to campus, click here. -
Class or overnight visits are not offered for prospective students. We encourage students to register for an in-person or virtual information session to learn more about our academics, experiential learning opportunities, and life as a husky. -
Northeastern admissions staff travel across the country, around the world, and within our own backyard to meet with prospective students and families at secondary schools. We also offer a robust amount of virtual programming so you can connect with us from anywhere. We encourage you to join our mailing list for news on the latest opportunities for prospective students to connect with our admissions team.
The Application Process
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The process begins and ends with the Common Application or the Coalition Application (Northeastern accepts both). When you create an account, you will need to select Northeastern as one of the schools you are applying to. Then, complete and submit your application online through the Application portal. -
- Early Decision I Deadline: November 1
- Early Action Deadline: November 1
- Early Decision II Deadline: January 1
- Regular Decision Deadline: January 1
Visit our deadlines and decisions page to learn more about our application deadlines. -
A detailed list of what is necessary, whether you are a high school, transfer, or international student, can be found on our application information page. -
Northeastern University is test-optional for the foreseeable future and does not require applicants to submit standardized testing to be considered for admission. For more information, visit our application information page. -
Students may indicate their Test-Optional status through their Application Status Check. The test-optional preference will default to what was indicated in the application, and students have until the following dates to finalize their choice—your test-optional status will be locked in after that date:
- Early Decision I test-optional status indicated by November 15
- Early Action test-optional status indicated by December 1
- Early Decision II test-optional status indicated by January 15
- Regular Decision test-optional status indicated by February 1
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First, what each means:
- Early Decision is ideal for students confident that Northeastern is the right academic, social, and financial fit. Early Decision applicants will be bound to their top preference program if admitted into that program, which is true for preferences of our five first-year enrollment opportunities. For students admitted to a program of their preference, it is a binding decision, and you are committed to attending Northeastern and withdrawing all applications from other institutions. ED applicants will not be committed to an enrollment program if they are admitted into a program that was not their preference—a non-binding decision would be issued.
- Early Action is non-binding and ideal for students who want to put their best foot forward at an earlier date. The Admissions Committee will not see senior year grades or late fall standardized testing scores.
The deadline for Early Decision I and Early Action applications is November 1, and Early Decision II is January 1.
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Students are recommended, at minimum, to complete four years of English, two years of history, two years of the same foreign language, three years of science, and three years of math. Our most competitive applicants will have completed four years of all five major subjects, or perhaps dropped one subject as a senior to double up on equally rigorous courses in another subject. Applicants to the College of Engineering must have taken physics, chemistry, and precalculus.
That being said, the Admissions Committee evaluates the student within the context of their school and what their school offers — this means that if a school has different graduation requirements, it’s fine if the number of courses does not match the recommended courses above.
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Students studying in international high schools have all the same requirements as domestic applicants. -
This is required for students whose native language is not English, which is indicated by the student on the application. We require proof of proficiency for all students. You can meet the requirement if:
- English is your native language.
- You will have lived in the United States or another country where the majority of the population are native English language speakers and completed 4 consecutive academic years, at either a high school or college/university, prior to enrolling at Northeastern.
- You submit, along with your application, valid and official results sent directly from the testing agency for one of the following English language proficiency tests: C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency, Duolingo English Test, IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT (CEEB Code: 3667)
Further information is provided on the International Student Admissions page regarding the requirement and waiver request process.
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Northeastern’s Admissions Committee will consider not only your overall composite score, but also your individual subsection scores, to confirm your proficiency across all four language skills, which are needed to be successful at Northeastern.
The ranges provided below represent the middle 50% score ranges for students who were admitted and enrolled as first-year students in Fall 2020 and Spring 2021. Please note: the scores provided below are not cut-off scores, but for estimating purposes, and in no way represent a promise or guarantee of admission.
- 185 to 204 on either C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (Cambridge English)
- 120 to 130 on the Duolingo English Test (DET)
- 7.0 to 8.0 on the IELTS Academic
- 68 to 76 on the PTE Academic
- 99 to 108 on TOEFL Internet-based Test (CEEB Code 3667) Northeastern will accept either the in-person version completed in a test center, or the TOEFL iBT Home Edition
Please note: Northeastern will not accept results from the IELTS Indicator, TOEFL Essentials, or TOEFL ITP Plus for China. If you have personal questions about English Proficiency, please contact your admissions counselor.
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At our Boston campus, Northeastern's Explore Program for undeclared students offers a wide range of academic options and opportunities, including advising support and exploratory programming.For students considering their academic opportunities at our Oakland campus, Discover Oakland embraces the entrepreneurial spirit of the Bay Area, bringing students to the intersection of technology, business, healthcare, and science. Throughout the year, dedicated programming will be offered to provide insight and understanding into the majors available at the Oakland campus and create opportunities to interact with faculty and current students in those fields. Students will also gain insights into industry-related outcomes. -
Students applying to the College of Arts, Media and Design can submit a portfolio under their Application Status Check after applying to Northeastern. Applicants are encouraged to complete all forms, including Academic Profile, Media Uploads, and Personal Statement (500-word limit). Please only submit one portfolio. Additional submissions will not be reviewed. Click here for more information and deadlines. -
You will receive an email acknowledging your application was received within three business days (which does not include weekends or holidays) of submission. This communication will notify you that your applicant has been received, and that your materials are being processed by our office. Once all your materials have been processed, you will be given a Northeastern ID number (NU ID) and instructions for setting up your Application Status Check account. -
This is a required document for transfer students that is available through the Common Application and Coalition Application. This is an offline form that must be completed and submitted by the Registrar's Office or Dean of your current or most recently attended institution. -
Once you have applied to Northeastern and your documents have been matched to your account, you will receive an email with your Northeastern University ID number (NU ID) and instructions on how to set up your Application Status Check account. Through the Application Status Check, you will be able to verify your personal information, view the required materials, and check on deadlines.
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We know that entire communities have had to change their teaching and learning practices in an instant, and that many people are anxious about how that will impact grades and final exams. Northeastern respects each school district’s pedagogy and will be thoughtful about the impact of COVID-19 as we work with students entering as first-years and as we evaluate students for admission in the coming years. -
We fully understand that our prospective students are facing a unique challenge as they are limited in their opportunities for involvement during this time. We will be flexible and understanding of these extenuating circumstances, and they will not be reflected negatively upon the student.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
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Depending on your student type—whether an Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision, or Transfer applicant—the financial aid deadline dates and requirements may vary. Please visit the Student Financial Services website for more information. -
Students who are in the top 10-15% of our applicant pool are considered for competitive merit awards, including Dean’s, Connections, and International Scholarships.These scholarship awards up to $28,000 annually. All fall freshman applicants for undergraduate admission to Northeastern are considered. -
The vast majority of merit and opportunity scholarships offered require no additional application. There are a few exceptions, however: - First-generation students who would like to be considered for the Torch Scholars Program need to be nominated. For more information, visit the Torch Scholars Program.
- National Merit finalists or National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholars have the opportunity to apply for the Northeastern National Scholar Award. If you have received one of these awards, you will be notified when you apply about the steps you need to take in order to be considered for the honor.
- Boston residents and students enrolled in a Boston Public High Schools are eligible for several special scholarships. Additional information can be found here.
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International students are fully eligible for Northeastern’s merit scholarships. All international students will be automatically considered for and offered merit scholarships, if applicable.Financial need-based aid will be offered to students who are U.S. Citizens, as well as eligible noncitizens, upon completion of the necessary forms. For additional information, visit the Student Financial Services website. -
Northeastern is deeply committed to working with the City of Boston and our campus neighbors. There are several additional scholarship programs available to Boston residents and Boston Public High School students, including: - The Boston Public High School Scholarship
- The Northeastern Boston Valedictorian Scholarship
- The Boston Housing Authority Scholarship
- Northeastern Neighborhood Scholarship
- Balfour Academy Scholarship
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The Northeastern Promise is our commitment to helping students finance their education throughout their entire enrollment. To learn more, visit the Student Financial Services website. -
Yes, we meet the full demonstrated financial need for each admitted student eligible for federal financial aid. To learn more, visit the Student Financial Services website.
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Depending on your student type—whether an Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision, or Transfer applicant—the financial aid deadline dates may vary. When we release admission decisions, we will also provide the financial aid award if the student has submitted all required documents.
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Yes, we cover full tuition for qualified applicants. For more information, visit the Dolce Center for the Advancement of Veterans and Servicemembers (CAVS) website or email NUVets@northeastern.edu.
The Enrollment Process
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For first-year applicants, once you submit your application, you will receive one of the following admissions decisions:
- Starting at Northeastern’s Boston degree granting campus
- Starting at Northeastern’s Oakland degree granting campus
- Admission to The N.U.in Program: first semester abroad at a partnership location
- Admission to London Scholars: First year at Northeastern's London campus
- Admission to New York City Scholars: first year at the Marymount Manhattan College campus
- Admission to NU Immerse
- Admission to Foundation Year
- Defer
- Waitlist
- Deny
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Your notification time will vary depending on how you applied:
- Early Decision I applicants will receive a decision online by January 1
- Early Action applicants will receive a decision online by February 15
- Early Decision II applicants will receive a decision online by March 1
- Regular Decision applicants will receive a decision online by April 1
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Students are strongly encouraged to wait one full academic year before reapplying. -
New for Fall 2025, Northeastern students admitted to New York City Scholars will begin their journey at the Marymount Manhattan College campus in Manhattan as a cohort of fellow first-year Northeastern students. Located in a vibrant and dynamic neighborhood in NYC, just moments from landmarks such as Central Park and Times Square, the NYC Scholars will have a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the cultural and academic heart of New York City.
During their first year, students will have access to a variety of cultural institutions, artistic venues, and professional opportunities that define New York City's global influence. In their second year and beyond, NYC Scholars will study on Northeastern's Boston campus and have the opportunity to continue to explore global program offerings.
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London Scholars students will spend their first year studying at Northeastern University London, a prestigious, university-level college situated in Devon House in St Katharine Docks, a vibrant and dynamic quarter in central London. Located just a few minutes walk from the Tower of London, one of the UK's most iconic heritage sites, and Tower Bridge, one of the most instantly recognizable structures in the world, St Katharine Docks is steeped in the history of London and the River Thames upon which the city was founded.
Northeastern University London's unique global positioning will allow students to amplify their university experience by living, studying, and growing in London. During their second year and beyond, London Scholars will study on Northeastern's Boston campus or continue to explore global program offerings.
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The N.U.in Program is Northeastern’s signature first-year experience, rooted in Northeastern’s core belief that students should be engaged citizens of the world. N.U.in students begin their studies at one of our program locations and transition to the Boston campus in January for the second semester. Read more here to find out if the N.U.in is right for you. -
Students who were offered admission to an enrollment opportunity other than beginning at the Boston campus and declined the offer, must wait to apply for the next fall academic term. -
Early Decision applicants will be bound to their top preference if they are admitted into that program. This is true for all preferences of any of our five enrollment options. For ED applicants who select “open to all opportunities” as their first preference, if admitted will be committed to the enrollment opportunity they are admitted to.
ED applicants will not be committed to an enrollment program if they are admitted into a program that was not their top preference—a non-binding decision would be issued.
All applicants are asked for their program preferences in the institution specific section of the application. Additional information regarding our enrollment opportunities may be found here.
First year programs include:
- Starting at Northeastern’s Boston degree granting campus
- Starting at Northeastern’s Oakland degree granting campus
- The N.U.in Program: first semester abroad at a partnership location
- New York City Scholars: first year at the Marymount Manhattan College campus
- London Scholars: First year at our London campus
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Transfer credits are available to students who complete AP or IB exams through high school or college-level courses at an accredited institution. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions facilitates the transfer credit evaluation in partnership with the Northeastern academic departments. An up-to-date list of transfer credit policies and equivalencies can be found here. -
While the most successful transfer applicants have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.3 or higher, all applications are reviewed holistically. Our reviews take into account every aspect of an application, including academic performance, academic evaluations and recommendations, a personal statement, and performance on standardized tests (if applicable). -
To withdraw from Northeastern, log in to your myNortheastern account and submit the form called “Decline Admission,” which can be found under the Self-Service tab. -
Your nonrefundable enrollment deposit as stated by your Terms of Admission must be paid to reserve a place at Northeastern. This secures your enrollment and transition activities. If you are an international student, your enrollment deposit includes the $350 international student fee. This fee covers a variety of services and programs to support international student life on campus. Submit Online: The preferred method, as well as fastest and easiest method, for you to submit your nonrefundable enrollment deposit is to pay online through the Application Status Check. Submit By mail: Please email admissions@northeastern.edu for assistance paying your deposit if you are not able to make your deposit through the Application Status Check.
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Your deposit includes both your enrollment and housing deposit, there is no separate cost. Once your deposit has been submitted, you will be able to access your Residence Application and complete your Roommate Compatibility Survey via your Admitted Student portal within 24-48 hours. -
Change of major requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. To request a change, log in to your myNortheastern Admitted Student portal and select the “Self-Service” tab. Once there, select the “Change of Major Request” link under “Updates."
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In general, students who have paid their deposit may request to defer their enrollment one time for a maximum of one year for reasons such as travel, medical conditions, military obligations, or work. Students may not take any classes for academic credit during the deferral period. Requests are reviewed and granted on a case-by-case basis. Students who are granted a deferral must submit a nonrefundable deferral deposit to secure their place for the future term. Deferral requests must be submitted by June 1 for students admitted to the N.U.in, Global Scholars, or London Scholars Programs and July 1 for students admitted to the fall program. All requests can be submitted through the request link on your Application Status Check. Students admitted to NU Immerse or Foundation Year are not eligible to defer their enrollment. -
Without exception, all students must successfully complete their current academic program and submit all final transcripts. High school students must also submit proof of graduation, which is typically found on the final high school transcript. Failure to submit your final high school transcript may impact your financial aid or scholarship award. Failure to successfully complete your current academic program in good standing could result in a decision to rescind your offer of admission. Disciplinary issues that have occurred since admission, at Northeastern’s New Student Orientation programs, during Move-In, or prior to the official start of the semester, must be fully disclosed as part of the terms of admissions. Northeastern reserves the right to rescind your offer of admission or engage in any appropriate disciplinary action related to these issues.
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After you submit your deposit, please send the following information through your Application Status Check as soon as possible:
- Final high school transcript (required)
- Advanced Placement test results (if applicable)
- International Baccalaureate exam results (if applicable)
- New or updated SAT/ACT scores (if applicable)
- National Merit Finalist, National Achievement or
- National Hispanic documentation (if applicable)
- Official secondary-school national exam results (if applicable)
- Updated TOEFL/IELTS results (if applicable)
- Submit required financial documentation via myOGS (International Students only)
- Change of address information (if applicable; you can do this on the Admitted Student Portal)
- College transcripts from any previous or in-progress course work (if applicable)
Contacting Us
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You can fill out our Request Information Form and receive updates, advice, and information about Northeastern. -
Transcripts and recommendations should be sent to:
Northeastern University
Application Processing Center
P.O. Box 8210
Portsmouth, NH 03802Application fees, application fee waiver requests, FedEx, UPS, or Priority mail packages, and Declaration and Certification of Finances Forms should be sent to:
The Office of Undergraduate Admissions
101 Belvidere, 3rd Floor
Northeastern University
Boston, MA 02115-5000 USATest scores should be submitted electronically.
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Northeastern’s admissions staff can be found here. Please feel free to email admissions@northeastern.edu with any questions. -
You can find your admissions counselor here or contact admissions@northeastern.edu. -
Yes, we do! Please visit our Transfer Applicants page for more information.
Life at Northeastern
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Beginning sophomore year, full-time students are eligible to buy parking passes online on a semester basis. Freshman student parking requests are reviewed on a per-case-basis. Please email contact@masparc.com for more information.
Combined Majors
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A double major entails completing all requirements for both majors. Depending on the majors, there may be an overlap in requirements. Conversely, combined majors require at least nine courses associated with each of the two participating disciplines, rather than completing all requirements for each major. There must be at least one course that acts as a bridge between the disciplines.
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Students completing a combined major will receive one degree and one diploma. Majors will be printed on the diploma for nonspecified degrees only (Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts). For example, a diploma may read: Bachelor of Science, Data Science/Physics.
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Your Home College is the college to which you have been admitted, and the college in which you will enroll. Your Home College is also where your primary academic advisor will be based. -
Yes, you may request a major change to a combined major by following the standard procedure for changing majors. The combined major should be declared by the end of the first semester of junior year. It is generally advantageous to declare the combined major as early as possible, especially when highly structured disciplinary components are involved. -
Yes, students completing a combined major will only be charged the regular undergraduate tuition.
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Students in combined majors will work closely with advisors and engage in programming from each discipline. You are welcome to explore your academic and experiential offerings in either discipline.