Frequently Asked Admissions Questions

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• About Northeastern
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  • · Frequently Asked Questions
• Academics
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• Cost & Financial Aid
  • · Applying for Financial Aid
  • · Financial Aid for Admitted Students
  • · Merit Scholarships
• Student Life
  • · Dining on Campus
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  • · Health and Safety
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About Northeastern

About Northeastern

• The Northeastern Advantage

• Student & Faculty Stories

• Finding Your Fit

Apply Now Begin your journey to Northeastern here. Learn about our process, required documents, deadlines, and more. Apply

Apply

• Required Materials

• Deadlines & Decisions

• First-Year Applicants

• International Applicants

• Early Decision Benefits

• Prospective Student Resources

• Transfer Applicants

• Transferring Credit

• Frequently Asked Questions

Apply Now Begin your journey to Northeastern here. Learn about our process, required documents, deadlines, and more. Academics

Academics

• Areas of Study

• Experiential Learning

• Enrollment Opportunities

• Specialized Entry Programs

• Honors & Scholars Programs

• Faculty & Research

• Academic Resources

• Pre-Professional and Graduate Programs

Apply Now Begin your journey to Northeastern here. Learn about our process, required documents, deadlines, and more. Cost & Financial Aid

Cost & Financial Aid

• Applying for Financial Aid

• Financial Aid for Admitted Students

• Merit Scholarships

Apply Now Begin your journey to Northeastern here. Learn about our process, required documents, deadlines, and more. Student Life

Student Life

• Dining on Campus

• Belonging at Northeastern

• Health and Safety

• Housing & Residential Life

• Student Clubs and Organizations

• Student Orientation

Apply Now Begin your journey to Northeastern here. Learn about our process, required documents, deadlines, and more. Visit & Connect

Visit & Connect

• Visit Campus

• Virtual Visit Experience

• Admissions Staff

• Counselor Resources

• Contact

Apply Now Begin your journey to Northeastern here. Learn about our process, required documents, deadlines, and more.
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Application Information Frequently Asked Admissions Questions

Visiting

• Where should I go when arriving for a campus visit?

  Whether you are visiting our Boston, London, or Oakland campus, you will receive detailed arrival and parking/public transportation instructions ahead of your scheduled visit. Boston campus visits most commonly begin at the Admissions Visitor Center located at 40 Leon Street, Boston, MA 02115. London campus visits most commonly begin at Devon House, St Katharine's Way, London E1W 1JP, United Kingdom. Oakland campus visits most commonly begin at Lisser Hall, 5000 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland, CA 94613.  

• Does Northeastern offer class or overnight visits?

  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.

• Where does the Northeastern admissions team travel to?

  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

• How do I apply to Northeastern?

  Northeastern accepts both the Common Application and the Coalition Application . To apply, create an account on either platform and add Northeastern as one of the institutions you are applying to. Then, complete the application and submit it by the corresponding deadline.   

• What are the application deadlines?

  • 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.

• What materials are required for my application?

  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.  

• What are Northeastern's first-year enrollment programs?

  We offer several opportunities for incoming students to join the Northeastern community. All applicants are considered for admission to all programs, and applicants will rank their top three program preferences on their application, which is taken into account by the admissions committee. Our first-year enrollment programs include: Northeastern University Boston Northeastern’s University Oakland The N.U.in Program: first semester abroad at a partner location before transitioning to Boston The London Scholars program: first year at Northeastern's London campus before transitioning to Boston The New York City Scholars program : first year at the Marymount Manhattan College campus before transitioning to Boston

• How do I know if my application has been received by Northeastern?

  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 application has been received, and that your materials are being processed by our office. Once your materials have been processed, you will be given a Northeastern ID number (NUID) and instructions to set up your Application Status Check portal where you can monitor the status of your application.

• Does Northeastern require standardized testing?

  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.  

• What is the deadline to submit standardized testing?

  Students may indicate their test-optional status (whether they would like to submit results or not) 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.

  • 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

• Are there specific academic requirements for admission?

  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.

• Can I apply as an undecided major?

  Yes. Students admitted to all first-year enrollment programs may be undeclared majors. On 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 to help students declare a major by the end of their second year. On our Oakland campus, this Discover Oakland program for Interdisciplinary Studies majors embraces the entrepreneurial spirit of the Bay Area and offers dedicated programming and guidance to help students explore potential majors.

• What is a combined major?

  Combined majors are intentionally designed degree programs that allow students to explore two unique academic disciplines and the intersection between them. Different than double majors, which require students to complete all course requirements for two distinct majors, combined majors require at least nine courses associated with each of the two participating disciplines. Every combined major also includes at least one course about the overlap between both academic disciplines. Students completing a combined major will receive one degree and one diploma that lists both subject areas. For example, a diploma may read: Bachelor of Science, Data Science/Physics. Applicants may select an intended combined major on their application, or change their major to a combined major through their Application Status Check. For more information, visit our Combined Majors page.

• Can I send in an art portfolio?

  Students applying to the College of Arts, Media and Design are encouraged to submit a portfolio through their Application Status Check portal. 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. Click here for more information and deadlines. 

• What is the difference between applying Early Decision and Early Action?

  Early Decision is ideal for students confident that Northeastern is the right academic, social, and financial fit. Early Decision applicants will be bound to withdraw applications to all other instutions and enroll at Northeastern if admitted to their top choice first-year enrollment program. ED applicants will not be committed to enrolling if they are admitted to a first-year enrollment program that was not their preference—in this case a non-binding decision would be issued. Northeastern offers two rounds of Early Decision applications. Early Decision I applications are due by November 1 and Early Decision II applications are due by January 1. Early Action is non-binding and ideal for students who want to apply and receive their admission decision early. The Admissions Committee will not see senior year grades or late fall standardized testing scores for Early Action applicants. Early Action applications are due by November 1.

• What does an international student need to do to apply to Northeastern?

  All students, regardless of citizenship or country of residence, are evaluated using a holistic admissions review based on the context of the high school they attend. Students who are not eligible for US federal financial aid will need to submit the Declaration and Certification of Finances after submitting their application. For more information please visit our International Applicants page. 

• Why is proof of English proficiency required in my Application Status Check portal?

  We require proof of proficiency for all applicants. 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, and you submit a waiver request.
  • 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)

  Please visit our International Applicants page for more information on this requirement and waiver request process.

• What types of admission decisions could I receive from Northeastern?

  First-year applicants will receive one of the following admission decisions: Admission to Northeastern’s Boston campus Admission to Northeastern’s Oakland campus Admission to The N.U.in Program: first semester abroad at a partner location before transitioning to Boston Admission to London Scholars: first year at Northeastern's London campus before transitioning to Boston Admission to New York City Scholars: first year at the Marymount Manhattan College campus before transitioning to Boston Admission to NU Immerse: a yearlong program for English language acquisition in Boston Admission to Foundation Year: a yearlong program for selected students from the City of Boston Defer Waitlist Deny  

• When will I receive my admission decision?

  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

Financial Aid & Scholarships

• What do I need to do to apply for financial aid?

  Depending on your application 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.

• How do I qualify for a merit scholarship?

  All applicants are considered for competitive merit scholarship awards, which vary in amount, including Dean’s, Connections, and International scholarships. 

• Are there scholarships students need to apply for?

  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.

• Does Northeastern offer scholarships and/or aid for international students?

  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.

• Are there any special opportunities for Boston high school students?

  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

  Learn more about these scholarship programs.

• What is the Northeastern Promise?

  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.

• Do you meet full demonstrated need?

  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.

• When do I need to submit the FAFSA and the CSS Profile?

  Depending on your applicant type—whether an Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision, or Transfer applicant—the financial aid application deadline dates may vary. Students who submitted all financial aid documents by the stated deadline will receive their financial aid award alongside their admission decision.

• Does Northeastern participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program for veterans?

  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 [email protected].

The Enrollment Process

• I applied in the fall as a freshman and was not offered admission. When can I apply again?

  Students are strongly encouraged to wait one full academic year before reapplying.  

• If I was admitted but did not accept my offer of admission, when am I allowed to apply again?

  Students who declined their offer of admission must wait to reapply until the next fall academic term.

• I applied to Early Decision and was not admitted to my first choice enrollment program. Is this decision binding?

  Early Decision applicants will be bound to enrolling if admitted to their top-choice enrollment program as ranked on their application. This is true for all of our first-year enrollment programs. Early Decision applicants who selected “open to all opportunities” as their first preference, will be comitted to enrolling if admitted to any ernollment program. ED applicants will not be committed to an enrollment program if they are admitted into a program that was not their top preference—in this case a non-binding decision would be issued.  

• Will I receive credit for any college courses or AP tests I have taken?

  Transfer credits are available to students who complete AP, IB, or other national exams. College-level courses taken at an accredited institution during high school are also eligible for transfer credit. 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.  

• How do I withdraw from Northeastern?

  To withdraw from Northeastern, log in to your Application Status Check portal and submit the form called “Withdraw my Application".

• How do I submit my enrollment deposit?

  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 [email protected] for assistance paying your deposit if you are not able to make your deposit through the Application Status Check.

• Are there separate housing and enrollment deposits?

  There is not a separate deposit for housing. Once your enrollment deposit has been received, you will receive information about the timeline and process to complete your housing application and roommate compatibility survey.

• How do I change my major?

  To request a major change, log in to your Application Status Check portal and click on the "Major Change" button and select the major you would like to change to.

• Can I defer my enrollment?

  In general, students who have paid their enrollment 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, London Scholars, or New York City Scholars Programs and by July 1 for students admitted to the Boston or Oakland campuses. All requests can be submitted through the request link on your Application Status Check. Students admitted to the NU Immerse or Foundation Year programs are not eligible to defer their enrollment.

• What steps do I need to take to finalize my 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.

• What additional information should I send Northeastern after I enroll?

  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)

Transfer Admissions

• Where can I learn more about transfer admissions?

  Please visit our Transfer Applicants page for more information on the transfer admissions process and frequently asked transfer questions.

Contacting Us

• How can I receive more information about Northeastern?

  You can fill out our Request Information Form and receive updates, advice, and information about Northeastern.

• How can I get in touch with the admissions team?

  Northeastern’s admissions staff can be found here. Please feel free to email [email protected] with any questions, and a member of our team will respond to you.  

• What is Northeastern’s mailing address?

  Transcripts and recommendations that cannot be sent electronically should be sent to:

  Northeastern University Application Processing Center P.O. Box 8210 Portsmouth, NH 03802

  Application 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 USA

  Test scores should be submitted electronically.

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