Northwestern / Interview
The Northwestern interview
Optional interview, and it carries minor weight in the decision. Here is how it works and how to prepare.
Optional interview
Optional alumni interview, ~30-45 min, in-person or virtual depending on alumni availability in your area
How to prepare for Northwestern
- Northwestern alumni interviews are conducted by the Northwestern Alumni Admission Council (NAAC) and are offered based on volunteer availability , not every applicant will be contacted, so do not worry if you are not offered one.
- Because Northwestern has distinct schools (Weinberg, McCormick, Medill, Bienen, SESP, Communication), be prepared to speak specifically about why you chose the school you applied to and how its curriculum fits your goals.
- The interview is conversational and informational, so come with genuine questions about Northwestern , interviewers notice when students have done serious research rather than generic questions about campus life.
- If you are not offered an interview, focus on demonstrating interest through the specificity of your essays , Northwestern's supplemental prompt asking 'why Northwestern' is where that work gets done.
Practice before the real thing
Rehearse real admissions-interview questions and get an honest read on your answers, what an interviewer hears, where you sound generic, and what to sharpen. We coach you; we never script you.
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