IN FOCUS and Credit program application will open for summer 2026 in December 2025.
Application Requirements
College Credit and IN FOCUS Admission Requirements
- Completion of:
- sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school (IN FOCUS)
- junior or senior year of high school (College Credit)
- Cumulative GPA 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- $60 Non-refundable application fee
- Personal statement
- List of extracurricular activities
- High school transcripts
- TOEFL/IELTS/DET may be required
Personal Statement
Answer the following two questions (approximately 500 words total):
- Describe your most rewarding recent academic project or academic experience.
- Explain your interest in the specific program(s) you have selected, and what you hope to gain from participating in the program this summer.
Students will be evaluated on the quality of their writing, as well as thoughtfulness and originality.
Extracurricular Activities
List the clubs, sports, volunteer organizations, employment or other endeavors in which you participate within or outside of school. Please include your dates of involvement, a short description of the activity, and your role.
High School Transcripts
Transcript Requirements
- All Transcripts must be in English
- College Credit Option: Official transcripts required
- IN FOCUS Option: Unofficial transcripts will be accepted
- Rising Sophomores (IN FOCUS Program): One semester worth of grades
- Rising Juniors (IN FOCUS/College Credit Program): Three semesters worth of grades
- Rising Seniors (IN FOCUS/College Credit Program): Five semesters worth of grades
E-transcripts submitted via secure electronic providers are accepted. Please consult with your school to see if they are part of a secure e-delivery network. Transcripts are not accepted by fax or personal email.
All transcripts may be sent via email to: cppadmissions@northwestern.edu.
Materials submitted to the admissions office are integrated into an applicant's admissions file and will not be returned. Northwestern College Prep holds the right to contact school officials to verify student records.
TOEFL/IELTS/DET Requirement
An English proficiency test score (TOEFL/IELTS/DET) is required for applicants whose first/primary language is not English or whose secondary schooling has not been in English. There is no minimum score required by Northwestern. Competitive applicants demonstrate a high level of English proficiency and often score in the high range on all four sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing) of the TOEFL, or receive IELTS bands scores in the highest three bands on the overall and individual scores (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking).
Admissions Decisions
Application Review
The application review period begins in January 2026. After this date, you can expect to receive an admission decision by email approximately four to six weeks after your completed application is submitted online and all application materials are received to the College Prep Program office. Applications will not be reviewed until they are completed.
Admission in the program is limited and on a rolling basis. Admitted students secure their space in the program by submitting their program deposit fee, which must be received to be enrolled in the program. Please note that admission to the program does not guarantee enrollment.
Former College Prep Students
Application Fee Waiver
Students who are applying to CPP 2026 and attended CPP in the past are eligible for an Application Fee Waiver on their 2026 application. You must complete this waiver form to have your application fee waived.
Course Cancellation Policy
The University reserves the right to cancel classes or change modality when necessary, including those for which registration is not sufficient.
