College Prep FAQs

General Questions

When will the application system open? 
The application system for summer 2025 will open December 2, 2024. The list of courses for credit will be updated January 2025 for summer 2025. 

What is the cost of the program? 
Tuition differs for College Preparation Program credit courses, online programs, and IN FOCUS seminars. Visit the Cost & Aid page for details on tuition. 

Are there any scholarships or financial aid available?  
Our scholarship and financial aid options are available to domestic students; scholarship applications are due March 3, 2025.
 
Will participation in the College Preparation Program affect my chances of getting into Northwestern University?  
While successful enrollment in college-level courses is a great head-start to your college career, many facets of your application will contribute to your acceptance to college. Participation in the CPP is one of the many pieces of your application profile; it alone does not guarantee your acceptance to Northwestern University. 
 
If I have an obligation that requires me to be away from campus during part of the College Preparation Program, may I still attend?  
CPP courses only meet for a short period of time. As a result, missing even one class meeting could be detrimental to your final grade.  You are expected to contact the CPP office and your instructor if you have a conflict with any class while you are in the CPP program. Other summertime commitments should be scheduled for before or after the College Prep Program. 
 
Who else takes classes in the summer? 
College Prep students enrolled in college credit courses take undergraduate courses with other Northwestern and visiting university students during the summer. Only high school College Prep students enroll in the online programs and IN FOCUS Seminars. 

How safe is Northwestern? 
Throughout the day, there is largely no security threat at Northwestern's Evanston campus. This is because, not only are students everywhere - from the lakefill to the walkways of the main road through campus, Sheridan - but 'blue-light' emergency telephones fast alert Northwestern police if there is any problem. These phones are conveniently located at several key locations on campus. At night, the police take extra measures to guarantee safety to students, embarking on more numerous patrols through the campus. You may check the crime alert page for updated safety information.

Application Questions

Who may apply?  
Credit courses are open to rising Juniors and Seniors. IN FOCUS seminars are open to rising Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors. Information on application requirements is here. 
 
When is the application deadline? 
The application deadline is April 1st, 2025. 
 
Will I be notified if my application is incomplete? 
We encourage you to check your application portal (the same link you used to start your application) for any missing materials, and contact CPP at cpp@northwestern.edu to submit any missing materials. 
 
How soon will I know if I have been accepted? 
After the admissions committee begins reviewing completed applications in January, you will receive an email of the admission decision approximately 3-6 weeks of receipt of your completed application online and all application materials are received to the College Prep Program office. Your application will not be reviewed until it is complete. Admission to the program is on a rolling basis. Admitted students secure their space in the program by submitting their program deposit fee. Please note that admission to the program does not guarantee enrollment.

How many classes may I take?

Credit: US students may take one or more classes for credit, but they must be in the same modality (Online or in-person). International students must take two credit classes to be considered a full-time student on an F-1 Visa.

IN-Focus: US and international students may attend more than one IN-Focus class as long as they occur in separate sessions.  

Academic Life

What courses may I take?  
College Prep students may enroll in college credit courses, or intensive IN FOCUS Seminars. All courses are taught by Northwestern affiliated instructors who look forward to the same level of commitment and involvement from you that they do from the rest of Northwestern’s student body. 
 
Generally, CPP participants may take any 100 or 200 level college credit courses — and some 300 level courses — offered on the Evanston or Chicago campuses. College credit courses are available in virtually any subject area. The IN FOCUS seminars are designed for students who want an intensive learning experience in a specific subject area such as business, medicine, law, STEM, and humanities. 
 
Can I take a class in a program (IN FOCUS or Credit) for which I'm not enrolled in? 
You cannot be active in more than one program or take classes from a program other than that which you are enrolled. 

Where is the bookstore and when can I buy books?  
For college credit courses, you can buy your textbooks at the university bookstores when you arrive or pre-order and pay for books online, and then pick them up when you arrive on campus. Some textbooks may also be available through online vendors. Prices vary, but we recommend that you plan for at least $100 for each class (more for science texts) if you plan to purchase course materials after you arrive. If your class is taught in Evanston, you will purchase your books from the Norris University Center bookstore (847-491-3990) or potentially an online book retailer.

Campus Life

Will I be able to live on campus during my summer 2025 program? 
Residential housing is available for summer 2025. 

Where can I worship? 
Please visit Northwestern's Religious Life page for information on religious life at Northwestern University. 
 
Can I bring my car? 
Commuter students may use their cars to travel to and from campus but may not transport other CPP participants. Students must purchase their own parking passes from the Evanston Campus Parking office.  
 
How big is the campus? 
Northwestern University is located on a 240-acre campus in Evanston, the first suburb north of Chicago. 

• Visit the program office at 405 Church St. any weekday between 9am-5pm 
• In an emergency, or after hours and on weekends and holidays, you can call NUPD at 847-491-3456 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)