How to Get into Northeastern: Admission Requirements and Tips

Thinking about applying to Northeastern University? With its strong focus on experiential learning, top-tier academics, and a prime location in Boston, it’s a dream school for many students.  Northeastern’s co-op program and global network give students hands-on experience that sets them apart.

But getting in takes more than just good grades. With an acceptance rate of just 5.2%, the competition is tough. Admissions officers look for students who are not only academically strong but are ready to take on the real world through internships, research, and global experiences.

If you’re aiming for a spot at Northeastern, don’t worry. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from GPA expectations to essay tips, so you can put together a strong application. Let’s get started!

• How Hard Is It to Get into Northeastern?
• Northeastern University Admission Requirements
• Northeastern GPA Requirements
• Northeastern SAT Scores
• Northeastern ACT Scores
• How to Increase Your Chances of Getting into Northeastern
• Northeastern Application Deadlines
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

How Hard Is It to Get into Northeastern?

For the Class of 2028, Northeastern received over 98,000 applications, setting a new record, and admitted only 5.2% of applicants. With such a low acceptance rate, it’s clear that Northeastern has become an increasingly competitive school. You can explore more about the university’s enrollment, rankings, and other statistics on Northeastern’s official facts page.

Curious about how Northeastern’s acceptance rates have changed over the years? Here’s a quick look:

As you can see, Northeastern’s acceptance rates have taken a nosedive over the past few years, going from 20.5% for the Class of 2024 to just 5.2% for the Class of 2028. The biggest drop happened between 2025 and 2026, when the rate plummeted from 18.4% to 6.8%, likely because more students are applying and the school’s reputation is on the rise.

Now, with acceptance rates hovering around 5%, Northeastern has become one of the most competitive schools out there, making it tougher than ever to get in. If you’re applying, you’ll definitely need to bring your A-game!

Northeastern University Admission Requirements

Applying to Northeastern University is about more than just having strong grades. Northeastern looks for students who are driven, curious, and eager to take advantage of experiential learning opportunities. Here’s what you need to know about their application process:

• High school transcript. Northeastern wants to see that you’ve challenged yourself with rigorous courses like AP, IB, or honors classes. They’re looking for a pattern of strong performance and a willingness to push yourself academically.
• Recommendation letters. You’ll need one from your school counselor and at least one from a teacher who knows you well. Choose someone who can talk about your work ethic, personality, and what you bring to the classroom—not just your grades.
• Personal statement. Northeastern takes a flexible approach to essays. You can choose one prompt from The Common Application or the Coalition Application. If you have something unique to share, this is a great chance to let your personality shine.
• Standardized test scores (optional). Northeastern is test-optional, so SAT and ACT scores are not required. If you think your scores add value to your application, submit them. If not, no stress. Admissions officers will focus on the rest of your application.
• Mid-year and final transcripts. Your senior year still matters. Northeastern requires a mid-year report with your first-semester grades, and they’ll check your final transcript to make sure you stayed on track.
• Supplemental materials (optional). If you’re applying to majors in the College of Arts, Media, and Design, submitting a portfolio is encouraged to showcase your work.

The most important factors in the admissions process include the rigor of your high school coursework, your academic GPA, letters of recommendation, and your application essay.

However, Northeastern takes a holistic approach to admissions, meaning they evaluate more than just your GPA and test scores.

Extracurricular activities, talents, personal qualities, volunteer work, work experience, and first-generation status are also considered in the admissions process. While these factors may not carry as much weight as academics, they can still help strengthen your application and demonstrate what makes you unique.

On the other hand, factors like alumni relations, geographical location, and demonstrated interest are considered but do not play a major role in decisions. State residency and religious affiliation are not considered at all.

Ultimately, Northeastern is looking for students who are academically driven, engaged, and eager to take advantage of its experiential learning opportunities. A strong application will highlight both your academic achievements and the unique qualities that make you a great fit for the Northeastern community.

High school coursework recommendations

Your transcript is one of the first things Northeastern looks at, so taking a strong set of academic courses is key to staying competitive. To be in the best position for admission, here’s what Northeastern recommends:

• 4 units of English
• 3 required, 4 recommended units of Mathematics
• 3 required, 4 recommended units of Science (including at least 2-4 lab sciences)
• 2 required, 3 to 4 recommended units of Foreign Language
• 3 required, 3 to 4 recommended units of Social Studies
• 2 units of History

That adds up to at least 17 core academic units, but taking more challenging courses will strengthen your application. If you really want to stand out, take the most advanced courses available at your school, whether that means AP, IB, or honors classes.

Northeastern values students who push themselves academically, and a strong high school curriculum shows that you are ready for the demands of college-level work.

Northeastern GPA Requirements

Northeastern does not publicly disclose the average GPA of admitted students, but given its increasing selectivity, aiming for a 4.6 or higher will put you in a competitive position. A strong academic record, combined with rigorous coursework, will help demonstrate that you are ready for NU’s challenging curriculum.

Northeastern average GPA

Although the university doesn’t provide an official average GPA, data from Northeastern’s Common Data Set for 2023-2024 shows:

• 86.8% had a 4.0 GPA
• 8% had a GPA between 3.75 and 3.99
• 3.9% had a GPA between 3.50 and 3.74
• Less than 1% had a GPA below 3.5

In addition to GPA, class rank can also play a role in admissions. Among admitted students who reported class rank:

• 69.9% were in the top 10% of their high school class
• 92.4% were in the top 25%
• 98.9% were in the top 50%

This data makes it clear that Northeastern prioritizes academic excellence. However, GPA is just one part of the picture. Northeastern takes a holistic approach, so extracurricular activities, leadership roles, recommendation letters, and essays also carry weight in the admissions process.

If your GPA is not as high as you’d like, don’t panic. Taking the most challenging courses available at your school, excelling in other areas, and crafting a strong application can still make a big difference in your chances of getting in.

Northeastern SAT Scores

Northeastern is test-optional, meaning you do not have to submit SAT scores if you do not want to. However, if you choose to send them, they should be strong to stay competitive. Submitting high scores can highlight your academic readiness and may help strengthen your application.

Northeastern average SAT

According to Northeastern’s latest Common Data Set, here are the typical SAT scores for admitted students:

Here’s a breakdown of section scores:

Most admitted students scored very high on the SAT. In fact, 94.2% of Northeastern students had composite scores between 1400 and 1600, while only 5.6% scored between 1200 and 1399.

In the Math section, 92.6% of students scored between 700 and 800, while in the EBRW section, 82.1% reached that range.

To stay competitive, aim for a 1530 or higher, with strong scores in both Math and EBRW. A score in this range shows that you are well-prepared for Northeastern’s rigorous academics.

That said, do not panic if your scores are not perfect. Northeastern evaluates applications holistically, so your coursework, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations all matter. If your SAT scores are close but not quite there, consider retaking the test to boost your chances.

Does Northeastern require the SAT?

Not at all. Northeastern is test-optional, which means you can choose whether or not to submit your SAT scores. If you have a strong score, sending it can reinforce your academic profile and give your application a boost. But if your scores are not where you want them to be, leaving them out will not put you at a disadvantage.

Northeastern takes a holistic approach to admissions. They place significant emphasis on your coursework, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations. Rather than focusing on numbers alone, Northeastern wants to see who you are as a student and how you will contribute to their campus community.

Northeastern ACT Scores

Northeastern does not have a strict ACT cutoff, but if you choose to submit scores, they should be strong. The ACT is one way to show you are ready for Northeastern’s challenging academics, but keep in mind that it is completely optional.

Northeastern average ACT

Here is a look at the ACT scores for admitted Northeastern students:

As for the subject breakdown:

Most admitted students scored very well on the ACT. In fact, 94.3% of students had a composite score between 30 and 36, and nearly all students scored 30+ in English, Reading, and Science. For Math, about 81.4% scored at least 30.

If you want to be in the most competitive range, aim for a 35 or higher. But if your scores are not quite there, don’t panic. Northeastern takes a holistic approach to admissions, so factors like your coursework, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations all play a big role. If standardized testing is not your strong suit, you can absolutely stand out in other areas.

Does Northeastern prefer the ACT or SAT?

Neither. Northeastern does not favor one test over the other. Among first-year applicants, 27% submitted SAT scores, while 8% submitted ACT scores. Both tests are equally accepted, so you should choose the one that best highlights your academic strengths—or skip them altogether since Northeastern is test-optional.

Northeastern also superscores both the ACT and SAT, meaning they will combine your highest section scores from multiple test dates to give you the best possible composite score. If you have taken the test more than once, this could work in your favor. Just be sure to submit your strongest scores if you decide to include them in your application.

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting into Northeastern

Getting into Northeastern is no easy task, but don’t stress. With a solid strategy and a standout application, you can give yourself the best shot. Let’s go over what matters most:

1. Keep your GPA in check.

A strong GPA is one of the most important factors in Northeastern’s admissions process. To stay competitive, aim for a 4.6 or higher. Taking challenging courses like AP, IB, or honors classes can also strengthen your application. Performing well in these courses shows admissions officers that you are ready for Northeastern’s rigorous academics.

If your grades have had some ups and downs, do not panic. Admissions officers love to see growth and resilience, so if you have made a comeback in certain subjects, that is something worth highlighting.

If you are struggling, getting help from a tutor or joining a study group can show that you are proactive about your education.

2. Send SAT/ACT scores if they help your case.

Northeastern is test-optional, so submitting scores is totally up to you. If your SAT or ACT scores are strong, they can add another layer to your application and reinforce your academic strengths.

For reference, the middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1500 and 1530 on the SAT and 33 and 35 on the ACT. If you are in or above this range, sending your scores could give you a leg up.

If your scores are not where you want them to be, that is okay. Consider retaking the test to improve weaker sections, or use practice tests and private tutoring to strengthen your performance.

Since Northeastern superscores, they will take your highest section scores from multiple test dates, which can work in your favor.

That being said, if standardized tests are not your thing, don’t sweat it. Northeastern takes a holistic approach, meaning factors like your coursework, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations all carry weight. Play to your strengths and focus on what makes you a great fit for Northeastern.

3. Let your essay show who you are.

Northeastern keeps things simple when it comes to essays. Applicants are only required to submit a personal statement, choosing one prompt from either The Common Application or The Coalition Application. There is no additional Northeastern-specific supplemental essay.

Even though there is only one essay, do not underestimate its importance. This is your chance to go beyond grades and test scores and show admissions officers what drives you, how you think, and what makes you a great fit for Northeastern.

Tips for writing a strong essay:

• Be yourself. Northeastern wants to get to know the real you, so write in your own voice and share what makes you tick.
• Tell a story. Instead of listing accomplishments, use specific examples and experiences to make your response engaging and personal.
• Show how you think. Northeastern values students who are curious and thoughtful, so highlight how you approach challenges, ideas, or experiences.
• Make it count. Since space is limited, focus on depth and insight rather than trying to cover everything. A well-told story can leave a lasting impression.

Your essay is a chance to give admissions officers a glimpse into who you are and what excites you. Take the time to brainstorm, draft, and revise so that your application stands out in the best way possible.

Need more help with your personal statement? Check out our go-to guide on Northeastern’s essays!

4. Make your extracurriculars count.

Northeastern wants students who take initiative, make an impact, and push boundaries, whether that’s through research, leadership, innovation, or community involvement. They value students who don’t just participate in activities but actively contribute to them and create something meaningful.

If you have taken on a leadership role, that’s a great way to stand out. Maybe you co-founded a tech startup aimed at improving accessibility and showcased it at the Conrad Challenge. Maybe you led a STEM outreach program for underprivileged students through the MITES Semester program or Google’s Code Next.

Or perhaps you organized a hackathon that brought together students from different backgrounds to collaborate on creative solutions, such as HackMIT or the Zero Robotics Competition. Northeastern is looking for students who take action and make things happen.

However, leadership titles are not everything. Depth of involvement matters just as much as titles. If you spent years working on sustainable urban development research, participating in programs like the Simons Summer Research Program or the Garcia Summer Scholars Program, that shows dedication.

If you launched a podcast about global affairs, you might have been recognized by the National High School Ethics Bowl or the John Locke Essay Competition. If you designed an app to help local businesses streamline their operations, submitting it to Coolest Projects or the Congressional App Challenge would demonstrate innovation. These kinds of initiatives reflect the intellectual curiosity and entrepreneurial mindset that Northeastern values.

Even activities outside of school can be just as impressive. Maybe you worked a part-time job to help support your family or took care of younger siblings while balancing schoolwork. These experiences show responsibility, problem-solving, and resilience—qualities that Northeastern appreciates in applicants.

Pro tip: Be specific about your extracurriculars. Instead of writing, “Volunteered at a science camp,” say, “Led hands-on robotics workshops for middle schoolers through FIRST Robotics, sparking interest in STEM for 50+ students.”

Instead of “Started a tutoring program,” say, “Developed a peer mentoring initiative that boosted student test scores by 15% in AP Calculus and was recognized by the National Honor Society.”

Northeastern is looking for students who engage with their communities, innovate, and drive change. Rather than simply listing activities, show the impact you have made and how it reflects your passions and ambitions.

5. Secure strong recommendation letters.

Northeastern requires one teacher recommendation and one counselor recommendation as part of your application. These letters provide admissions officers with a deeper understanding of who you are beyond grades and test scores, highlighting your work ethic, character, and contributions to your school community.

Tips for strong recommendation letters:

• Choose a teacher who knows you well. Pick someone from a subject where you thrived or made an impact. If there is a teacher who has seen your academic growth, leadership, or passion for learning, they would be a great choice.
• Connect with your counselor. Even if you attend a large school, make an effort to introduce yourself to your counselor and share your goals. Their letter provides insight into your broader character, leadership, and community involvement.
• Give them enough time. Teachers and counselors receive many recommendation requests, so ask at least a month in advance to ensure they have enough time to craft a thoughtful letter.
• Help them write a great letter. Share a short brag sheet that includes key projects, leadership roles, or personal achievements. The more details they have, the stronger and more personalized their letter will be.
• Show appreciation. A quick thank-you note or small token of appreciation can go a long way in showing gratitude and maintaining a strong relationship with your recommenders.

Northeastern allows applicants to submit 1-2 additional recommendation letters from other sources, such as a mentor, research advisor, coach, or employer. However, due to the high volume of applications, there is no guarantee that extra letters will be considered.

If you submit an additional recommendation, make sure it adds new insight into your strengths and experiences rather than repeating what has already been covered.

6. Consider applying Early Decision (ED).

If Northeastern is your top choice, applying Early Decision could improve your chances of admission. For the Fall 2023 admissions cycle, Northeastern received 3,672 ED applications and admitted 1,420 students. This results in an ED acceptance rate of approximately 38.7%.

This is significantly higher than Northeastern’s overall acceptance rate of 5.6% for that cycle, which makes ED a strong option for students who are confident Northeastern is their top choice.

Applying ED shows admissions officers that you are fully committed to attending if accepted, which can sometimes give your application an edge. However, ED is binding, meaning that if you are admitted, you are required to enroll and withdraw applications from other schools.

Before applying ED, make sure Northeastern is the right fit for you academically, socially, and financially. Have conversations with your family, explore the university’s financial aid options, and make sure you are fully ready to commit.

ED can be a great strategy, but only if you are 100% certain Northeastern is where you want to be. ​​

Northeastern Application Deadlines

Keeping track of application deadlines is key to staying organized and making the admissions process as stress-free as possible. Whether you’re applying through Early Decision, Early Action (EA), or Regular Decision (RD), knowing these important dates will help you plan ahead and avoid last-minute rushes.

A little preparation can go a long way. Mark these deadlines on your calendar, set reminders, and give yourself enough time to put together a strong application. Staying ahead of the game will help you submit your best work without unnecessary stress!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I get into Northeastern with low test scores?

Yes! Northeastern is test-optional, which means you’re not required to submit SAT or ACT scores. If standardized testing isn’t your strong suit, don’t stress. Your application will still be considered holistically. Instead, focus on strengthening other aspects of your application, such as your GPA, extracurricular involvement, and essays.

That said, if you do choose to submit scores, aim for at least a 1530+ on the SAT or a 35+ on the ACT to stay competitive. If your scores aren’t quite where you want them to be, consider retaking the test to improve your chances.

2. What GPA do I need to get into Northeastern?

Northeastern does not have an official minimum GPA requirement, but to stay competitive, you should aim for a 4.6 or higher. Most admitted students are at the top of their class, with strong performance in advanced coursework like AP, IB, or honors classes.

If your GPA is slightly lower, don’t worry! Northeastern evaluates applications holistically. Having leadership roles, meaningful extracurriculars, and strong recommendation letters can help balance your application.

3. Does applying Early Decision improve my chances of getting in?

Yes! Early Decision can increase your chances of acceptance. For the Fall 2023 class, Northeastern received 3,672 ED applications and admitted 1,420 students, resulting in an ED acceptance rate of 38.7%. This is significantly higher than the overall acceptance rate of 5.6% for that cycle.

However, remember that ED is binding. If you’re accepted, you are committing to attending Northeastern and must withdraw all applications from other schools. Be sure Northeastern is the right fit for you academically, socially, and financially before applying ED.

4. Is Northeastern test-optional?

Yes! Northeastern is test-optional, so submitting SAT or ACT scores is entirely up to you. If you believe your scores will enhance your application, you can include them, but if standardized tests aren’t your strength, you can leave them out without penalty. Northeastern evaluates applicants holistically, considering your coursework, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendation letters in the decision process.

5. How much does it cost to attend Northeastern?

For the 2024-2025 academic year, Northeastern’s tuition is $64,990 per year. When factoring in housing, meals, books, and personal expenses, the total cost of attendance can reach approximately $90,250. Northeastern does offer need-based financial aid and merit scholarships to help make education more accessible. Be sure to explore their financial aid policies to see what options might be available to you.

Takeaways

Want to increase your chances of getting into Northeastern? Here’s a quick rundown of what really matters:

• With an acceptance rate of 5.2%, Northeastern is highly competitive. To stand out, your application should highlight intellectual curiosity, leadership, and community engagement.
• Aim for a 4.6+ GPA and challenge yourself with AP, IB, or honors courses. Excelling in rigorous coursework, especially in subjects you’re passionate about, signals to Northeastern that you’re prepared for the demands of their academic programs.
• Test scores are optional, but if you submit them, aim high. A competitive SAT score is 1530+, and a strong ACT score is 35+. Since Northeastern superscores, submitting your highest section scores from multiple test dates can give your application a boost.
• Your essays and extracurriculars should tell your story. How have you grown? What impact have you made? Northeastern values students who think critically, engage deeply, and bring unique perspectives to campus. Show how you’ve contributed to your school, community, or a cause you care about.
• Need assistance? College applications can feel overwhelming, but working with a college admissions consultant can help simplify the process. A strong strategy, well-crafted essays, and a thoughtful application can increase your chances of success at Northeastern.