Top Northwestern Summer Programs You Should Know About

Northwestern University is ranked #6 in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 list of best national universities. No surprise that they take only the best of the best. In fact, according to the school’s admissions office, 90% of the students they accepted for the Class of 2028 graduated in the top 10 of their high school class. That same high standard carries over to Northwestern summer programs. If you’re a motivated student, this is your chance to dive into challenging courses, learn from top-notch professors, and connect with other driven students. You can explore new subjects, push yourself academically, and get a real feel for what college life is like at one of the country’s top universities.

In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Northwestern’s summer programs: what kinds of courses are offered, how to apply, what it costs, and why it might be the perfect fit for you.

• What Are the Summer Programs at Northwestern?
• In FOCUS Seminars
• Medill-Northwestern Journalism Institute (Medill Cherubs)
• National High School Institute
• Research Experiences in Astronomy at CIERA for High School Students (REACH)
• Why Join a Summer Program at Northwestern?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What are the Summer Programs at Northwestern?

Unlike a lot of other college prep programs, Northwestern’s is the real deal. Every class is taught by Northwestern-affiliated instructors, so you get the same high-quality education as actual university students. You won’t be stuck with general courses. You’ll dive into unique, college-level subjects that most high schools don’t offer.

Some of last year’s most popular classes included aerospace engineering, abnormal psychology, game theory, and neuroscience. If you’re ready to challenge yourself and explore something new, Northwestern summer programs are the perfect place to do it.

Here are the top Northwestern summer programs you can choose from:

• IN FOCUS Seminars
• Medill-Northwestern Journalism Institute
• National High School Institute
• Research Experiences in Astronomy at CIERA for High School Students

Let’s discuss them one by one below.

IN FOCUS Seminars

• Duration: 2 weeks (multiple sessions)
• Application deadline: April 1, 2025
• Location: Northwestern University, Evanston Campus (in-person)
• Cost of attendance: $3,450 (commuter); $4,850 (residential)
• Eligibility: 
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Age 14–17 by June 23, 2025
  • Must have finished freshman, sophomore, or junior year of high school before the program starts

IN FOCUS Seminars give you a taste of college life with two-week courses led by top Northwestern-affiliated instructors. You’ll dive into important topics through discussions, readings, and assignments, just like in a real college seminar. When you finish the program, you’ll earn a Northwestern transcript and a certificate as proof of your hard work.

In addition, you’ll get access to Wildcat Connect: Get Ready Series, a set of interactive workshops designed to help you prepare for college and feel at home in the Northwestern community. It’s one of the many ways Northwestern summer programs help you learn, grow, and connect with other motivated students!

The following dates are the scheduled sessions for Summer 2025:

• Session 1: June 23 – July 4
• Session 2: July 7 – July 18
• Session 3: July 21 – August 1
• Session 4: August 4 – August 15

Application process

To apply for the IN FOCUS program, you’ll need to submit a few key materials:

• $60 non-refundable application fee
• Personal statement (about 500 words) answering:
  • Your most rewarding recent academic project or experience.
  • Why you’re interested in the program and what you hope to gain.
• List of extracurricular activities
  • Include clubs, sports, volunteer work, jobs, or other activities.
  • Provide dates of involvement, a brief description, and your role.
• High school transcript
  • Requirements vary based on grade level and program
• English proficiency test (TOEFL/IELTS/DET)
  • Required for students whose first language is not English or who haven’t studied in English.
  • No minimum score, but strong applicants show high proficiency in all sections.

Be sure to complete all requirements before the deadline on April 1, 2025.

Medill-Northwestern Journalism Institute (Medill Cherubs)

• Duration: 4 weeks (June 29 – July 25, 2025)
• Application deadline: March 6, 2025
• Location: Northwestern University, Evanston Campus (in-person)
• Cost of attendance: $5,000
• Eligibility: Senior high school

The Medill Cherubs program is an incredible summer journalism experience for rising high school seniors. Held at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, it brings together up to 84 students who are passionate about storytelling and reporting. Sponsored by the Medill School of Journalism, this is one of the standout Northwestern summer programs that gives you hands-on training from professional journalists and university professors.

In 2024, students came from 15 states, the District of Columbia, and countries like China, Georgia, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. The program has been led by Medill Prof. Roger Boye since 1985, with a team of Medill faculty, industry experts, and former cherubs guiding you along the way. Plus, you’ll get a personal mentor who will support and challenge you throughout the summer.

Application process

To apply for the Medill Cherubs program, head to the program’s application page, where you’ll find the 2025 application and brochure. To be eligible, you must:

• Be in the top quarter of your high school class.
• Submit a high school transcript and letter of recommendation.
• Provide PSAT, SAT, ACT, or other standardized test scores (if available).
• Complete your junior year by May or June 2025.
• Show strong character, dependability, and intelligence.
• Provide clear evidence of your background or special skills in journalism.
• Make sure to prepare your materials carefully to give yourself the best chance of being selected!

National High School Institute

Since 1931, the National High School Institute (NHSI) has brought talented students to Northwestern University’s Evanston campus for immersive learning experiences. Known as “Cherubs,” a nickname given in the 1930s by Dean Ralph Dennis, students take part in a supportive and challenging environment designed to foster growth, knowledge, and creativity.

As one of the flagship Northwestern summer programs, NHSI is the oldest and largest university-based program of its kind, offering tracks in Theatre Arts, Film & Video, Debate, and Playwriting.

1. Theatre Arts Division

• Duration: 5 weeks (June 29 – August 2, 2025)
• Application deadline: February 27, 2025
• Location: Northwestern University, Evanston Campus (in-person)
• Cost of attendance: $7,500
• Eligibility: 
  • Rank in the top 30% of your high school class.
  • Show strong character, responsibility, and intelligence.
  • Have experience or a strong interest in theatre arts and be able to provide proof of it.

The NHSI Theatre Arts Division offers an intensive five-week program focused on stage performance and design. It’s one of the most immersive Northwestern summer programs, blending classes and rehearsals to prepare students for the demands of college-level theater.

Each student will either perform in or stage manage a fully produced 60-minute play directed by a professional. Participants choose between two concentrations: Performance or Stage Management & Design/Tech.

2. Film & Video Division

• Duration: 5 Weeks (June 29 – August 2, 2025)
• Application deadline: March 14, 2025
• Location: Northwestern University, Evanston Campus (in-person)
• Cost of attendance: $7,500
• Eligibility: 
  • Must be a current high school sophomore or junior.
  • Rank in or near the top 30% of your class.
  • Demonstrate strong character, dependability, and intelligence.
  • Show experience or strong interest in media arts with supporting evidence.

The NHSI Film & Video Institute gives students a college-level filmmaking experience, much like what you’d find in Northwestern’s own Radio-Television-Film Department. As part of Northwestern summer programs, the curriculum focuses on collaboration and storytelling, with hands-on training in film production.

Over five weeks, students use Northwestern’s world-class facilities, explore Chicago, and fully dive into their craft. Participants choose a concentration in Acting on Camera, Screenwriting, or Production.

3. Debate

• Duration: 4 weeks (June 29 – July 26); 6 weeks (June 29 – August 9)
  • Online: June 29 – July 11 (2 weeks)
  • On Campus: July 12 – July 26 (2 weeks)
  • Online: July 28 – August 9 (final 2 weeks of the 6-week program)
• Application deadline: Until the end of April or until all lab spots are full
• Location: Northwestern University, Evanston Campus (hybrid)
• Eligibility: 
  • Must be entering 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade in the summer of participation.
  • Rank in or near the top 30% of your class.
  • Demonstrate strong character, responsibility, and intelligence.
  • Show experience or strong interest in Policy Debate with supporting evidence.

The Northwestern Debate Institute is built on the same principles that have made Northwestern University’s Debate Society one of the most successful in college debate history. With 15 NDT championships, 16 final-round appearances, and 12 top speakers, its record is unmatched.

As one of the specialized Northwestern summer programs, Debate Cherubs trains in Policy Debate—the institute’s sole focus—which stands apart from other debate styles in topics, format, and the level of prep it takes to compete.

Research Experiences in Astronomy at CIERA for High School Students (REACH)

• Duration: multiple sessions
  • Session 1: June 16 – July 3, 2025
  • Session 2: July 7 – 25, 2025
• Application deadline: March 3, 2025
• Location: Northwestern University, Evanston Campus (in-person)
• Cost of attendance: $2500 for the Core Program
• Eligibility:
  • Must be a current high school sophomore, junior, or senior (grades 10-12) at the time of application.
  • Must provide own transportation to and from the program (daytime only; no housing available).
  • Must have parent/guardian permission to participate.

REACH (Research Experiences in Astronomy at CIERA for High School Students) is an exciting, hands-on program where you’ll dive into real astronomy research alongside professional scientists. As one of the unique Northwestern summer programs, it gives you the chance to work in a team-based environment, get one-on-one mentorship, and gain practical experience in astrophysics.

The program starts with a 3-week Core session, where you’ll learn Python programming and astro-related coding tools—just like a coding bootcamp for astronomers. After that, select students can continue with REACH Further, a 3-week extended research project guided by a mentor. If you’re passionate about space and science, this is a great way to explore astrophysics while developing valuable research and coding skills.

Application process

To apply, you’ll need to fill out the application form and answer a few essay questions. Make sure to read each question carefully before responding.

• Your contact details, parent/guardian contact information, and grade level
• Name and address of your high school
• Your availability for Session 1 or 2
• Essay questions:
  • 1-page essay (500-800 words). Pick a science news article from the past few years that excited or inspired you. Explain why it caught your attention and how it connects to your interests, goals, or experiences. Since many Northwestern summer programs focus on real-world learning, use this as a chance to show what truly sparks your curiosity—and why it matters to you.
  • Short answer essays (1-2 paragraphs each):
    • What do you hope to gain from the REACH program?
    • Describe your experience with computer programming (if any). Mention any languages like Python or JavaScript, or experience with operating systems like Windows or macOS. (No prior coding experience required!)
    • Have you done any STEM research before? If yes, briefly describe it. If no, write Not Applicable. (No research experience required!)
    • What activities or programs do you participate in to explore your STEM interests?
    • What’s missing from your STEM experience? Are there opportunities you wish you had access to?

Why Join a Summer Program at Northwestern?

Spending a summer at Northwestern is a smart move if you’re considering applying to the university. It shows that you’re curious, motivated, and genuinely interested in what Northwestern has to offer. You’ll get a real feel for the campus, the academics, and the people, all while building connections with professors and students.

When it’s time to apply for college, having Northwestern on your résumé can make you stand out especially if you’ve already experienced one of their Northwestern summer programs and shown you can thrive in that environment.

Northwestern appreciates students who take the initiative to challenge themselves and dive deeper into their interests. By joining a summer program, you’re not just exploring an option—you’re actively experiencing life as a Northwestern student.

Admissions officers will see this as a strong sign of your commitment and readiness. Plus, beyond boosting your application, spending a summer here helps you figure out if Northwestern is the right fit for you, all while gaining valuable skills that will benefit you no matter where you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Northwestern have a summer program?

Yes! Northwestern University offers a variety of summer programs for high school students through different institutes, including the National High School Institute (NHSI), the Medill Cherubs journalism program, and the Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (CIERA) REACH program.

2. Are the Northwestern summer programs competitive?

Yes, Northwestern’s summer programs are competitive, especially in journalism, debate, theatre, film, and STEM. They attract high-achieving students from around the world, with admissions based on academics, essays, recommendations, and interest in the field. Applying early with a strong application can boost your chances.

3. Does Northwestern have summer classes?

Yes! Northwestern University offers Summer Session classes for Northwestern students, visiting college students, and some high school students. These courses cover various subjects, allowing students to earn credits, explore new topics, or get ahead in their studies during the summer.

4. What is Northwestern’s summer programs acceptance rate?

​Acceptance rates for Northwestern University’s summer programs vary widely depending on the specific program and its competitiveness. For instance, the REACH program at the Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (CIERA) had an acceptance rate of 32% in 2024, reflecting a significant increase in applications over recent years.

Takeaways

A summer at Northwestern is about stepping out of your comfort zone, diving into subjects you’re genuinely curious about, and living the college experience before it officially begins.

• Northwestern’s summer programs are academically intense and selective. You’re expected to bring strong grades, clear interests, and thoughtful application materials.
• With these summer programs at Northwestern, you’ll get to study unique subjects you won’t find in a typical high school.
• These programs help you build a stronger college application. Admissions officers notice students who take initiative.
• Working with a college admissions expert can help you identify which of these summer programs at Northwestern is the best fit for you.