Key differences on Getting in
- 1
Northwestern's yield is 9 pts higher than Washington University in St Louis's
Yield rate - 2
Northwestern is 1.6× more selective than Washington University in St Louis
Acceptance rate - 3
Northwestern's SAT midpoint is 5 points higher than Washington University in St Louis's
SAT midpoint
Admissions
Getting in, fall 2024
Acceptance and yield, test score ranges, test policy, and what each college weighs.
The funnel
Quad's selectivity
- Washington University in St LouisHighly selective
- NorthwesternUltra selective
Men and women
Acceptance rate for men and women who applied, where a college reports admissions by sex.
Test scores
SAT total,
Axis runs 1400–1600. The dark tick marks the national median midpoint.
ACT composite,
Axis runs 29–36. The dark tick marks the national median midpoint.
Test policy
- Washington University in St LouisTest-optional
- NorthwesternTest-optional
How they read a record
Washington University in St Louis
, GPA, class rank, and tests are all very important. This college reports (average 4.19), which pile most students into the top band; the bands can't show how crowded unweighted GPAs are.
Northwestern
The high school record and a college-prep program are required; GPA and class rank are considered.
What they look at
| Factor | Washington University in St Louis | Northwestern |
|---|---|---|
| High school GPA | Very important | Considered |
| High school record | Required | Required |
| Class rank | Very important | Considered |
| College-prep program | Required | Required |
| Recommendations | Very important | Required |
| Essay | Very important | Required |
| Legacy status | Considered | Considered |
| Work experience | Important | Considered |
| Demonstration of competencies | Considered | Not considered |
| English proficiency test | Required | Required |
| Other tests | Not considered | Not considered |
Sources:IPEDS Admissions survey, Fall 2024;Washington University in St Louis Common Data Set 2024–25, Fall 2026 applicants;College Scorecard, Entered fall 2023;College Scorecard, most recent releaseAbout the data(retrieved 2026-10-12)
Figures are the newest each college has published; years can differ between colleges. Each value's ⓘ shows its source and year. Why