How to Apply
Please visit our FAQ section for additional information about the admissions process and application materials. If you do not see your question answered below, please contact:
- Program Assistant, Tammy Wen (tammy.wen@northwestern.edu)
- Director of Faculty Services and Doctoral Student Affairs, Megan Redfearn (m-redfearn@northwestern.edu)
Fee Waiver Notice for Fall 2025 PhD Applicants
The Graduate School (TGS) is able to provide a limited number of fee waivers to domestic and U.S. applicants. Learn about criteria and waiver request steps here.
We have reached the maximum number of available application fee waivers. Regrettably, we are unable to offer fee waivers to international applicants at this time. Please feel free to reach out if you have questions or need assistance with the application process.
Application Deadline
Entrance Year | Application Deadline |
---|---|
Fall 2025 | Tuesday, December 10, 2024 |
PhD Application Timeline
- December
Application Due
Online application and materials due to The Graduate School on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.
- January
Review Begins
Admissions committee issues interview invitations
- February
Interview Invitations
Admissions committee issues interview invitations
- March
Decision Letters
Admissions committee releases decision letters
- April
Offer Deadline
Deadline for admitted candidates to accept the admissions offer
Application Requirements
The Graduate School’s Online Application
Applicants can start or continue their application here. All application documents must be uploaded and submitted electronically. We do not accept paper copies of application documents.
Two letters of recommendation
Upload a minimum of two letters, three is the maximum.
Personal statement
Write a statement in response to this prompt (500-word max.)
Academic statement
Write a statement in response to the following questions (1000-word max.)
Resume/CV
Upload your resumé/curriculum vitae (CV) to the online application.
Writing sample
Upload a writing sample to the online application.
Post-secondary unofficial transcripts
Only unofficial transcripts need to be uploaded in the online application.
$95 application fee (non-refundable)
Fee waivers remain available for domestic applicants on a rolling basis. More information about eligibility and criteria here. Please check back in fall 2024 for the status of fee waivers for international applicants.
Additional Requirements
English Proficiency Scores (International Applicants Only)
Applicants will get the English Proficiency test requirement for TOEFL or IELTS automatically waived if an undergraduate or graduate degree was earned from an institution that instructs primarily in English.
The TGS's school code for TOEFL is 1565. Click here for more information about TOEFL scores.
GRE Scores (Optional)
Applications to Northwestern University’s Learning Sciences PhD Program are GRE-optional, meaning that applications submitted without scores will be given full consideration. In all cases, we will evaluate traditional measures of academic success including undergraduate GPA, graduate GPA (if applicable), performance in courses requiring rigorous quantitative and qualitative reasoning, independent writing samples, and letters of recommendation. GRE scores when submitted will be considered along with these other measures.
Have Questions?
Get in touch with us or attend an upcoming information session.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What do all these acronyms (NU, SESP, TGS, HDSP, LS, CS + LS) mean?
We like to use a lot of acronyms! Here are common ones you might encounter during the application process:
- NU: Northwestern University
- SESP: School of Education and Social Policy (SES · p)
- TGS: The Graduate School
- LS: Learning Sciences
What kind of academic system does Northwestern follow?
Northwestern follows a quarter system.
Can I request an individual visit?
Can I connect or meet with a current student?
I thought the programs were offered under SESP. Why is the application showing that I’m applying to The Graduate School (TGS)?
Application Questions
I’m not able to start a new application. What should I do?
When will the application be available?
Where can I start an application?
I’m not able to submit or upload my documents. What should I do?
Is there an application fee waiver?
The Graduate School (TGS) is able to provide a limited number of fee waivers to domestic and U.S. applicants. Learn about criteria and waiver request steps here.
The fee waiver availability for international applicants is pending. Please complete this interest form for future updates.
What are the deadlines for fall 2024 admissions?
- Human Development and Social Policy: Friday, December 1, 2023.
- Learning Sciences: Friday, December 15th, 2023.
- Computer Science and Learning Sciences: Friday, December 15th, 2023.