Pre-Admission
Pre-Admission Requirements
Admission to Northwest University is granted to applicants meeting the University admissions requirements without regard to sex, race, color, age, national or ethnic origin, or physical disability. However, admissions are made on a selective basis according to criteria described below.
The following is required to be considered for admission to Northwest University’s traditional undergraduate programs, with the method of communicating the requirement to the Admissions Office in parentheses. (Admissions requirements to the Center for Online and Extended Education and Graduate Programs can be found here.)
- Application
- Short Answer to this prompt: “Northwest University is distinctly Christ-centered, known for faith development. Describe your personal relationship with Jesus Christ.”
- Entrance Test (ACT, SAT, CLT) may be considered for the President’s Scholarship and higher academic scholarships.
- Official High School Transcripts of work completed at time of application or General Educational Development Test (GED)
- College Transcripts (previous college work)
Salvation Experience
The mission of Northwest is to provide, in a distinctly evangelical Christian environment, quality education to prepare students for service and leadership. As a Christian Liberal Arts University, all experiences are directed to students discovering and preparing for God’s plan for their lives. Therefore, a vital experience of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ is required to be admitted.
Application
The Admission Application inquires about a student’s preparation to pursue higher education at Northwest University. The application requirements, completed in entirety, provide an assessment of the applicant’s preparation to benefit from and contribute to Northwest University’s learning community. Applicants must submit all transcripts in order to complete the application for review. No assurance of acceptance shall be assumed until the applicant receives an official letter of approval from the Admissions Office. Northwest University reserves the right to revoke, suspend, or modify an admission decision if application information is falsified, incomplete, or withheld.
GPA Requirement
Northwest University requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in high school or college coursework for regular admission. However, students with a GPA between 2.0 and 2.49 may still be considered for admission under Success Standing, provided they submit additional academic documentation or recommendations supporting their readiness for university studies.
High School Graduate
Applicants must be graduates of a recognized high school. The following years of preparatory work are recommended:
- English – 4
- Math – 3
- Social Studies – 2
- Science – 2
- Foreign Language – 2
- Electives – 3
Applicants may be admitted on the basis of satisfactory scores on the General Educational Development Tests (GED) as established by State Competency Standards.
Students who are homeschooled can present transcripts from a recognized homeschool organization or from their homeschool educator.
A limited number of mature persons who are not graduates of a high school may be admitted on a selective basis as special students. However, special students are not allowed to earn degrees, diplomas, or certificates at the University.
Entrance Tests
Admitted students who seek qualification to the invitational President’s Scholarship Competition may submit entrance tests per requirements outlined within the President’s Scholarship overview.
The ACT (American College Tests, College Code: 4466), the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Tests, College Code: 4541), or the CLT (Classical Learning Test). These tests are normally administered at high schools on a set schedule but require registration as early as possible. Transfer students with a minimum of 30 transferable quarter credits (20 transferable semester credits) from accredited colleges or universities are exempt from submitting test scores. (This does not include credit from Technical Institutions.)
Transcripts
It is the responsibility of the applicant to see that an official high school transcript and official transcripts for any college work completed are sent to the Admissions Office. This may be done by filing a letter of request with the schools concerned or sending directly to the Admissions Office at the address listed below. Accepted forms of official transcripts can be mailed physically or sent digitally from the institution.
After the application, entrance tests (optional), and transcripts have been received, the Admissions Committee will evaluate the application. Applicants will be notified by mail whether or not they are accepted.