BS Journalism

How US Universities Assess Applicants

US universities use a holistic admissions review. Beyond grades and standardized test scores, they weigh the strength of your overall profile to understand who you are as a student and a person.

• Profile Assessment: Applicants are generally assessed on writing, communication, creativity and engagement with media or current affairs. Journalism, school publications, podcasting, filmmaking, photography, social-media projects, debate and communication campaigns may strengthen the profile. Some film or media programs may request a creative portfolio, writing sample or supplementary submission.
• Advanced Placement(AP) Guidance: AP availability depends on the student's school. Relevant APs can strengthen an application and may earn university credit, but are not compulsory unless the university or programme explicitly requires them.
  • AP English Language/Literature
  • AP Research
  • AP Seminar and relevant History or Social Science courses
• Extracurricular activities: Estimated extracurricular contribution: 20–30%. Northwestern values initiative, collaboration, interdisciplinary interests and community engagement. Activities combining different interests—such as technology and music, journalism and politics, or business and social impact—may complement Northwestern’s interdisciplinary academic environment.
• Essays & recommendations: Personal essays and teacher/counselor recommendations give context to your achievements and help demonstrate fit with the program.