t h e     u n i v e r s i t y

Admission

Learning about Northeastern

Admission Policies

Entrance Requirements

How to Apply

Summer Orientation

Learning about Northeastern

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions encourages prospective students to learn more about Northeastern University. For more information on the following services and events, or to receive additional publications, contact the office at 617.373.2200 (voice), 617.373.3100 (TTY), or 617.373.8780 (fax). Or write: Office of Undergraduate Admissions, 150 Richards Hall, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115. You may also access our Home Page at http://www.neu.edu.

Interviews. Prospective students have an opportunity to meet individually with an admission counselor to discuss University programs and activities. The interview is recommended and provides students with valuable insights into the personality and character of Northeastern University. Please call at least two weeks in advance for an appointment.

Campus tours. Campus tours, led by undergraduate guides, offer students a unique perspective on the Northeastern experience. Visitors observe campus life firsthand and talk with students while touring academic, residence, and recreation areas. During fall, winter, and spring, tours are conducted Monday through Friday, on the hour from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Saturdays at 9, 10, and 11 a.m. During summer, tours are conducted Monday through Friday only.

Information sessions. Information about the University is presented by an admission counselor, followed by a question-and-answer period. These sessions are conducted in a group setting. During fall, winter, and spring, information sessions are held Monday through Friday, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and on Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. During summer, information sessions are held Monday through Friday only.

Open house. Each fall, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions invites prospective students and their parents to an open house. College faculty, along with representatives of various University departments, provide information about admissions, cooperative education, student financial services, residential life, and student affairs.

Interviews and information sessions take place in the Admissions Visitor Center, 139 Richards Hall; campus tours depart from this location as well. To arrange for an interview, call 617.373.2211. If you plan to visit on or around a major holiday, please call in advance, as the Office of Undergraduate Admissions may be closed. For assistance with travel and hotel arrangements, call 888-99-VISIT.

Admission Policies

Northeastern University admits qualified freshmen and transfer students to all programs in September and January. In most programs, transfer students also may apply for entrance at the beginning of the March and June quarters.

Admission decisions. Admission is selective, and priority in admission and financial aid is given to candidates who submit their completed applications by the appropriate deadline. For fall admission, the priority deadline for submission of freshman applications is February 15, with the exception of the art, media arts and design, music technology, or physical therapy programs, which have a deadline of February 1 for the receipt of all application materials (see below). Candidates who wish to be considered for merit scholarship awards must submit their completed applications no later than January 1. Freshman applicants who meet the February 15 priority deadline will receive an admission decision no later than April 1. For transfer students, the priority deadline for fall admission is May 1. For all other terms of entry, applications must be received 60 days prior to the first day of classes. Applications are considered complete only if they are accompanied by all required credentials (including senior grades through the first marking period and results from either the Scholastic Assessment Test [SAT I] of the College Board or the American College Testing [ACT] Program). Without exception, all admitted candidates must successfully complete their senior year of high school and submit final high school transcripts as proof of graduation. (Note: It is strongly recommended that applications and all supporting credentials be submitted at least two weeks prior to any deadline so that they may be processed in time for consideration.)

Early admission--juniors, second-semester seniors. In certain cases, students may enroll at Northeastern before the expected year of their high school graduation. All applicants for early admission must have completed all units required for high school graduation (including senior English) before enrolling at the University, or must have earned the General Equivalency Diploma (GED). Such students may enroll in September, thereby reducing by one year the time to complete degree requirements. Endorsements by the student's school principal, guidance counselor, and parents are required for early admission. The applicant must also provide a 200-word personal statement outlining his or her educational and/or career aspirations.

Deferred admission. Admitted students who wish to participate in the deferred admission plan will be required to submit a written request describing the activities they intend for the period preceding enrollment. Students may request deferred admission one time for a maximum of one year for reasons such as travel, health problems, or work. Students granted deferred admission will be required to submit a nonrefundable $200 tuition deposit to secure their position. Additionally, if a student received a financial aid package or housing assignment, he or she must reapply for financial aid and housing by the deadlines specified for the intended quarter of initial matriculation. During the deferment, no academic course work may be taken.

Required deposits. Students who are accepted to the University are asked to submit a nonrefundable tuition deposit of $200 by May 1. This deposit indicates intent to enroll and is applied to the first-quarter tuition account. Students applying for entrance dates other than September should note the required deposit date on their letter of acceptance. For additional information about deposits required for international students, refer to the International Students section.

Students requesting on-campus housing must submit a nonrefundable $400 deposit (in addition to the $200 tuition deposit), along with a completed housing application, also by May 1.

Entrance Requirements

Applicants must have completed an academically challenging secondary school program-one that includes courses in English, mathematics, laboratory science, history, and a foreign language. Candidates should also have read broadly outside of class and developed an ability to communicate ideas effectively. Achievement in secondary school is the best single predictor of academic success in college. This factor, together with recommendations from the student's school counselor and results from either the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT I) or the American College Testing (ACT) Program, weighs most heavily in the evaluation process.

Secondary School Preparation

Applicants to all University majors are expected to have completed the equivalents of four years of high school English, two years of a single foreign language, three years of mathematics (mandated as algebra 1, algebra 2, and geometry), two years of natural science with labs, and one year of a single unit or combined units in the area of social sciences. Further requirements for specific University majors are outlined below.

Business administration. Candidates must have completed a strong college preparatory program with four years of mathematics, including geometry, algebra 1, algebra 2, and a fourth year of trigonometry and/or analysis.

Computer science, engineering, mathematics, nursing, pharmacy and health sciences, (except physical therapy; see below), and other sciences. Applicants are encouraged to complete a full sequence of science and mathematics courses. In science, such a sequence should include two years of study and laboratory work in the subject areas of biology, chemistry, and physics. Preference is given to computer science applicants who have completed high school physics and either biology or chemistry. Engineering students must complete high school physics. In mathematics, applicants must have completed a strong college preparatory program with four years of mathematics including geometry, algebra 1, algebra 2, and a fourth year of trigonometry and/or analysis.

Engineering technology. Applicants are encouraged to complete a full sequence of mathematics, including geometry, algebra 1, algebra 2, and analysis, and a full year of study and lab work in a natural science.

Physical therapy. Candidates must have completed a full year each of biology and chemistry, with labs. However, due to the competitiveness of the program, it is strongly recommended that applicants also complete a year of physical science and a fourth year of science with lab (such as physics, advanced biology, advanced chemistry, or anatomy and physiology). In math, candidates must have completed geometry, algebra 1, algebra 2, and a fourth year of trigonometry and/or analysis.

Auditions

Music. Admission to the music literature and performance concentration is highly competitive and requires an audition after clearance by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. An audition can be scheduled after February 1 by calling Arthur Rishi at 617.373.2776.

Portfolios Art and media arts and design (graphic design). Admission to the graphic design, photography, animation, and general studio art concentrations and majors requires a portfolio review by a committee of faculty. The portfolio must include fifteen slides of original artwork presented in an 8.5" x 11" plastic slide sheet. All slides should be clearly numbered and labeled on the front side with the applicant's name, title of work, date completed, dimensions, and media used. The top of the work should be indicated by an arrow. Photographic work may instead be submitted as prints, with the maximum size of 11" x 14", not to exceed fifteen prints. These should either be mounted (maximum 11" x 14") or submitted in a book with plastic sleeves to protect the work. Each print should have the applicant's name, address, title of work, and date completed on the back. Also on the back of each print, indicate whether you printed the image or whether it was printed at a lab. The portfolio may include work in a variety of media; no particular subject matter or style is required. Applicants should select work that best demonstrates their personal style, skill, creativity, and commitment to innovation. Along with slides, the portfolio must contain (1) a typed slide inventory list with the applicant's name, address, telephone number, and Social Security number; and, (2) a separate, typed, one-page artist's statement, describing the applicant's artwork, personal background, interests, goals, artistic influences, and any other relevant information. A self-addressed stamped envelope must be included for return of the portfolio slides.

Entrance Examinations

Freshmen must take the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT I) of the College Board or the American College Testing (ACT) Program test. Results of these tests may be sent directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. The College Board code number for Northeastern University is 3667. When evaluating candidates' SAT scores, the Admission Office will combine the best verbal and math components, regardless of test date. For more information, consult a school guidance counselor or write directly to The College Board, P.O. Box 592, Princeton, NJ 08540, or P.O. Box 1025, Berkeley, CA 94701. Or write to American College Testing Program, P.O. Box 168, Iowa City, IA 52243.

It is recommended that candidates for physical therapy take one SAT II subject test in either biology, chemistry, or mathematics.

English-as-a-Second-Language Proficiency Requirement

Before being considered for admission, students whose native language is not English are required to demonstrate English language proficiency. This can be done by submitting the results of the College Boardıs Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the Advanced Placement International English Language Proficiency (APIEL) Test, or the English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT); by scoring at least 410 on the verbal section of the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT 1); or by successfully completing the English Language Center program at Northeastern University. Transfer students can demonstrate English language proficiency by earning B­ or above in non-ESL English Composition courses in English-speaking universities.

Before they are allowed to enroll in academic course work, all students whose first language is not English and who score below 550 on the paper-based TOEFL, below 213 on the computer-based TOEFL, below 4 on the APIEL, or below 970 on the ELPT must take the English Proficiency Test administered by the Universityıs English Language Center. The results of this test are used to assign students to appropriate English courses.

Advanced Placement

The University grants advanced placement credit to applicants with a score of 3 or better in their advanced placement examinations in the areas of art (history, studio-general, studio-drawing), economics (microeconomics, macroeconomics), English (language, literature), French (language, literature), German (language), government and politics (comparative, United States), history (European, United States), Latin (Virgil, Catullus-Horace), music (theory), and Spanish (language, literature). Advanced placement credit is granted for scores of 4 or better in the areas of biology, chemistry, computer science (A, AB), mathematics (calculus AB, BC), and physics (BC mechanics-C electricity, magnetism).

Health Requirements

The Lane Health Center's Pre-entrance Physical Examination Form is sent to each student following acceptance to Northeastern. Completion of this form is considered a condition of enrollment. Each student must return the completed form, which includes a medical history, documentation of a recent physical exam, and a tuberculin test, within six months of registration.

State law requires medical documentation of appropriate immunization against measles (two vaccinations), mumps, rubella, tetanus, and diphtheria. Both a rubella and a varicella titer are mandatory for the health professions (medical laboratory science, nursing, pharmacy and health sciences, radiology, and physical therapy). Tuberculin tests are required annually for nursing students and within three months prior to the practicum for student teachers. A positive titer for hepatitis B is required prior to beginning any clinical assignments, internships, or cooperative education quarters for all undergraduate students deemed at risk by their departments and in pharmacy and health sciences and nursing.

In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, applications for admission are judged on the basis of qualification, not on the absence or presence of a medical or disabling condition. Any adjustments needed for such applicants are made to ensure access to college life, both academic and extracurricular.

How to Apply

All Students

The application process for all students follows. Refer to the International Students section and the Transfer Students section for additional requirements.

• Complete and sign the application form.
• Enclose the nonrefundable $45 application fee. Make checks payable to Northeastern University. This fee may be waived in cases of extreme hardship as endorsed by the candidate's secondary school counselor or social worker.
• Mail the application form and the check to the Office of Undergraduate Admission, 150 Richards Hall, 360 Huntington Avenue, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.
• An on-line application for admission is also available and can be accessed at http://www.neu.edu/admission/Application.html. The on-line application can be used by both domestic and international applicants to the freshman class and by transfer students.
• Arrange for transcripts and required test scores-Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT I) or American College Testing (ACT) Program-to be sent to the University. Transfer students who have completed 36 or more quarter hours of transfer credit are not required to submit test scores.
• For priority consideration, freshman applications should be submitted by February 15; for transfer students, the priority deadline is May 1. Freshmen who wish to be considered for merit scholarship awards must submit their completed applications by January 1. Applicants to the art, media arts and design program, music technology, or the physical therapy program must submit all application materials by February 1.
• All materials submitted in conjunction with a student's application become the property of Northeastern University (except portfolio materials).

International Students

The University welcomes qualified students from other countries. At present, approximately 2,400 international students from more than 115 countries attend Northeastern. The University is authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant aliens as full-time students in degree-granting programs. The University also welcomes nonmatriculated students who wish to improve their English skills by studying at the English Language Center for one or more quarters. The English Language Center also offers counseling and assistance to international students who decide to apply to Northeastern. Admission is contingent upon meeting all University requirements.

In addition to the application process described above, international students must complete the following:

• Submit the same credentials as U.S. citizens. All credentials must be official documents or certified true copies. Credentials in languages other than English must be accompanied by certified literal English translations. Applicants with previous university-level studies should submit official course descriptions or syllabi for all course work completed and/or provide an official evaluation by an accredited agency.
• Request the testing agency to submit the official results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the Advanced Placement International English Language Proficiency (APIEL), or the English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT). If these scores are not available at the time of application, it is the responsibility of the international applicant to take the test at the first available opportunity and have the results submitted as soon as possible. An application is considered incomplete until this credential is received. A student who attends and successfully completes the course of study offered by Northeastern University English Language Center (ELC) and obtains a "Pass" or a "Release" from the ELC is not required to submit TOEFL, APIEL, or ELPT scores.
• Request the testing agency to submit the official results of the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT I) or the American College Testing (ACT) Program test. Both the SAT math and the TOEFL, APIEL, or ELPT scores are considered when evaluating an international studentıs profile. Both the SAT math and verbal scores are considered only when an international student applies for a scholarship or wants to major in a subject that requires a great quantity of writing, such as journalism or communication studies. If these scores are not available at the time of application, it is the responsibility of the international applicant to take the test at the first available opportunity and have the results submitted as soon as possible. An application is considered incomplete until this credential is received. If the SAT is not offered in the country in which the applicant is studying, the test is not required. A transfer applicant who has successfully completed 36 quarter hours or more is not required to submit SAT scores.
• Submit the Supplementary Form with the application.
• Submit the Declaration and Certification of Finances Form with the application. n After acceptance, submit the required nonrefundable tuition deposit of $200. Upon receipt of the tuition deposit, a Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 form or IAP-66 form) will be issued.
• If students are transferring to Northeastern from another college or university in the United States, one of the following is required. Students returning home before entering Northeastern must reenter the United States on the I-20 or IAP-66 issued by the University. Students not returning home must present the Northeastern-issued I-20 or IAP-66 to the International Students Office during registration and orientation.

The University considers awarding advanced standing credit to students whose secondary-school education exceeds the requirements met by students in the American educational system. The University recognizes the advanced level of academic preparation offered by the International Baccalaureate. Credit is generally granted for scores of 5, 6, or 7 on higher-level examinations, as applicable to the degree being pursued. Likewise, A-level results of A, B, or C will be awarded credit, as applicable, to the degree being pursued. In addition, the French Baccalaureate diploma with a note of 10 or higher and a coefficient of 3 or higher in many subjects will be awarded credit, as applicable, to the degree being pursued.

Other types of advanced-placement programs offered in a country other than the United States will be evaluated prior to matriculation or by the end of the first quarter of study at the University, and will be awarded credit, as applicable, to the degree being pursued.

Transfer Students

Students who have completed one or two years of study in a regionally accredited college, university, or technical institute or who have earned an associate's degree from a regionally accredited two-year college or other two-year program may seek admission as an upperclass student.

Basic requirements. Transfer applicants must have achieved a satisfactory college record-appropriate to the course of study they wish to pursue-at another institution. Credit is generally granted toward a Northeastern degree for a grade of C (2.0) or better in any reasonably equivalent course completed at another accredited institution. Candidates must be in good standing and must be eligible to continue in the institution they are currently attending. Although grades are only one factor in the admission decision, transfer admission is selective; consequently, the recommended minimum GPA for transfer applicants is 3.0.

Northeastern University uses the quarter calendar and awards quarter hours of credit for courses that are successfully completed. Each quarter hour (QH) of credit is equivalent to three-fourths of one semester hour. Most Northeastern courses are equivalent to three semester hours of credit or four QH. Students who successfully complete 48 QH generally qualify for sophomore standing, 80 for middler, 112 for junior, and 148 for senior. All upperclass course selection for transfer students is planned with their faculty advisers.

Northeastern University will convert its academic calendar from the current quarter system to a semester-based calendar, beginning in fall 2003. More information is available.

Transfer credit for course work completed prior to matriculation to the University will be evaluated only for institutions reported on the studentıs application for admission. Only official transcripts from these institutions will be accepted for purposes of credit evaluation, with English translation if appropriate. Some students may choose to take additional course work at another institution after being admitted to Northeastern but before they have matriculated to the University. In this case, the student has up to three quarters of university enrollment to present official transcripts for evaluation of credit; transcripts presented after three quarters will not be evaluated. Similarly, scores from the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) must be presented within three quarters of university enrollment.

Courses taken more than ten years prior to Northeastern enrollment, or reinstatement to the University, will be reviewed for applicability to a degree program by the appropriate curriculum committee.

Application procedure. Transfer candidates should apply as early as possible for priority consideration. Applications will be reviewed on a space-available basis.

Transfer applicants should follow the application process described on page 4, with the exception that the SAT or ACT is waived for students who have or will have completed 36 QH or more of transfer credit. In addition, transfer candidates must

• indicate their choice of college and major on the application; transfers may not request admission to physical therapy
• request that an official copy of their high school transcript and/or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) test scores be sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions
• request that an official transcript from each college attended be sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions directly from the registrarıs office of the respective colleges
• submit a list of courses in progress for the current academic year (including course number, course title, and number of credits to be earned in each course)
• demonstrate English language proficiency if their first language is not English. See the ESL section for details about fulfilling this requirement

Auditions. Admission to the music literature and performance concentration is highly competitive and requires an audition after clearance by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. An audition can be scheduled after February 1 by calling Arthur Rishi at 617.373.2776.

Portfolios. Admission to the graphic design, photography, animation, and general studio art concentrations and majors requires portfolio review by a committee of faculty. The portfolio must include fifteen slides of original artwork presented in an 8.5" x 11" slide sheet. All slides should be numbered and clearly labeled on the front side with applicant's name, title of work, date completed, dimensions, and media used. The top of the slide should be indicated with an arrow. The portfolio may include work in a variety of media; no particular subject matter or style is required. Applicants should select work that best demonstrates their personal style, skill, creativity, and commitment to innovation. Along with slides, the portfolio must contain (1) a separate typed slide inventory list with applicant's name, address, telephone number, and Social Security number; and (2) a separate typed one-page artist's statement, describing the applicant's artwork, personal background, interests, goals, artistic influences, and any other relevant information. A self-addressed stamped envelope must be included for return of the portfolio slides.

Summer Orientation

Undergraduate students entering the University in the fall quarter will participate in summer orientation. This required program is a valuable opportunity to prepare for a successful academic career at Northeastern University. During the months of July and August, new students and transfer students will attend a selected orientation session designed to meet their particular needs. Several of the sessions are designated for new students; others are designated for transfer students. Each of Northeastern's schools and colleges is assigned to specific sessions. Participants will attend a session hosted by the school or college to which they have been admitted.

The summer orientation staff includes orientation leaders, students who will serve as valuable resources for information and assistance throughout the program. In addition to the orientation leaders, staff and faculty from various campus offices and the school or college will be available to answer questions and to provide assistance in making arrangements for the fall. During summer orientation, participants will complete placement exams, meet with representatives from their school or college to develop a fall class schedule, register for classes, and obtain a student identification card. Participants will also learn about life at Northeastern, including services and opportunities that will assist with their transition to the University. In addition, participants will be able to contract for meal plans and complete arrangements for campus housing. The schedule also includes opportunities to tour the campus and participate in activities with other students. Student participants will stay in a campus residence hall during summer orientation. Parents/family will participate in a separate but parallel program and will also be invited to stay in a campus residence hall during this session. Registration information will be mailed to incoming students who have paid their tuition deposit.