How to Apply to Mathematics at Northwestern: Apply to Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Choose the General or Pure Mathematics Concentration, and Consider the MENU Sequence the Department Calls the Preferred Pathway, With Requirements for U.S. Domestic, International (Including Chinese) and Transfer Students

2026-10-26 · Application guides

Northwestern asks every applicant to choose one of six undergraduate schools; mathematics is in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, where you may apply undecided and declare by the end of sophomore year. The math major has a General Mathematics concentration (9 upper-level courses) and a Pure Mathematics concentration (10), and the department calls the MENU sequences the preferred pathway to a math major or minor. For fall 2027 entry, Early Decision closes on 1 November and Regular Decision on 4 January; the SAT and ACT are optional. Admission is need-aware for international applicants who request financial aid. This guide covers the major, placement and AP/IB, English, aid, transfer, costs and a checklist.

Northwestern University requires every applicant to apply to one of its six undergraduate schools. Mathematics is in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. Northwestern advises applying to the school that houses your intended primary major, says all schools are equally competitive, and lets applicants to Weinberg, McCormick and the School of Education and Social Policy apply “undecided” and declare a major by the end of sophomore year. Here is what you need to know for fall 2027 entry, based on Northwestern’s websites, for U.S. domestic students, international students (including students at high schools in China) and transfer students. This site has a separate Northwestern computer science guide, which this article does not repeat.

1. The mathematics major

Structure (Academic Catalog, “Mathematics Major”): a basic course requirement, a computing requirement and a mathematics concentration. You choose one of two concentrations:
- General Mathematics: nine upper-level (300-level or above) courses, described as a “general and broadly applicable” course of study; with prior approval from the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS), up to three may be courses from other departments with substantial mathematical content;
- Pure Mathematics: ten upper-level courses, described as “deeply conceptual and rigorous”; it must include a three-quarter real analysis sequence, a three-quarter abstract algebra sequence and one quarter of MATH 395-0 (which may be waived for students who complete a senior thesis). The catalog suggests students interested in honors consider the Pure concentration.
Basic courses: single-variable calculus (MATH 220-1 and 220-2, or the MATH 218 sequence with precalculus), MATH 226-0 (sequences and series), and multivariable calculus with linear algebra (MATH 230-1, 230-2 and 240-0, or the equivalent MENU MATH 290 or 291 sequences, among other approved sequences). The catalog says the number of units varies with placement testing and the sequence chosen.
Computing requirement: one course from an approved list that uses computing as a tool (for example MATH 310 probability, 354 dynamical systems, 360 applied analysis, or COMP_SCI 111 or 150); a 300-level math course inside the concentration can satisfy it.
Honors: the department nominates outstanding majors. The catalog requires the analysis and algebra sequences, a GPA of at least 3.5 in major courses (not counting basic courses), two quarters of MATH 399-0 with distinction (or two quarters of a 400-level sequence) and a senior thesis of appropriate quality; consult the DUS before the end of junior year.
Related programs: the catalog also lists a mathematics minor and second majors for students in the Integrated Science Program (ISP) and Mathematical Methods in the Social Sciences (MMSS). Those programs need separate applications and are not covered here. Statistics and Data Science has its own catalog entry.
Overlap with computer science: combined math and computer science arrangements are not covered here; see this site’s computer science guide.
Teaching licensure: for the Illinois secondary mathematics license, Weinberg math majors must apply separately to the Teacher Education Program in the School of Education and Social Policy.

2. How admission works and when you declare

On the application: you apply to Weinberg. Northwestern says the same review criteria apply to every undergraduate school; it describes no separate admission line or quota for mathematics.
Declaring the math major: the department directs declaring a major or minor and math advising to the DUS (dus-math@northwestern.edu). Whether declaring requires particular grades or courses is not stated on the pages read; this is not published.
Undecided applicants: they have until the end of sophomore year to declare.
Moving between schools: not covered on the pages read; not published. Ask Undergraduate Admission or Weinberg.
Double majors and double degrees: Northwestern says to apply to the school housing your primary major and add a second major later for a four-year double major, or apply to a Dual Degree program for two degrees in five years.

3. Prerequisites, placement and credit

High school courses: Weinberg and four other schools require at least 16 high school courses, including at least three full years of mathematics (plus four years of English, at least two of a foreign language, and so on). The pages read set no extra high school math requirement for the math major; this is not published. They also do not ask for a math teacher’s recommendation.
Math placement exam: incoming first-year and transfer students who intend to take calculus at Northwestern must complete the Mathematics Placement Examination (120 minutes, on single-variable calculus, on Canvas from 1 June) by 11:59 pm on 31 July; placement results are available by 5 August.
Where AP and IB scores place you (the department’s first-year table, to be compared with your placement exam result, registering for the most advanced course you qualify for):
- AP Calculus AB (or the AB subscore of BC): 1–3, MATH 220-1; 4, MATH 220-2; 5, MATH 230-1, MATH 290-1 or MATH 226-0, with MATH 291-1 also possible (contact the MENU director);
- AP Calculus BC: 4 or 5, MATH 230-1, MATH 290-1 or MATH 226-0, with MATH 291-1 also possible;
- IB Higher Level (Analysis and Approaches, or Applications and Interpretations): 1–5, MATH 220-1; 6 or 7, see the placement exam result.
The pages read give no rules for AP Statistics; this is not published. The department’s AP and IB credit page points to Weinberg’s AP/IB credit policies for the actual credit.
Multivariable calculus or linear algebra already studied: to place beyond them, contact the DUS as the placement exam instructions direct. If you studied calculus outside the United States, consult the MENU director about placement.
MENU (Mathematical Experience for Northwestern Undergraduates): the department calls MENU “the preferred pathway to a mathematics major or minor.” It is a set of more in-depth courses: first-year MATH 290 (linear algebra and multivariable calculus, more computational) and MATH 291 (intensive, with emphasis on theory and proofs; permission from the MENU director needed), then 300-level sequences such as 311 probability, 321 real analysis, 331 abstract algebra and 360 applied analysis. There is no separate application; you qualify with any one of:
- a 5 on AP Calculus AB, or a 4 or 5 on AP Calculus BC;
- a 7 on IB HL Analysis and Approaches plus strong single-variable preparation shown on the placement exam;
- a placement exam result that suggests enrolling in MENU;
- international students who have completed single-variable calculus;
- a college-level single-variable calculus sequence completed with high grades.
Invitations go out from late July. Combined enrollment in MATH 290 and 291 is usually 100 to 120 students, and in all 300-level MENU courses about 70. MENU does not oblige you to major in mathematics.
Math competitions: the admissions pages say review considers grades, course rigor, recommendations, academic honors or awards, writing supplements and other information, and do not single out AMC, USAMO or IMO; this is not published. The department runs training for the Putnam Competition, open to enrolled undergraduates.

4. Rounds, materials and testing

QuestBridge National College Match: application due 1 October, results in December, binding.
Early Decision: deadline 1 November, decisions in December; it is binding (you must withdraw other applications and enroll if admitted), and the deposit is due 1 February. Northwestern says its ED acceptance rate is typically higher than Regular Decision, and that aid offers are the same either way.
Regular Decision: deadline 4 January; the date table says decisions in March 2027 (the text says late March); deposit by 1 May.
Platforms and fee: the Common Application, Coalition with Scoir or QuestBridge; the application fee is $75, with fee waivers available.
Materials: the Northwestern supplement with writing questions, official transcripts from all secondary schools, a school report with counselor recommendation, and one teacher recommendation. Northwestern asks for one letter from a counselor or school administrator and one from an academic teacher, most likely from a core subject in junior or senior year; it does not require a math teacher. Supplemental letters are accepted (no more than three letters in all is advised). The Common Application personal essay is no longer required.
Testing: test-optional; not submitting does not affect review. If you submit, there is no preference between the SAT and ACT (codes: SAT 1565, ACT 1106); you may self-report, and enrolling students must send official scores. AP, IB and other results may also be reported.
Videos and interviews: applicants at U.S. schools may submit an optional Glimpse video; applicants at international schools may take an optional InitialView interview. Neither is required and skipping them is no disadvantage. InitialView interviews must be completed by 6 November (ED) or 16 January (RD). Alumni interviews have been discontinued.

5. U.S. domestic students

No in-state price difference: the cost page says the rate is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. Northwestern’s pages do not describe an in-state preference or guarantee.
Financial aid: awarded strictly on need, using the FAFSA (federal code 001739) and CSS Profile (code 1565). Northwestern says it is one of the few universities that meet 100% of demonstrated need without loans, using scholarships, grants and work-study; it says “most families making less than $150K per year attend Northwestern tuition-free”, and that about half of undergraduates received a Northwestern scholarship in 2025-26.
Aid deadlines: Early Decision 1 December; Regular Decision 1 February (FAFSA and CSS Profile), and transfer aid dates are in the transfer section. The domestic aid page lists 2 January for the Regular Decision application, while the admissions page says 4 January; check with the admissions office.
Merit or math-specific awards: the aid pages say aid is strictly need-based and do not describe a scholarship specific to mathematics; this is not published.

6. International students

Same application: international applicants follow the same procedures as domestic applicants, and all admission is for the fall term.
English: applicants whose first or primary language is not English, or whose secondary schooling was not in English, must submit an English proficiency score, sent officially (no self-reporting). Northwestern accepts the Duolingo English Test, IELTS (including IELTS Indicator) and TOEFL iBT, but not TOEFL ITP Plus for China Solution. There is no minimum score; competitive applicants score in the high range on all sections. Scores are not superscored and TOEFL MyBest scores are not reviewed. The TOEFL code is 1565. Applicants whose secondary schooling was entirely in English fall outside this requirement; the pages read describe no other exemption, and none is published.
Transcripts and documents: foreign transcripts need certified English translations, from any translation service including one in your home country; Northwestern points to the NACES list and EducationUSA centers. Other credential evaluation or proof-of-funds rules are not on the pages read; this is not published.
Testing: as for domestic applicants, the SAT and ACT are optional.
Aid: need-based aid is available, and Northwestern guarantees to meet 100% of admitted first-year students’ demonstrated need for all four years, with four-year aid awards. However, admission is need-aware for international applicants: a request for aid and the amount needed may factor into the decision. Request aid on the application and file the CSS Profile (international students cannot get College Board Profile fee waivers; if you cannot submit it, or doing so would cause hardship, file the International Student Application for Financial Assistance, ISAFA). You also submit parents’ national tax forms or an employer income statement, officially translated into English.
Aid deadlines: the admissions date table gives 1 December for ED and 1 February for RD. The international aid page lists CSS Profile 1 December and tax documents 5 December for ED, and CSS Profile 2 February and tax documents 5 February for RD. The two differ slightly; check the latest.
AP / IB credit: Northwestern awards credit for eligible AP and IB Higher Level results (see the registrar’s credit policy); results from other international curricula are evaluated individually.

7. Students at high schools in China

One process: the same application as other international applicants; there is no separate route for China.
Gaokao: the pages read do not say whether or how the Gaokao is used; this is not published. Ask the Office of Undergraduate Admission (ug-admission@northwestern.edu).
Transcripts and school-leaving exam records: the international FAQ says to give the information as best you can and add anything that does not fit the application as additional information. It has no specific notes on Chinese transcripts or exam records; this is not published.
English: see above; only TOEFL iBT is accepted, not TOEFL ITP Plus for China Solution.
Math-specific points: the department asks students who studied calculus outside the United States to consult the MENU director about placement, and international students who have completed single-variable calculus meet MENU’s participation criteria.

8. Costs, scholarships and outcomes

2026-27 costs (on campus, US$): full-time tuition $23,934 per quarter ($71,802 for the year); fees 1,260; estimated housing and meals 22,941; books and supplies 1,239; personal expenses 2,079; loan fees 54; transportation varies; the page totals 99,375. The student health insurance (NU-SHIP) premium estimate for 2026-27 is 5,996, with default enrollment unless you have your own coverage; the tuition page lists it separately and does not say whether it is in the total above.
Department research and awards: undergraduates can do research through MATH 399-0 independent study, summer projects or a senior thesis; the department site lists faculty-proposed projects (open only to Northwestern undergraduates) and also lists a Directed Reading Program, an undergraduate colloquium and annual undergraduate awards. A scholarship specific to the math department is not described on the pages read; this is not published.
Outcomes: the pages read print no graduate-outcome or employment figures for math majors; this is not published.

9. Transfer students

Who counts as a transfer: anyone who has enrolled in and earned credits from post-secondary study after secondary school graduation must apply as a transfer. Successful applicants typically arrive with at least one academic year of full-time college coursework (24 semester or 36 quarter hours) and must be in good standing at their most recent institution.
Entry: fall quarter only.
Deadlines (2027): Early Decision 1 March, decisions in early April; Regular Decision 1 April, decisions in mid- to late May; financial aid documents are due the same days. The fee is $75.
Materials: the transfer application on the Common App or Coalition (with the transfer writing supplements; a personal statement is recommended), secondary school transcript, all university transcripts, a college report and one academic evaluation; test scores are optional. All departments of the undergraduate schools are open to transfer applicants (Theatre has very few spaces).
Credit: evaluated by the Registrar, with a preliminary evaluation after admission. Courses that do not transfer include those at unaccredited institutions, physical education, credit earned by examination or CLEP, courses worth under three quarter hours or two semester hours, ESL, and courses graded P or S. Transferred credit appears as “T” and is not in the GPA; a conversion formula turns it into Northwestern units.
Math department rules: a course must come from a fully accredited four-year institution and be in person; the department does not accept credit for online courses. Transfer-credit requests need a syllabus listing all topics and textbooks plus the textbook table of contents. Questions go to the DUS. College-level work done before high school graduation goes through a separate request to Northwestern Transfer Credit.
Transferring into the math major: the department states no separate transfer GPA or calculus and linear algebra requirement; this is not published. Contact the DUS, and note that incoming transfer students who want to take calculus also complete the placement exam.

Checklist

U.S. domestic students:

Apply by 1 November (Early Decision) or 4 January (Regular Decision) to Weinberg; test scores are optional
One counselor and one teacher recommendation; file the FAFSA and CSS Profile if you need aid

International students (including students at high schools in China):

Same deadlines and materials; if English is not your first language or schooling was not in English, send TOEFL iBT, IELTS or Duolingo scores
Certified English translations of transcripts; if you need aid, tick the box and file the CSS Profile or ISAFA and parents’ tax documents (the request affects admission)
If you have completed single-variable calculus, ask the MENU director about MENU

Transfer students:

Apply after about one year of full-time college work; 1 March (ED) or 1 April (RD)
Take math courses in person, keep syllabi and textbook contents, and contact the math DUS

If you want mathematics: complete at least three years of high school math, take the placement exam by 31 July, look at MENU if you qualify (MATH 290 or 291), then choose the General or Pure concentration.