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Graduate Program Application Information

Where can I find out about general requirements and procedures for applying to a graduate program at Northwestern University?

Follow these links:

How early may I submit an application?

October 1st for admission the following Fall Quarter.

What is the application deadline?

December 31st for admission the following Fall Quarter.

Are there any additional program-specific materials that must be included in an application to a graduate program in Linguistics?

Like many programs at Northwestern, Linguistics requires GRE scores for admission. For more on the GRE, please click here. In addition, the Linguistics Department requires applicants to submit a writing sample. The length of this writing sample is highly variable, but typically it is at least 3-5 pages long with a highly variable upper limit. Some applicants submit an entire MA thesis, while others send in just a 3-5 page paper written for a class at their undergraduate institution. As for the topic, anything that is related to Linguistics is fine, it certainly doesn't have to be in the area of Linguistics that the applicant is hoping to specialize in. The main purpose of the writing sample is to give us an idea of the applicant's written expression ability.

Who should I ask to write the two letters of recommendation?

Letters of recommendation should be written by anyone in a position to evaluate your potential for graduate study in Linguistics. There are no requirements regarding the position of the letter writer, however, it is highly recommended that at least one letter come from a former or current professor. In the case of an applicant who has been out of school for some time, a letter from a recent or current supervisor is also very helpful. Please note that we require a minimum of 2 letters of recommendation, however there is no maximum. It is often appropriate to include up to 4-5 letters, especially (but not exclusively) in the case of an applicant with extensive work experience beyond the undergraduate degree.

Where should hard copies of the supplemental application materials be sent?

Any hard copies of application materials, with the exception of the application fee, must be sent to the Linguistics Department at this address:

Department of Linguistics
Northwestern University
2016 Sheridan Road
Evanston, Illinois 60208-4090

What is the application review process at the level of the NU Graduate School?

For information on the Graduate School application review process go to this website.

What is the application review process at the level of the NU Linguistics Department?

Once the application deadline has passed (December 31), the graduate admission committee begins to review applications. All applications are reviewed very carefully and close attention is paid to each and every part of the application package including test scores (GRE and TOEFL), undergraduate academic record, writing sample, letters of recommendation and the personal statement. At some point in late January/early February, we make the first round of admissions offers and invite those applicants with offers to attend our Annual Applicant Visit Weekend. In accordance with the Resolution Regarding Graduate Scholars, Fellows, Trainees, and Assistants of the Council of Graduate Schools, applicants who receive an offer prior to April 15th, have until that date to accept or decline the offer. Offers made after April 15th typically expire after 2-3 weeks. Given this schedule, our entering class for any given year is usually finalized by late April/early May. At that point (if not sooner), all applicants should have been notified regarding the final status of their application.

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