Northwestern seeks to attract and enroll a student body of high ability, one that reflects a variety of talents, ideas, backgrounds, and experiences, thereby contributing to the diversity of the Northwestern community and the enrichment of the undergraduate experience.

Northwestern's application and admissions process presents you with the opportunity to paint a full picture of yourself, showing your academic achievements, extracurricular interests, writing ability, and personality. Each application is carefully reviewed by several members of the admission committee. Seeking information beyond school transcripts and test scores, we take into account your involvement outside of class, read your essays to get a better sense of your interests, and review recommendations from secondary school teachers and counselors to add additional perspective to your achievements.

　　西北大学以图吸引和招收这样一个学生群体，他们天赋异禀，满怀理想；他们背景不同，阅历各异，由此促进西北社区的多样化，并且丰富西北大学的本科生教育。

　　西北大学的申请和录取的过程，为你提供充分刻画自己的机会。藉此你可以充分地展示自身的学术成就、课余爱好、写作能力和个人特性。录取委员会的官员会仔细阅读每一份申请文书。在考虑权衡时，我们绝不仅限于从学校成绩单和考试成绩上寻找信息，而是将你的课外活动参与情况，短文里体现出来的兴趣爱好，教师推荐信体现的你的成绩等等都列入其中。