Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Yes, all of these courses are enrichment courses from Northwestern University designed specifically for high school students. Northwestern faculty design the course curricula and teach the courses in pre-recorded videos. Students earn a Certificate of Completion from Northwestern University for each course completed.
- These courses are designed for high school or U.S.-high-school-equivalent students, including those who are taking a “gap year” between high school and college. Students should be between 13 and 19 years old, not yet enrolled in college, and no more than one year post-high school graduation (“gap year”).
- These courses are not intended for college students or adults.
- We are unable to accept students under 13 years of age.
- Yes, these courses are designed to be 100% flexible between your start and end dates. The lesson content is asynchronous, meaning you study whenever you’d like.
- Since no live meetings or specific study times are required, you can plan your course time around your other commitments as long as you have approximately 30 total hours to devote to the course between the start and end dates of your chosen cohort/session.
- Yes, we are happy to switch your enrollment to any available cohort as long as you request the change prior to your scheduled start date. To make a change to your enrollment, reach out to us at support@precollege.northwestern.edu.
- If you haven't enrolled yet and aren't sure which dates are best for you, we recommend that you enroll in the cohort that is most likely to work and then contact us later (but at least seven days prior to your start date) to switch, if needed.
Yes! There is no limit to how many courses you can take. In fact, many of our students find it beneficial to take multiple courses to fully explore their academic areas of interest.
Yes, you can participate from any time zone. Mentors most frequently interact during daytime hours in U.S. time zones (U.S. PT/MT/CT/ET), but we have students from all over the world studying with us.
Course tuition is $1,795. There are no additional fees.
We accept most major credit cards (AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa UnionPay, JCB, etc.), as well as Apple Pay, Google Pay, Alipay, and WeChat Pay.
We offer need-based scholarships in each cohort to students exhibiting high potential and an inability to pay full tuition.
- If you haven't applied to the program, apply here. After submitting your application, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” on the confirmation page to request a scholarship.
If you have already applied to the program, sign in to your Profile to check your scholarship status. If we don’t have a scholarship request on file, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” to request a scholarship.
Applying
Click here to apply; you’ll be guided through the application. It’s only a few pages, and it takes just a moment to get started. You won’t be required to provide transcripts or letters of recommendation. Instead, we will ask you for some basic information and to submit one brief personal statement. The entire application should take no more than 20-30 minutes to complete.
- We need some basic information about you and want to know why you’re interested in the course(s) you’ve chosen. You can complete your personal statement with a short essay, video, and/or other media files that tell your story. The most important part of your application is your personal statement.
- While we welcome students whose primary languages are not English, the course is taught in English, and application submissions must also be provided in English. Applications submitted in languages other than English will not be reviewed.
- Students must be at least 13 years old; no more than 19 years old; and no more than one year removed from high school graduation.
- You can apply to one or multiple programs with one application. Applying to multiple programs does not affect your chances of being accepted to any one program.
- If you are interested in more than one program, we strongly encourage you to choose different dates for each so that you have time to get the most out of each program.
You’ll usually be notified via email within five business days. At peak times, or if we have questions about the information you’ve provided, it may take a few additional days to review your application and send you a decision.
No, if you’ve already applied and been admitted you can sign in to your Profile and click the Cart icon at the top of the page to edit, remove, or add new programs to your cart.
Course Information
- Our courses include engaging and interactive lessons with the instructors via pre-recorded videos.
- You’ll complete assignments and other activities on your own schedule.
- You’ll receive expert guidance from a mentor via email, discussion board, and assignment feedback.
- In total, the course will take approximately 30 hours to complete from start to finish. Depending on the time of year, you may be able to choose between a 1-week intensive option (~30 hour commitment for the week), a 2-week option (~15 hour commitment per week), and a 4-week option (~7.5 hour commitment per week).
- Our course durations vary depending upon when you take the course. Currently, we offer 1-week intensive sessions, 2-week sessions, or 4-week sessions depending on the time of year. Regardless of your selection, all options contain the same program content, sessions, and support.
- You have the flexibility to complete the course work on your own schedule, while keeping in mind that all work must be completed before the end of the 1-week, 2-week, or 4-week course you’re enrolled in.
- Note that you will continue to have view-only access to the course for 1 month from your cohort end date.
Most courses can be completed on your computer, smartphone, or tablet, however, some do require additional materials.
You’ll receive an online course invitation at least two days prior to your course start date. Students who enroll at or near the deadline may receive credentials slightly later.
- No, these programs are for enrichment and do not provide college credit.
- You will receive an official Certificate of Completion from Northwestern University, which you can include on your resume or college application.
Participation in the pre-college course will not afford you any preferential treatment in the Northwestern admissions process, however it will add a university non-credit course to your college application.
- Yes, you will receive a Certificate of Completion if you complete at least 70% of the course assignments and the final capstone project by the end of the program. For more information, view the Academic Requirement section of our Terms of Use.
- See a sample version of the Certificate here:
Assignments & Grading
Each unit assignment, as well as the final capstone project, will be assessed on a rubric of:
- Complete - Work that satisfies the requirements of the assignment
- Incomplete - Work was not submitted or did not address the assignment requirements
- Each course includes module assignments and culminates in one capstone project.
- You’ll complete engaging, curated assignments at the end of each module aimed to solidify and reinforce your knowledge of the course content.
- Your final assignment is a project in which you will have the opportunity to demonstrate what you’ve learned in the program. You’ll choose from a variety of topics covered in your course, get feedback from your mentors on your work, and you’ll be able to use any media you prefer — text, video, photography, or Powerpoint. Best of all, you’ll be able to list your project on future college or internships applications.
You will have until the end of the course to complete your assignments and capstone project.
About the Instructors & Mentors
Mentors are well-versed in your course subject and will work with you throughout the course. They will provide encouragement and direction on assignments, as well as the inspiration and confidence to be successful. In short, you won’t need to go it alone.
Course mentors will support you by answering your course-related questions, providing guidance, encouragement, and recommendations throughout the course, and giving feedback on your assignments and the final capstone project.
You’ll have the opportunity to connect with your mentor virtually during your course through the Canvas Inbox and discussion board. You can also expect to receive mentor feedback on course assignments and the final capstone project. Reach out to your mentor whenever you have any questions or need support regarding your course content.
Refund Policy Information
- We know that your plans may change. You may cancel your enrollment without penalty and receive 100% of tuition/fees paid if we receive your request to cancel at least seven (7) calendar days prior to your start date.
- All tuition/fees paid for a program become non-refundable six (6) days prior to your scheduled start date for that program. However, you may be able to switch your enrollment to another program or cohort.
- If your plans change after you've enrolled, reach out to us at support@precollegeonline.northwestern.edu as soon as possible so that we can offer you the most flexibility.
Technical Requirements & Issues
- A strong internet connection (WiFi or wired) is required as the course is online.
- Our digital course platform, Canvas, is compatible with most browsers and devices. You can download the Canvas Student app on the App Store or Google Play.
Enrolled students will receive course access via email at least 2 days prior to your course start date. Students who enroll at or near the deadline may receive credentials slightly later.
- Download the Canvas Student app on the App Store or Google Play.
- Once downloaded, input "Northwestern Pre-College Online Program" under “What’s your school’s name?”
- Then, log into Canvas with your credentials.
You must complete all of the assignments for your course by the end of your course session. You’ll have view-only access to the course for 1 month from your cohort end date.
For School Counselors
Can I get scholarships for my students?
- We offer need-based scholarships for participating students who exhibit high potential and an inability to pay the full tuition.
- If your student hasn't applied to the program, they can apply here. After submitting your application, they can click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” on the confirmation page to request a scholarship.
- If your student has already applied to the program, they can sign in to their Profile to check their scholarship status. If we don’t have a scholarship request on file, they can click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” to request a scholarship.
Still Need Support?
- Email us at support@precollege.northwestern.edu and a member of our Support Team will get back to you as soon as possible.
- You can view our full terms of use here.