Illinois Wesleyan University vs Northwestern University

Northwestern University is the more selective of the two at 8%, versus 39% at Illinois Wesleyan University. Here is how they compare on selectivity, test scores, and what they weigh, plus a free way to estimate your odds at each.

Northwestern University is meaningfully harder to get into, admitting about 8% of applicants versus 39% at Illinois Wesleyan University, a gap of roughly 31 percentage points. Treat Northwestern University as the bigger reach of the two when you build your list.

The two also read applications a little differently. Illinois Wesleyan University leans more on standardized test scores, while Northwestern University puts more weight on application essay, recommendations, extracurricular activities. The same profile can land differently at each, which is why a per-school estimate matters more than a single GPA.

On test scores, Illinois Wesleyan University's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1300 and Northwestern University's is around 1560. Admitted students at Northwestern University post somewhat higher scores. Run your own numbers below to see where you stand at each.