Skip to main content

Application Procedure

1. Explore the program

Before starting the application process, please be sure to familiarize yourself with the graduate program.

2. Apply to The Graduate School at Northwestern

Students apply to graduate programs in Linguistics at Northwestern through The Graduate School (TGS) Admissions and Recruitment system (CollegeNET).

Please ensure that the following questions have the answers provided below:

3. Provide supplemental materials

The department relies on research experience, curriculum vita/resume, letters of recommendation, transcripts, statement of purpose, test scores (provided directly by the testing service) and writing sample in making choices for admission.

4. Application review process

Once the application deadline has passed (November 30th), the graduate admission committee begins to review applications. All parts of the applications are carefully reviewed. In late January, we decide which applicants to invite to visit the department for interview. Shortly after the visit weekend, we extend the first round of admissions offers. 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.

Back to top