Admissions: Admissions FAQ

General Admission and Application
Can I start the program in the winter or spring quarter?
No. We only enroll a new group of students during the fall quarter each year. You must begin the program in the fall quarter in order to follow the proper order of classes and to benefit from the cohort structure.

May I apply if I live in a country outside the U.S.?
Yes, for the full-time program option. International students need to be registered for a full-time course load in order to be eligible for a student visa.

What is your application deadline?
We do not have a hard application deadline and will accept applications as long as spots are still available in the class. Full-time applicants are recommended to have all application materials in by April 30th of the year in which they hope to enroll, to assure enough time for the student visa application process. Part-time applicants are recommended to have all application materials in by June 1 of the year in which they hope to enroll. Historically, spots have still been available at that time.

What happens if my supplemental materials arrive before my application?
Documents that arrive before your application will be kept on file until your application and fee arrive. We generally hold on to materials for up to one year.

How soon after I apply should I expect a decision?
Once we have received all of your required materials, the program's director will review those materials and determine whether you should be invited for an interview. We make every attempt to schedule an interview with students as soon as possible. After the interview, a decision will be mailed out within approximately 2 weeks. The entire process generally takes 4-6 weeks from the time that you submit the application to the time the admission decision is made.

Transcripts:
What is considered an "official" transcript?
Official transcripts are those that come from the college or university in sealed, original envelopes with the school's seal. Transcripts should be sent directly from the college/university to our office, although original sealed transcripts that are in the student's possession may be acceptable. Opened transcripts, faxed copies, or photocopies cannot be accepted as official, but may be used to evaluate quantitative ability or to begin the admission process. Official transcripts that have been sent to our office cannot be returned or shared with the applicant.

Do you need transcripts from every school that I attended?
At minimum, we need to receive a transcript from the institution where you achieved your bachelor's degree. If you earned a significant number of credits at an institution other than the one from which you graduated and/or if you earned credits in math at another college or university, we will also need those transcripts unless all courses and grades are listed on a transcript already being sent . If you have earned a graduate degree or graduate credits, you should also send those transcripts to us.

What if I have earned my degree in another country?
Generally, you must follow the same procedures as other applicants and secure official transcripts from the degree-granting institution. Transcripts should be issued in English and/or an English translation should be provided (accompanied by the original transcript). We may require an official evaluation of foreign credentials to be completed by an education credential evaluation company. If you are unable to secure official transcripts from your degree-granting institution, you may be able to substitute certified copies. Please contact us for further clarification.

References
Who should complete my recommendation forms?
You are required to submit three recommendations. One of these should come from your current direct supervisor; the other two should be professional references (i.e. colleagues, former supervisors, etc.). If you have graduated within the last few years, one recommendation may come from a former professor, if appropriate. You should review the online recommendation forms and choose referees who can aptly address the various aspects covered.

Why do I need to get a letter from my supervisor?
The principles and strategies taught in the MSIT are designed to be applicable to your job. It is our expectation that you will add value to your company as a result of the knowledge gained in the program. We ask you to discuss the program with your supervisor and for your supervisor to acknowledge his/her support of you by completing a recommendation form. This shows us that your supervisor understands the impact your participation in the program will have on your job and and also helps us determine whether the program is a good fit.

What if I cannot get a letter of recommendation from my current supervisor?
Please call the Associate Director at 847/467-6557 to discuss the particular circumstances.

Can my referees fax or email the reference letters?
Yes. We prefer that your references complete the recommendation form via our online application, but they can choose to download and fax or email the forms to us. These forms must come directly from the referee. Forms can be faxed to 847-467-3550 or emailed to trista@northwestern.edu .

GRE
How do I know if I need to take the GRE?
All full-time applicants must take the GRE. If you are a part-time applicant and have a strong quantitative background, you may not be required to take the GRE. The program's director will make this determination based on a review of academic transcripts and other supporting documents. In some cases, evidence of work experience requiring extensive quantitative abilities may be sufficient. Usually the GRE is not required for part-time students who have technical undergraduate degrees in which advanced math courses were taken, such as pre-calculus, calculus, or other similar courses.

I use math a lot at work. Do I need to take the GRE?
It depends on the type of math you are using, as well as what your educational background is. While we do not require calculus-level math, students are expected to be able to use functions and other advanced mathematical concepts. Generally we can only assess your ability after reviewing your transcripts and/or having an in-person discussion with you about your math background.

Personal Statements
What should I write in my personal statement?
The framework for the personal statement is outlined in the application. You'll describe your career goals and how the IT program will play a role in helping you fulfill those goals. Please see the application for the complete question.

How long should my personal statement be?
There is no minimum or maximum length for the personal statement. We are more interested in clear lines of thought and quality writing than we are with length. The response to each statement should be thoughtful and should fully address the question.

Admission Requirements
My undergraduate GPA could have been better. Can I still be admitted to the MSIT?
The Admission Committee makes admission decisions based on a full review of your educational and professional background. While undergraduate grade point average is certainly a factor in our decision-making, we place great importance on your work history and reasons for wanting to pursue the IT program. If you have concerns about your undergraduate GPA, contact the Associate Director and provide a transcript for the program staff to review.

Do I have to have at least two years of work experience?
With rare exception, yes, you must meet the minimum requirements for work experience. The professional experience of our students plays an important role in and outside the classroom. Students are able to put into immediate context the principles and strategies learned in the classroom because of what they have already learned on the job. In addition, students' backgrounds make for a richer classroom experience as they are able to share with their classmates the experiences and knowledge gained in their jobs.

Am I required to live and work in the Chicago area for this program?
The only requirement is that you be able to commute to Northwestern's Evanston Campus for class each Saturday and that you be willing and able to participate in study group meetings (either virtually or in person) approximately one night per week. We have had students from Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, California, New York, and Washington D.C. successfully complete the part-time program.

Do you accept three-year bachelor's degrees?
Yes, we welcome students who have earned three-year bachelor's degrees to apply for admission.