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First-Year Student Information

Welcome to Weinberg College! As an incoming student, you have a lot of choices to make and tasks to accomplish.

Get Started

Set your college career in motion the summer before you start classes.

  1. Compile your Student Dossier, which is shared with your faculty advisor.
    It's a powerful tool that you will use to make plans and complete required tasks.
  2. Take placement exams or skills assessments relevant to your plans.
    Northwestern requires placement exams in chemistry, physics, and foreign languages.
  3. Identify any college credits that may have transferred to Northwestern.
    You may have earned credit for AP/IB exams or past college coursework. 
  4. Begin exploring academic departments and possible first-year courses.
    Your schedule will be assembled according to your interests and preparation. It will include certain classes that are required for first year students. 

Summer Bridge Programs

If you are a first-generation college student, we hope you will consider our Arch Scholars summer programs. Whether you are interested in quantitative disciplines such as biology, chemistry, or economics or drawn more to the humanities or social sciences, Arch Scholars will help you get off to a strong start!

Explore all Arch Scholar Programs