Requirements

Northwestern Debate Institute Scholars is open to accomplished high school debate students who have completed their freshman, sophomore, or junior year of high school by July 2010, with emphasis on rising seniors. The Program is competitive, and application decisions are based on ability and merit.

If you would like to apply to the Northwestern Debate Institute Scholars you must:

• rank academically in the top 33 percent of your high school class and submit a current transcript of high school credits

• submit results of the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT), when available

• meet a high standard of character, dependability, and intelligence

• give evidence of experience, special ability, and interest

• complete by July 1, 2010, freshman, sophomore or junior year of high school.

Deadlines

Early Admission:  April 5, 2010.  If your application, forensic record, recommendation and transcript are received by April 5, you will be notified no later than May 1.

Regular Admission: May 5, 2010. If your application, forensic record, recommendation and transcript are received by May 5, you will be notified no later than June 1.

Late Admission: Late applications will be accepted with a $75 application fee and only if space is available.

It is the applicants’ responsibility to make sure that ALL necessary application materials have been received in the NHSI office by the deadline dates.

If you are not sure that your application is complete, please call (800) 662-NHSI or e-mail us, nhsi@northwestern.edu.

 

Fees

The basic fee for the Northwestern Debate Institute is: $4650
 

     

This includes tuition, room, board, field trips, and group events. Any additional expenses are at your discretion. A $50 non-refundable application fee must accompany each application. If you are unable to pay the application fee, call or write us to request a fee waiver. Late applications will be accepted with a $75 application fee.

 

$5-20 Laundry
$25-50 Airport transportation
$20-50 Supplies (pads, folders, files, etc.)
$20-40 Shipping & mailing
$100-200 Spending money (soda, pizza, etc.)
$50-100 Photocopying
$5-20 Athletic facilities .

 

How To Apply

Click Here to apply online

Please read carefully the requirements listed below and send those pieces and your application fee to:

National High School Institute
Northwestern University
617 Noyes Street
Evanston, IL 60208-4165

P. 800.662.NHSI
P. 847.491.3026
Fax 847.467.1057
nhsi@northwestern.edu

1. On a sheet of paper, list all debate contests in which you have participated. Include for each tournament: (a) the division you entered, (b) the dates of the tournament, and (c) the results you achieved. Also list any workshops in debate. Incomplete information may result in rejection of your application.

2. Ask your debate coach for a letter of recommendation including the level of debate and level of research class in which you should be placed (advanced, intermediate or novice). List any request for lab instructor(s). Requests will only be considered in writing from the debate coach.

3. Ask you guidance counselor to send us the following items:

• A transcript of your high school record (official copy)
• Your grade-point average
• Your high school class rank
• Your PSAT, SAT, and/or ACT scores
• Your high school profile sheet