APPLICATION INFORMATION
- Requirements
- Deadlines
- Fees
- How To Apply
REQUIREMENTS
If you have completed your freshman, sophomore or junior year of high school by July 1, 2012, and would like to apply to the Speech Division, you must:

• rank academically in or near the top 30 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 special ability or interest in forensics
The Speech Division is a competitive program, and application decisions are based on ability and merit. Enrollment is limited.
DEADLINES
Early Admission: April 6, 2012. If your application, forensic record, recommendation, essay and transcript are received by April 6, you will be notified no later than May 1.
Regular Admission: May 4, 2012. If your application, forensic record, recommendation, essay, and transcript are received by May 4, you will be notified no later than June 1.
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 fee for the 4-week Speech Division is $4000 .
This includes tuition, room, board, health service (not insurance), field trips, and group events. Any additional expenses are at your discretion.
A $50 non-refundable application fee must accompany each application. ($75 after May 4)
If you are unable to pay the application fee, call or write us to request a fee waiver.

HOW TO APPLY
In order to be accepted into the Speech Division, you must complete the 5 requirements listed below.
1. Click here to apply online and for online payment of application fee
2. On a sheet of paper, please list all forensic, debate and speech contests in which you have participated. Include for each tournament: (a) the events you entered, (b) the dates of the tournament, and (c) the results you achieved. Also list any workshops or specialty programs you have attended and list all extracurricular clubs or community activities in which you participate.
3. Ask your current forensics coach/speech teacher or other appropriate teacher for a letter of recommendation that gives us an estimate of your talents and abilities. The letter should also discuss your personal characteristics, such as initiative, reliability, leadership, and ability to work with others.
4. Ask your guidance counselor to send us the following items:(or you can have them give you the official copy to send to us)
• A transcript of your high school record (OFFICIAL COPY)
• School profile sheet
• Your PSAT, SAT, and/or ACT scores or other standardized test scores - if available (these can be sent directly from the student as well)
5. a. Write a one-page statement telling why you want to attend the National High School Institute.
AND
b. Write a one-page statement about your previous experiences with speech, either as a competitor or observer.
|
Each applicant must:
- Carefully read the 5 requirements of the Speech Division listed above
- Complete and submit the on-line application (including application fee)
- Send items 2 through 5 (together or separately) to:
Speech Division
National High School Institute
Northwestern University
617 Noyes Street
Evanston, IL 60208-4165P. 800.662-NHSI
P. 847.491.3026
Fax 847.467.1057
nshi@northwestern.edu





Speech Division