NHSI Application information

REQUIREMENTS

If you have completed your freshman, sophomore or junior year in high school by June 2008, and would like to apply to 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

• complete by July 1, 2008, your freshman, sophomore or junior year of high school

The Speech Division is a competitive program, and application decisions are based on ability and merit. Enrollment is limited.

DEADLINES

Early Admission: April 4, 2008. If your application, forensic record, recommendation, essay and transcript are received by April 4, you will be notified no later than May 1.

Regular Admission: May 1, 2008. If your application, forensic record, recommendation, essay, and transcript are received by May 1, you will be notified no later than May 30.

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 program is $750 per week. This includes tuition, room, board, health service (not insurance), field trips, and group events. Any additional expenses are at your discretion.

Credit cards are NOT accepted for tuition payment.

A $50 non-refundable application fee must accompany each application. ($75 after May 1)

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 requirements listed.

Click here to apply online

Click here to download 2008 Application

Please read carefully the requirements of the division and send specified materials with your application 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, 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.

2. 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.

3. Ask your 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
• School profile sheet

4. 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.