Optional Summer Opportunities
Your first year at Northwestern is a unique time, and several optional programs are offered this summer and in the fall to help you make the most of it. Most programs have application deadlines at the end of May or in June, so act soon! Visit the program websites for the most up-to-date information.
Summer Academic Programs
These summer academic programs are specifically designed for incoming students to Northwestern. The programs vary in length from one to five weeks, and each has a slightly different focus. Each program includes room and board and any materials necessary to participate. Be sure to visit the program websites for information on requirements.
| Program | Dates | Apply By |
|---|---|---|
| Bio&ChemEXCEL Open to new Weinberg College students, this five-week online program offers preparation for the first-year science and premed curricula. |
6/22–7/24 | 5/31 |
| Warren Summer Bridge The five-week Warren Summer Bridge program gives incoming Weinberg and Medill students a chance to identify and hone the skills they'll need to launch their Northwestern journey with confidence. Students take two core courses, Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning and Introduction to Critical Thinking, as well as an additional elective class introducing them to chemistry, global health, social science research methods, or journalism. |
8/9–9/11 | 5/31 |
| Hodge EXCEL Scholars Program The Melville and Jane Hodge EXCEL Scholars program is an academic summer program for first-year students in the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science at Northwestern University. Participants are selected for their high school accomplishments and leadership skills. Upon completion of the program, participants will earn two academic credits that count toward their engineering degree. |
6/27–8/1 | 5/22 |
| SAW: The Summer Academic Workshop The Summer Academic Workshop (SAW) is a 3-week program taking place right before Wildcat Welcome. SAW is facilitated by Student Enrichment Services, in partnership with the Cook Family Writing Program and the School of Communication. During SAW, participants take part in co-curricular workshops and events curated for incoming first-year students. Participants also earn course credit through the Cook Family Writing Program and the School of Communication. All co-curricular workshops and events complement what students learn in class and provide them with a wealth of resources for navigating college life. |
8/22–9/11 | 5/31 |
| Indigenous Academic Pathways The Indigenous Academic Pathways program serves undergraduate students interested in developing a grounding in Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) and Indigenous Research (IR) Methods as they begin their journey at Northwestern. Over the course of five days, students will engage with Indigenous faculty and scholars to learn about exciting research taking place on campus and communities, build community with each other and our NU community, and develop an intellectual foundation in Indigenous knowledge systems and Indigenous research methods. |
9/9–9/14 | 6/8 |
Fall Academic Program: SESP Leadership Institute (SLI)
| Program | Dates | Apply By |
|---|---|---|
| SLI: School of Education and Social Policy Leadership Institute (SLI) is a ten-week, intensive academic program that runs for the duration of fall quarter. Students receive two credit units and take two courses: a class in learning sciences about culture and cognition, and a peer-led series of leadership workshops. SLI is an exploration of how students' identities can empower them to be leaders and changemakers on Northwestern's campus and beyond. Be sure to visit the program website for information on requirements. |
Duration of fall quarter | 9/1 |