Segal Design Institute

Frequently Asked Questions

If I apply before the deadline, will I get an admissions decision earlier?

We will attempt to provide admissions decisions soon after applications are submitted, but we do not guarantee a decision will be made until after all applications have been submitted and reviewed.

Do you offer automatic admission to Northwestern undergraduate students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher?

No, we do not have a policy of automatic admission for any student.

Under what circumstances is the TOEFL/IELTS requirement waived for international students?

If you received an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited institution where the language of instruction is English, you do not need to take the TOEFL or IELTS. If you have taken the TOEFL/IELTS within the last 2 years, you may request to have those scores sent from ETS. Under no other circumstances can the requirement be waived, if your native language is not English.

What are my options for financial aid?

Unfortunately, we do not offer fellowships, scholarships or grants to students in the MS-EDI program at this time. Student loan applications are available through The Graduate School.

Do you accept students for matriculation in the Winter or Spring terms?

No, students may matriculate only in the Fall term.

I am currently an undergraduate student at Northwestern. What is the process for applying to be a BS/MS student in the EDI program?

For BS/MS study, submit the BS/MS application and all of the following materials to the EDI admissions officer:

-- a one-page statement of purpose
-- your most current resume
-- 2 letters of recommendation
-- official transcripts sent directly from the Northwestern registrar and any other institutions previously attended

The online application is not required for BS/MS students, nor are GRE test scores. If you are admitted, the form will be sent to TGS on your behalf and you will be informed by TGS of your acceptance. Please allow several weeks for processing of the BS/MS form.