Admissions

Because of the limited space in its seminars, the American Studies Program is relatively small. There are normally between thirty and thirty-five sophomore, junior, and senior majors enrolled in any given year.

Admission to the major is through an application process. Students in both Weinberg College and the School of Communication are eligible to apply, and they do so early in the spring of their freshman or sophomore year. In addition to filling out an information form, students submit samples of their writing in Northwestern courses and a few short essay responses to questions. In addition, they sit for an interview with Program faculty. The Program selects majors on the basis of their academic record in courses relevant to the kind of work they would do in the major, their demonstrated interest in American Studies as a field, and the likelihood that they will contribute to and benefit from a curriculum that emphasizes small classes, active participation and interchange, and intellectual independence. While the number of applicants and openings varies from year to year, there are generally several more applicants than can be accepted.

Click here to download the 2012 program application or pick one up from the American Studies office in University Hall 020. Applications are due Monday, April 2.  Students will be notified of acceptance no later than Monday, April 23.