For the first time, Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q) is offering applicants an opportunity to apply for non-binding early action admission. The deadline for applications to enroll in Fall 2018 is 1 November.

Candidates can apply online through the Common Application, which can be accessed on NU-Q’s website at qatar.northwestern.edu. The application will ask candidates to create a virtual profile and upload required documents such as standardised test scores, personal statements and recommendation letters. Applicants can also view a list of the NU-Q’s minimum requirements and track the status of their application using the website.

NU-Q Dean and CEO Everette E Dennis said that the scheme may have an advantage for early applicants.

Northwestern’s programmes are extremely competitive and the admissions team is committed to selecting students who can perform well academically, while at the same time bringing additional attributes to the NU-Q community. For those students who are committed to attending NU-Q, early applicants may have an advantage because the decision is based on a smaller pool of candidates.’

US News & World Report and Times Higher Education ranked NU-Q 11th among national universities in the US and 20th among world universities.

NU-Q, a leading private American research university with a strong inter-disciplinary culture and a commitment to teaching excellence, offers degrees in journalism and communication from two of its schools in Evanston, the Medill School of Journalism, and the School of Communication.

NU-Q offers its students an education that is based in the liberal arts with all students receiving a general education, which has led to its graduates having careers in media and communication, as well as a variety of other fields. In addition, many go on to graduate school to pursue studies in these fields and other subjects, such as business, law, public affairs, education and Middle East studies, among others.

NU-Q Director of Admissions Alex Schultes said early action applications can improve a candidate’s chance of  getting accepted into NU-Q. Students interested in journalism, strategic communications, scriptwriting, cinematography, film production and animation are encouraged to apply for admissions.

In addition to the coursework in communication, journalism, and strategic communication, students at NU-Q also benefit from disciplines in the liberal arts. Courses that range from history and anthropology to literature and economics are offered to all students.

Dennis also noted that at NU-Q all of the learning does not happen in the classroom.

NU-Q students have opportunities to engage in learning outside the classroom as well. Some of our students take part in service learning trips, research projects, and conferences, while others spend a semester on the home campus in the US, and all of our journalism and strategic communication students complete a 10-week residency at a leading news outlet or strategic communication firm.’

For students applying for admission, NU-Q accepts applications exclusively through the Common Application.