Applications to Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q) this year were the highest in its history, increasing by almost 50 percent, with applications coming from more than 60 countries around the world. The percentage of students accepted also fell by seven percent due to increased selectivity and the competitiveness of the class.
Students who have been accepted, including students flying-in from 15 different countries, will be attending a ‘Preview NU-Q’ event at the university later this month.
All admitted students are invited to take part in this annual event, which is designed to help them and their families explore academic, social, and professional opportunities offered by the University. Attendees will meet with the NU-Q’s faculty, staff, students, and alumni.
“Every year we welcome a new pool of talented students who bring their stories, ideas, and dynamic backgrounds to NU-Q,” said Everette E. Dennis, Dean and CEO. “Preview NU-Q is a great opportunity for the newest members of the NU-Q community to connect with and learn from our faculty and current students.”
In addition to learning about the programmes and courses offered at NU-Q, attendees will also learn about extra-curricular activities, including student clubs and opportunities to travel for internships, research, and to study on Northwestern’s home campus in the United States.
Journalism and strategic communication students will discuss their experiences interning at some of the top media operations around the world, including The Washington Post, Ogilvy and Mather, and Al Jazeera, among others, while media industries and technology students will share their thoughts on Northwestern’s exchange programme with the home campus, where many of them spent a semester.
The incoming class includes a record number of international students representing 39 nationalities. New countries represented by admitted students include Brazil, Ghana, Hungary, Kenya, Mexico, Moldova, Nepal, Russia, Serbia, Taiwan, and Rwanda.
“We are excited to welcome this new class to Northwestern University in Qatar. The overwhelming response in number of applications, increased selectivity, and representation from new nations around the world, reflects NU-Q’s global reputation and excellence in education,” said Alex Schultes, director of admissions.
As NU-Q approaches its 10-year anniversary, its student body has grown from a group of 38 students to an enrolment of approximately 300. The university has graduated six classes, with more than 220 alumni who are now making their mark locally and globally by pursuing careers at major media organisations, as well as in government, law, and banking. Also notable, is that NU-Q graduates have pursued graduate degrees from top institutions that include Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge, Northwestern, Cornell, and others.
NU-Q draws from its parent organisation, Northwestern University (Evanston, Illinois), a distinguished history, famous programmes and an exceptional faculty. Founded in partnership with Qatar Foundation, NU-Q provides a framework through which students explore the world and, ultimately, shape its future through its distinguished schools of communication, journalism and strategic communication, and liberal arts.
WARM WELCOME: A group of admitted students during the annual ‘Preview NU-Q’ event in 2017. File Photo
