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Applicant Information – Film & Video

Bookmark this page! It is your guide to the admission process. The supporting materials needed to complete your application are outlined here, along with important dates and the link to the application fee. Please review the instructions below for how to format and submit your materials, as well as the guidelines for each item.

The NHSI’s goal is to provide high school students with a collegiate experience, and this includes the admission process. Students will find that our application is similar to a college application. While we understand the temptation for families to assist, we encourage students to complete all elements of their application independently (online form, gathering & writing materials, and submission), so that you may know what to expect from a college admission process.

Application Fee

You should have received a link to pay the fee after submitting your online application. Your first application fee is $60. Subsequent application fees are $30 if you are applying to more than one program for the 2025 season. If you have not paid the fee, you can pay here online with credit or debit card.

  • For subsequent applications, please email us to receive a link to pay the reduced $30 fee.
  • Alternatively, you may mail a check or money order to the NHSI Office. The check should be made payable to Northwestern University, with the applicant’s name in the memo line. Please mail this to the address in our email signature.
  • If you are unsure as to whether you paid the application fee, please contact us and we will confirm for you.
Supporting Materials: See guidelines further down
How To Submit

First, save PDF copies of each item and title the file: Last name, First name_Item. Example:

  • Doe, Jane_Resume
  • Doe, Jane_Essay 1
  • Doe, Jane_ACT Score

Next, visit this online portal to submit your materials.

  1. Click “submit files” and select each material that is ready to be submitted
  2. Enter you first and last name in the appropriate fields
  3. Click “upload”

You can submit materials as they are ready, or all at the same time. Once all items have been added to your application, we will send an email confirming that your application is complete and will be reviewed for admission. This is not automated, however, if you haven’t received a confirmation after 3 business days, please feel free to reach out to the office to confirm your application is complete.

Supporting Materials Guidelines:
Resume

 In one page, describe your activities and coursework related to film, media, writing, art, etc. Please note, the provided examples are meant to guide your formatting. Feel free to adapt these examples to best highlight your experience and skills. 

  • Acting Applicants should submit a standard acting resume. If you do not already have an acting resume, you may reference this example to help create your own with the following criteria:
    • Name of each production, role (or crew assignment), and producing organization (high school, community, college, professional).
    • You may include any classes, camps, programs, workshops and/or skills relative to performance (singing, dancing, competitive speech, etc.).
    • An acting resume is never more than one page, so edit if you must. Be clear and concise.
  • Production and Screenwriting Applicants should submit a more traditional resume detailing their previous film, media, creative writing, photography, theatre, or other related art experience. Include classes, workshops, or clubs you have been involved in, as well as any informal experience with film, media, photography, etc. You may reference this example to help create your own resume.
    • Please add a short synopsis of films worked on.
    • Include equipment/tools used in production.
Two Essay Responses

 Write two essays, each essay not to exceed one-page. Essays should be formatted single spaced, 11 pt. font in Aptos, Calibri (body), or Times New Roman. Include your name, concentration(s) applied to (Acting on Camera, Production, or Screenwriting), and the essay prompt in the heading. These essays are the two pieces that are weighed the most heavily in our admission decision, please spend the appropriate time and care in crafting them.  

  1. Essay #1: Write a detailed letter to your future NHSI roommate that will help your roommate get to know you better. In this letter, please tell your future roommate a story about yourself that illuminates something about who you are. Maybe it’s a story about something that happened to you that formed your personality. Maybe it’s a story that perfectly incapsulates something about your personality. Be creative! Take some time to think about what you write. You want your roommate to have a sense of what makes you, YOU! Please be specific and please keep this letter to one page.
  2. Essay #2:  Tell us a story about a time you were challenged by a friend or peer with ideas or opinions that were different from your own. What happened? Were you able to come to a resolution? If so, how? If not, what happened? Choose a conflict that is personal and meaningful to you, with clear details about the situation, your actions, and the outcome. Please be specific and please keep this essay to one page.
Letter of Recommendation

Ask your media teacher, drama coach, or other appropriate educator, if they are willing to write you a letter of recommendation by the deadline. Make sure your recommender knows you well and can advocate for you.

Transcript

Transcripts can be unofficial, but must be current and show your name.

  • Ask the appropriate person at your high school, such as a school counselor or principal, to send us (or give you to send) a copy of your most recent transcript. OR…
  • If you have access to your transcript in an online portal, you can send us a screenshot or PDF of that transcript. (Make sure your name is included in the screenshot)
  • Transcripts can be received via email or mail
  • Your transcript must include final grades from the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years if you are in 11th grade; just the 2023-2024 school year if you are in 10th grade.
  • Once available, please submit any 2024-2025 quarter/semester grades or a progress report. If you are applying for Regular Admission, you must submit a copy of your fall 2024 grades.
  • If you believe your grades do not reflect your ability as a student, please send us a statement providing context for the grades. Example: if you had a significant illness or extenuating circumstance that lead to a semester of C’s and D’s.
Standardized Test Scores

If you have taken any standardized tests (PSAT, SAT, PLAN, or ACT) you can submit a copy of your scores. Do not submit SAT/PSAT scores under 1100; do not submit ACT scores under 29.

  • Test score reports must include the student’s name and results in the same document or image.
  • Note CollegeBoard does NOT have an NHSI option for sending results. Sending results via CollegeBoard to Northwestern University will deliver your scores to Undergraduate Admissions, NOT the National High School Institute.
  • If your transcript has a C average but your scores are high, you should submit your scores.
  • If you will not be submitting test scores, please email to let us know.
  • *INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: If English is not your first language, you will be required to submit an English Language test score, such as a TOEFL, IELTS, or the Duolingo English Test. The minimum TOEFL score required is 100, and the committee pays particular attention to the speaking score.