Since 1861, North Central College has attracted a diverse group of academically talented and highly motivated students. The College is proud of its long history of providing a wide range of academic, professional and cultural opportunities for students. North Central seeks students who will benefit from and be challenged by all that is offered here. Students are considered for admission on an individual basis, taking into consideration their overall academic preparation, character and potential for success at the College.
First-Year Admission
Admission is determined by each student’s individual potential as indicated by a minimum of 16 college preparatory units from an accredited secondary school, grade point average, score on the ACT or SAT and involvement in extracurricular activities. Study of a foreign language is highly recommended but not required for admission. Students should offer any additional evidence to indicate they can benefit from and contribute to the North Central College experience.
Although applications for admission are accepted throughout the year, it is advantageous for students to apply early in their senior year. Early application ensures priority consideration for admission, financial aid and housing.
First-year applicants are considered for admission when the following materials are received by the Office of Admission:
- A completed application for admission
- An official secondary-school transcript or General Education Diploma (GED) test results
- Official results from either the ACT or SAT (scores included on an official secondary-school transcript are acceptable)
Home-Educated Students — North Central College welcomes the opportunity to serve the needs of students who receive their education in a home-school environment. Realizing that some of the standard tools used to measure a student’s ability to succeed at North Central may not be relevant, the Office of Admission may require the following:
- A review of the student’s portfolio and curriculum
- A writing sample
- An interview with the Dean of Admission
Transfer Admission
Admission is determined by each student’s individual potential as indicated by previous college credit earned. To be competitive for admission, a transferable cumulative GPA or 2.5 or higher is preferred. If a student has completed less than 27 transferable credit hours, high school transcripts and ACT/SAT scores are also considered. Students who were dismissed for any reason from their last institution attended are not eligible for admission.
Transfer applicants are considered for admission when the following materials are received in the Office of Admission:
- A completed application for admission
- Official transcripts from all previously enrolled colleges and universities
- An official high school transcript and ACT/SAT test scores (if a student has completed less than 27 transferable credit hours)
North Central College participates in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), a statewide agreement that allows the transfer of the completed Illinois General Education Core Curriculum between participating institutions. Students completing the General Education Core Curriculum at a participating college or university in Illinois automatically fulfill North Central’s general education requirements, with the exception of three “all-college requirements.” The two upper-level all-college seminar requirements must be completed at North Central.
During a prospective student’s visit to North Central College, a transfer counselor may perform an unofficial transcript evaluation and will explain the curriculum. After the student is offered admission, North Central will provide an official evaluation. All transferable course work, regardless of the grade earned, is included in the North Central cumulative grade point average.
The maximum number of credit hours accepted from a two-year college is 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours. There is no maximum number of credit hours accepted from a four-year institution. However, students must complete either their last 30 hours or 36 of their last 42 hours in residence at North Central to earn a North Central College degree.
International Admission
North Central welcomes applications from international students. Academic and campus life are enriched by the presence of this important group of students from around the globe.
International students applying from outside the United States should plan to apply at least three months before the term in which they would like to start to allow time to complete the visa application process. Students transferring from a U.S. institution should apply at least two months before the intended start term. Although North Central accepts applications for admission throughout the year, early application ensures priority consideration for admission, scholarships and housing.
International applicants are considered for admission when the following materials are received by the Office of Admission:
- A completed application for admission
- Secondary school transcripts (with English translation)
- Transcripts for all university-level credit earned (with English translation)
- Course descriptions for all university-level credit earned outside the U.S. (with English translation)
- Documentation of English Proficiency (applicants may submit official TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, ACT or EIKEN score reports or enroll in North Central’s English Language Institute to meet this requirement)
- Students may also submit a personal statement and/or 1-2 letters of recommendation
Conditional Admission: Students whose academic records qualify them for admission to an undergraduate degree program but whose level of English proficiency is lower than current admission requirement may be offered conditional admission and begin their studies in North Central’s English Language Institute.
Applicants who are applying for a student visa (F-1) must submit evidence of financial support. This documentation must show the student has the necessary funds to cover expenses for tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, personal expenses and major medical insurance coverage. This documentation must be received before the I-20 Form (visa application document) will be issued.
Non-Traditional Studies Program Admission
North Central College provides a variety of undergraduate educational opportunities through courses offered in the evenings and during the day. Students may complete a number of degree options, apply for a second bachelor’s degree, complete the teacher licensure program or take classes as a student-at-large.
Second Bachelor’s Degree
Applicants who wish to earn a second bachelor’s degree must submit an application for admission and official transcripts from all previously attended colleges. Second degree students must meet the same admission criteria as those transferring in to earn their first degree. Please refer to the Transfer Admission section for more details about transfer of credit.
Teacher License Program
Applicants who have earned a bachelor’s degree but now seek licensure as elementary or secondary education teachers should submit official transcripts from all previous colleges attended, along with the application for admission. An interview with an admission counselor may also be required. All students must also apply to the teacher education program. For additional information about these admission requirements, see the Elementary Education major or Supplemental Secondary Education major.
Student-At-Large
Those who wish to take classes as at-large students should submit an application for admission. If the courses desired have prerequisites, official transcripts may be required. An interview with an admission counselor may also be required, depending on the courses the applicant intends to take.
Readmission
Any North Central degree candidate who left the College for any reason for more than one term must apply to reenter. Students who withdraw for one term may continue to use graduation requirements from the catalog which was in effect their first term of attendance. Students who stop out for more than one consecutive term (excluding summer) must use the catalog which is in effect when they reenter. Students-in-Residence-on-Leave (SIROL) are the only exception to this policy. When applying for readmission, students must contact the Office of Admission and request an application for readmission. Students who have completed coursework at an institution other than North Central prior to reentry must have official transcripts forwarded directly from other colleges or universities. Students need a minimum 2.00 GPA to be considered for readmission.
If it has been more than five years since attending the College, the student must resubmit any transcripts from colleges attended prior to the first enrollment at North Central.
Students who have previously earned degrees from North Central College and wish to earn an additional major or minor need to contact the Office of Admission (see Multiple Degrees section). Students intending to earn a second degree or master’s degree need to contact the School of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Official Documents
Official documents must be sent in hard-copy form or sent through approved electronic transferring services directly from another institution to North Central for the College to take action and/or make decisions. Documents received through other means are considered unofficial and may be used to advise and counsel students regarding admission, transfer of credit and financial aid but will not be acted upon by North Central.
Alternative Education
North Central College recognizes that candidates for admission may present alternative education credits, including but not limited to AP, CLEP and IB. These credits are reviewed and evaluated using policies of academic departments and divisions, as well as institutional admission standards.
Campus Visits
The Office of Admission encourages students to experience life at North Central by visiting campus. Prospective students may attend classes, meet with faculty, tour campus facilities, meet with coaches and speak with counselors in the Offices of Admission and Financial Aid. To arrange an interview and campus visit, please contact the Office of Admission at 1-630-637-5800 or by e-mail.
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