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 and score on the ACT or SAT if submitted. Students applying to one of the Shimer Great Books programs may submit their Classic Learning Test (CLT) score instead of the ACT or SAT. Students who are not home schooled or international may choose to apply test optional and not submit a standardized test score (policy enacted for 2020-21 academic year). 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 including involvement in extracurricular activities.
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, submitted no later than one week (seven days) before the beginning of the semester.
- An official secondary-school transcript or General Education Diploma (GED) test results.
- Official results from either the ACT or SAT. Official results from the CLT will be accepted for students applying to the Shimer Great Books programs. Scores included on an official secondary-school transcript are acceptable. Students who choose to apply test optional must indicate that option on their application for admission. A student cannot decide they want their test score excluded if they did not indicate test optional on their application. Students may only submit one application for a term. If a student submits more than one application, their first application will be considered. Students who apply test optional and who enroll in the college will be asked to submit official standardized test scores at that point for statistical analysis.
- Additional information—such as a personal statement, admission interview, academic writing sample, additional course work and/or an updated standardized test score—may be requested once an initial review of a student’s application materials is complete
Home Schooled 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 admission interview.
- Home schooled students may not apply test optional.
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 of 2.5 or higher is preferred. If a student has completed less than 24 transferable credit hours, high school transcripts 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, submitted no later than one week (seven days) before the beginning of the semester.
- Official transcripts from all previously enrolled colleges and universities
- An official high school transcript (if a student has completed less than 24 transferable credit hours)
- Additional information—such as a personal statement, admission interview, academic writing sample, additional course work and/or an updated standardized test score—may be requested once an initial review of a student’s application materials is complete
North Central College participates in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) as a “receiving only” institution. Students completing the General Education Core Curriculum (GECC) at a full-participating college or university in Illinois automatically fulfill many of North Central’s general education requirements, with exception of the Mission Designations, Well Being, Transfer Seminar and Senior Seminar. The Transfer Seminar and Senior Seminar must be taken at North Central, while the Mission Designations and Well Being requirements will be evaluated on a course-by-course basis.
Students completing an approved Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree are also exempt from North Central’s general education requirements with the exception of three institutional requirements. The Transfer Seminar and Senior Seminar must be completed at North Central, while the Well Being requirement will be evaluated on a course-by-course basis.
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 64 semester hours or 96 quarter hours. There is no maximum number of credit hours accepted from a four-year institution. However, students must complete either their last 32 of their last 40 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 semester in which they would like to start to allow time for the visa application process. Students transferring from a U.S. institution should apply at least two months before the intended start semester . 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
- Additional information – such as a personal statement, admission interview, academic writing sample, additional course work and/or an updated standardized test score – may be requested once an initial review of a student’s application materials is complete.
Conditional Admission: Students whose academic records qualify them for admission to an undergraduate degree program but whose level of English proficiency is lower than the 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 and a copy of the student’s valid passport identity page must be received before an I-20 Form (visa eligibility 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 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.
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 College or Shimer College degree candidate who left the College for any reason for more than one semester must apply to reenter. Students who withdraw for one semester may continue to use graduation requirements from the catalog which was in effect their first semester of attendance. Students who stop out for more than one consecutive semester (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 should use the form available on the website. 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. Once offered readmission to the College, a student will meet with an academic advisor to register for classes and complete an individualized transition plan.
If it has been more than five years since attending North Central College or Shimer College, the student must resubmit any transcripts from colleges attended prior to the first enrollment at North Central College or Shimer College.
Students who have previously earned degrees from North Central College or Shimer College and wish to earn a second degree or additional major or minor need to contact the Office of Admission (see Multiple Degrees section). Students intending to earn a 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, including the Coalition Application and the Common Application, 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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