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Freshman Admission Deadlines, Criteria & Instructions

Deadlines

Spring 2013 (Semester begins January, 2013) Deadline: December 1, 2012
Summer 2013 (Semester begins June, 2013) Deadline: May 15, 2013
Fall 2013 (Semester begins August, 2013)* Deadline: August 1, 2013

*Current high school students typically apply to begin in the fall.

Profile of Admitted Students: 

High School GPA (middle 50%):  2.85 – 3.47 (based on a 4.00 scale)
Rank in class (middle 50%): 50 – 78 percentile
ACT composite score (middle 50%): 20 – 25

Required High School Curriculum:

English 4 years
Mathematics 3 years (algebra, geometry, algebra II, trigonometry or higher)
Science 3 years (at least one year lab science)
Social Studies 3 years (at least one must be US History or US Government)
Foreign Language, Art, or Music. 2 years

Up to one year of required coursework in Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language, Art, or Music can
be distributed in any of the five subject areas listed above.

 

Step-by-Step Guide to the Applying:

Submit your Admission Application along with your $40 Application Fee.

An NIU Application Fee Waiver form (pdf) may be considered if you are currently enrolled in high school.
Official High School Transcript (sent to NIU by your high school)
(If you earned a GED, then an official GED score report is required)
Official ACT or SAT Scores
Personal Statement: If your high school credentials are below the profile listed above, you are encouraged to submit a personal statement focusing on areas such as leadership experiences, expected contributions to the NIU community, and any personal experiences in overcoming adversity. 

Reinstatement Information

Former NIU students seeking Reenter or Reinstatement information, see Returning students page.
(Source: 2012-2013 Undergraduate Catalog)