After You Apply

To review specific items needed to complete your application, log in to your Application Status Portal using the personal email address you used to create your application . If your application is complete, you can expect an admission decision to be emailed to you in about two to three weeks.

A few days after submitting your application to NIU, you will receive an email from admissions@niu.edu with your NIU AccountID and the steps you must take to activate it. See Account ID Activation and Access for full instructions, including how to find your Z-ID if you do not know it.

Background Disclosure Review

If you answered "Yes" to any criminal background or disciplinary questions on your application, you'll receive an email with next steps for submitting required documentation.

Providing Additional Materials

Below are some items you may need to provide to complete your admissions file.

Transcripts

You'll need to submit official transcripts from all high schools and colleges you've attended directly to NIU.

Supporting Documents

Additional materials may be required based on your academic history, including international credential evaluations, credit by exam records or program-specific requirements.

Holistic Review

If your GPA is below 3.00, we'll process your application through holistic review, a personalized evaluation of your application and circumstances. Additional requirements may include responses to holistic review questions, updated transcripts and an interview.

Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)

You can securely upload a clear, legible photo or a PDF of both the front and back of your permanent resident/green card. You also can bring the card in person or mail a copy to our Office of Undergraduate Admissions at:

Social Security Card

Name changes require Social Security card verification. If you are an applicant who previously applied to NIU under another name, or need to change/update your legal name in our systems after applying, you may be asked to supply a copy of your Social Security card to verify your current legal name. Securely upload your Social Security card. If you have any trouble uploading your card, please email admissions@niu.edu.