March 2026

Greetings,

My name is Alex Torres, Ed.D., and I am the associate director of Events, Tours, and Customer Service at Northern Illinois University. March and April are packed with exciting admitted student events, and I’m thrilled to share them with you.

A little about me: I’m from Chicago, a first-generation college student and a CPS graduate. My journey into higher education was different from most, and it’s why I am so passionate about my work — I know firsthand the power of a campus visit.

I was almost one of the students who didn’t pursue higher education, but a visit to NIU changed everything. On that visit, I not only saw myself represented on campus, but I also saw the limitless opportunities NIU provides. That experience showed me I could belong here and thrive.

We invite your students to join us and be part of the experience:

Admitted Student Fridays: March 6, 20 and 27.
Preview Day: March 21.
Admitted Student Days: April 11 and 25.
Bienvenido a NIU: April 18.

These events are designed to give students the chance to explore opportunities, engage with the community and see themselves at NIU — experiencing the magic that makes our campus a home away from home.

Dr. Alex Torres, Associate Director for Events, Tours and Customer Service

Go Huskies!

Alex Torres, Ed.D.
Associate Director for Events, Tours and Customer Service

NIU Office of Undergraduate Admissions

B.S. 2017, M.S.Ed. 2021, Ed.D. 2025

Embracing our first-generation students

More than half of our undergraduate students are the first in their families to attend college. We understand the first-gen experience.

Named a member of the FirstGen Forward Network, we offer numerous resources and services to help first-generation students make the most of their college experience.

HUSKIE SPOTLIGHT

"As a first-generation college student, being able to recognize my peers and make connections in my classes allows me to form study groups and have a friendly face to turn to for anything ... I have found that connecting with others has been super easy due to the community NIU fosters from the moment you step onto campus.”

— Julia Rozalowski, an elementary education major from Plainfield, Illinois.

A head start on college credit

At NIU, we offer multiple ways to turn advanced coursework into credits. We want to make sure your students get the credit they deserve.

Our admissions counselors can help, along with these resources:

Has your student completed dual-credit courses that count for both high school and college credit? Learn about transferring credits.
Questions about AP exam credit? View NIU’s AP credit table.
Placement exams help students choose the best classes for them. Visit our Testing Services website to learn more about the many services we offer, as well as the placement exams admitted students may need for their majors.

Test-free admissions process

Keep in mind it’s free to apply at NIU, and there’s still time to apply for fall 2026 admission.

We do not consider ACT or SAT scores for general admission or our growing merit scholarship. Because research shows that GPA is a better indicator of success in college, we look at high school GPAs instead.

But students may need to provide their ACT or SAT score for certain competitive scholarships. Along with school-day testing this spring, national test dates are available for registration by students via the official ACT website.

Upcoming Events

The FIRST Tech Challenge Illinois Championship is coming to campus March 7. Open and free to the public, the tournament is from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the NIU Convocation Center. The event blends creativity and science, as seventh- to 12^th- grader students apply their technical acumen, teamwork and all-around tenacity. Learn more.
Spring Recess, March 8-15.
Our College of Business will host a three-day HAVI Hackathon March 26-28, with final presentations April 8. This event brings NIU students together to solve real-world challenges. The top three winning teams will have the opportunity to present at global freight management company HAVI.
Huskies BELONG, a free, immersive experience designed to prepare students for college life and careers in science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM), is currently accepting applications. The summer residential camp will take place July 19-24, 2026. Any college-bound Illinois high school student with a disability, currently in their junior year (Class of 2027), is welcome to apply. This program is free for participants; however, space is limited. To learn more, register for our virtual Zoom presentation that takes place at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, or reach out to bdallas@niu.edu or 815-752-8389.

HUSKIE HEADLINES

Giving students the best chance to succeed

NIU Braven partnership continues to show strong signs of impact

Lisa Freeman wins NASPA President’s Award

Additional Resources

With first-year student resources, we’ll meet your students wherever they’re at on their educational journeys and provide personal attention, flexibility and support tailored to their unique needs.

Do you know other high school partners who would like to receive this information? Share our subscription form.

Resources for High School Counselors

Office of Undergraduate Admissions

Northern Illinois University
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Williston Hall
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-0446