The holistic review process takes many factors into account when reviewing applications from students with a GPA below 3.0.
To stay on track and avoid last-minute stress, follow these steps:
After submitting your application, you'll receive an email with instructions on completing our holistic review questions. On your checklist in MyNIU, you'll see a personal statement request which you must complete by submitting your Holistic Review Question responses.
We recommend asking someone (teacher, counselor, friend, etc.) to proofread your responses. You may also find the following articles helpful:
Select a question to see tips for your answer.
This question helps us understand your persistence, patience and long-term planning abilities. Write about the major you're interested in pursuing, the experiences that led you to select this area of study, and what you plan to do with your degree after you graduate. It's OK if you're undecided. We can help you explore majors.
This question helps us understand your ability to recognize and accept your strengths and areas of potential growth, especially in academics, as well as your ability to seek resources to improve academically and personally. Refer to your unofficial transcript to get an idea of your academic patterns in high school. Write about how you used formal or informal resources and techniques to improve academically.
Write about how you overcame a specific challenge, obstacle or barrier that affected your academics. The challenge may be personal or related to school.
This question focuses on skills you developed by participating in extracurricular activities and/or work, as well as through academics. Write about qualities that helped you achieve success in the past and how they'll help you at NIU. For example, you may be curious, resilient or able to ask effective questions. Include examples, such as finding online resources or asking teachers for help.
View a list of some of the resources available at NIU.
Write about your support network and the ways you seek help and encouragement. This includes services (tutoring, counseling, mentoring, etc.) and people (friends, family, teachers, etc.) who will help you grow as a student and member of the community. Include resources you've used in the past and student assistance services you plan to use at NIU.
This question is your opportunity to share information not addressed in other areas of the application process. The information you provide will help us understand your experiences as a person and student. You can write about topics such as gaps in your academic schedule, early graduation from high school, pursuing your GED, reasons for being out of school for long periods of time or any extenuating circumstances.
This question helps us understand your confidence, self-esteem, independence and determination. Write about formal/informal roles you've had, either as a student or member of your home or community, and discuss their impact on your life or the lives of others.
We may request that you to provide grades for the first semester of your senior year. These seventh semester grades allow us to consider your most recent academic performance. Learn how to submit your official transcript.
You may be invited to an online interview. Think of it as a conversation — it’s a chance to clarify your responses, share more about your experiences or add details you didn’t include before. If you’re selected, you’ll receive an email invitation after submitting your holistic review responses.
The interview will be with one or two admissions counselors.
For dress, just aim for what you’d normally wear to school: neat, comfortable and true to your personal style. There’s no need to dress formally — just be yourself.
You can even download a Huskie Pride background to use during the interview.