The holistic review process evaluates multiple factors in order to render an admission decision for students who have a GPA lower than 3.0.
Applying early and completing the steps outlined below as part of the holistic review process will ensure your application is reviewed in a timely manner. Please note space limitations and availability of interview slots may necessitate earlier deadlines.
The items below include additional information for each step and helpful tips on how to navigate this process. For additional questions or support, please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Admissions.
After submitting your application, you will receive an email with instructions on completing the holistic review questions. On your checklist in MyNIU you will see a personal statement request which can be completed 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 challenges, obstacles or barriers inside or outside of school that affected your academics and development as a student. The challenges 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 for you to provide grades for the first semester of your senior year. These seventh semester grades allow us to consider your academic performance. Learn how to submit your official transcript.
We may ask you to attend an online interview to clarify your information, to allow you to elaborate on information you already provided or to give additional information. You'll receive an email invitation to interview after you have submitted your responses to the holistic review questions. The interview will be conducted by one or two admission counselors.
You should dress as you would for school. Be comfortable and let your personal style show. You can even download a Huskie Pride background to use during the interview.