How to Apply
You have two choices when it's time to apply for undergraduate admission to North Park University:
1. Apply Online
To start a new application now, select what type of student you will be.
2. Mail an Application
For those who need it, a downloadable application is available to print, fill out completely, and submit by mail. Instructions for first-year, transfer, and international students are included in the PDF download packet.
We hope you'll choose the method that's easiest for you. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Other Applicants
- To apply for one of North Park's graduate or adult degree-completion programs, please select your interest on the Admissions homepage.
- Students wishing to take selected courses or enter with visiting status should refer to the instructions for non-degree-seeking/visiting students.
Materials Required for an Application
These materials must be submitted to North Park University's Office of Undergraduate Admission in order for us to make an admission decision. Credentials submitted in support of an application become the property of North Park University and are not returned.
- Completed application (either the full application online or via download), including personal essay
- Official high school transcript (with a final transcript, sometimes called proof of graduation, due upon graduation from high school)
- Transfer students with more than 12 hours of transferable credit do not need to submit a high school transcript unless requested by the Office of Undergraduate Admission or if college courses taken during high school were applied to meet high school graduation requirements.
- Students with fewer than 12 hours of transferable college credit will be considered first-year students and should submit a final high school transcript.
- Official notification of standardized test scores from American College Testing program (ACT) and/or Scholastic Aptitude Test (New SAT).
- References: one academic (required), to be completed by a high-school principal, guidance counselor, or faculty member; and one personal (optional), to be completed by a pastor, youth pastor, coach, mentor, or employer. Additional recommendations are welcome and may strengthen an application.
- Other materials, as requested
- Personal interview, as requested
- Application fee of $40 (nonrefundable)
Have you filed your FAFSA?
An important part of any college application process is filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Don't miss any aid opportunities, including the Illinois Map Grant, by filing early. Learn more about financial aid at North Park.
Standardized Tests
North Park accepts both the ACT, including the new writing component, and the New SAT.
North Park recommends students take reasonable steps to prepare for the ACT and SAT. This may include test preparation classes offered through local high schools and the use of test preparation books along with computer based practice tests which will guide students in preparing for the actual test.
North Park will accept the "best" test score submitted on behalf of a student.
- SAT North Park Code: 1556
- ACT North Park Code: 1098
Admission Decision Criteria
First Year Admission Requirements
| High School GPA |
2.75, unweighted
|
| ACT |
19 |
New SAT
|
1360 |
First-year students who do not meet minimum requirements may be considered for provisional admission.
Transfer Admission Requirements
| College GPA |
2.5, based on more than 12 transferable hours
|
All Applicants
In addition to the minimum requirements listed above, North Park University considers the following indicators that predict the likelihood of success at the University when evaluating students for admission:
- High-school attendance record
- Personal essay, statement, or writing sample, topics specified on the application form
- Activities and involvements that reflect initiative, leadership, personal character, and values
- Recommendations
Profile of the First-Year Class (Fall 2011)
- 11% of students scored 28 or higher on the ACT
- 24% scored 1200 or higher on the SAT (verbal and math)
- The middle 50% of incoming students scored 19-25 on the ACT and 980-1200 on the SAT
- 61% have a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher
- 15% were in the top 10% of their class
- 40% were in the top 25%
- 77% were in the top 50%
- Average class rank 65%
Application Timetable
Early application and decision tend to indicate an increased likelihood for the success of an individual student at the university. North Park employs a rolling admissions policy. Decisions are normally made within ten to fourteen days of a completed file, meaning all required or specifically requested materials have been received by the admission office.
Recommended Deadlines
Applications received and completed after these dates are considered and acted upon on a space available basis.
Note: Financial aid opportunities are generally most favorable for early applicants.
Rolling Admission Decision Policy
North Park has a rolling admission policy. When a file is complete, it is reviewed and a decision is made. Students are then notified of the decision. When more information is required in order to make a sound decision, additional materials and a personal interview may be requested. Most commonly this includes a request for seventh semester grades.
Acceptance of the Offer of Admission
The acceptance of the offer of admission is confirmed when a student makes a tuition deposit. When an offer of admission specifies a date by which the offer of admission must be accepted, the student must make a tuition deposit by that date. Failure to make a tuition deposit by the specified date will result in the cancellation of the offer of admission and the position may be offered to another student.
Home-Schooled Applicants
Standard admission requirements apply, including application materials. References must be from individuals other than family members.
Students Seeking a Second Bachelor's Degree
North Park University welcomes students seeking a second bachelor's degree. These students are often interested in making a career change and further education is required.
Materials required for consideration include:
- Completed application form
- Completed essay
- Official transcript(s) showing all college or graduate course work
- Copy of undergraduate diploma
- References
- Application fee of $40 (nonrefundable)
The only financial aid available for a second bachelor's is the possibility of federal student loans, if still eligible.
Exchange Students
Register through your home school. Exchange students who wish to continue studies at North Park University after their exchange program must apply for admission.
Additional Details for Some Applicants
Further information about special application procedures is important for the following types of applicant:
Non-Discrimination Policy
North Park University does not discriminate with regard to race, creed, or religion; national origin, sex, age, disability, or color in admission to educational programs.