How to Apply

You have two choices when it's time to apply for admission to North Park University:

1. Full application online
2. Downloadable application to print and submit by mail

We hope you'll choose the method that's easiest for you. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

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)
• Official notification of standardized test scores from American College Testing program (ACT) and/or Scholastic Aptitude Test (New SAT). We recommend the new SAT writing test and the new ACT writing test for all first-year applicants.
• 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)

Standardized Tests

North Park accepts both the ACT, including the new writing component, and the New SAT. Currently, the writing tests are not utilized in determining scholarship awards.

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

North Park University considers the following indicators that predict the likelihood of success at the University when evaluating first-time-to-college students for admission:

• Class rank
• High school GPA
• Test scores: SAT or ACT (writing scores will be considered)
• High-school attendance record
• Personal essay, topics specified on the application form
• Activities and involvements that reflect initiative, leadership, personal character, and values
• References

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 7th 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.

Profile of the 2008-2009 First-Year Class

• 50% of students have test scores either ACT between 19 and 24 or SAT of between 930 and 1170
• 8% of students who submitted ACT scores of 28 or higher
• 20% of students who submitted SAT scores of 1200 or higher
• Average ACT: 22
• Average SAT: 1055
• Average high-school GPA 3.1
• 11% are in the top 10%
• 35% are in the top 25%
• 66% are in the top 50%
• Average class rank 61%

Non-Degree-Seeking Students/Visiting Students

A Visiting Student is one who is authorized by the Office of Admission to register for a course or courses for college credit but has not been fully accepted for a degree at North Park University. Visiting Students interested in taking classes must complete the first page and sign the last page of the regular application (available here for download) and submit to the Office of Admission. Credits earned as a Visiting Student are transferable to other universities or may later be applied to a North Park degree.

A Visiting Student may earn up to 30 semester hours with that status. Thereafter, the student must apply for full admission to the University before being allowed to register for additional courses. The application procedure for moving from the status of Special to a fully admitted student is the same as for other students.

The same criteria are used by the University in approving applications for admission of a Visiting Student as would apply for any other application for admission. The Visiting Student is expected to meet the degree requirements that are in force at the time of application for degree status.

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:

• Transfer applicants
• International applicants
• Students seeking readmittance
• College Bridge students
• Summer-session students

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.