Frequently Asked Questions
You've got questions. We've got answers.
We hope you find the following resources helpful as you navigate the college search, application and enrollment process. Here you will find answer to some of the questions our students and families frequently ask us.
First-Year Applicants
When can I apply to North Central?
Our application opens on August 1st.
Where can I apply to North Central?
Our free first-year application can be completed here. We are also on the Common App. Once we receive your application, official transcripts, and test scores if applicable, we’ll have your admission decision to you within 10 business days.
What email address should I use with the application?
We recommend you use the email you check most often.
Is North Central test-optional?
Yes, we are test optional! This means we do not require applicants to submit ACT or SAT scores for admission. Students who apply to North Central are evaluated for a merit scholarship solely based on GPA.
How do I decide if I should report ACT/SAT scores?
We encourage you to report your scores if you feel they accurately represent your academic ability.
Do you require a letter of recommendation?
We do not require a letter of recommendation. However, you do have the option to submit one.
Do you accept unofficial transcripts?
Yes, we do accept unofficial transcripts when reviewing applications for admission. Please note that we do require an official copy prior to the start of your first semester if you decide to attend North Central.
Transfer Applicants
When can I apply to North Central?
The Fall application open on August 1st every year. We additionally have applications available for Summer and Spring starts that open typically one year prior to the semester beginning. Since we are on rolling admission, you can apply at any point up until one week prior to the start of the semester you are seeking
Where can I apply to North Central?
Our free transfer application can be completed here. We also are on the Common App. Once we receive your application and official transcripts from all colleges attended, we’ll have your admission decision to you within 10 business days.
What courses should I complete in order to transfer?
You can transfer at any point, regardless of what courses you’ve completed or number of credit hours earned. If you’re looking for course suggestions, we encourage you to meet with your Transfer Admission Counselor.
What GPA is needed to transfer?
While a 2.5 transferable GPA is preferred to be competitive for admission, we do complete a holistic review that takes several factors into account before making a final decision
Are ACT or SAT scores required?
No! If you have less than 24 transferable college credit hours, your high school transcript will be required but ACT/SAT test scores are optional.
When do I find out what classes will transfer?
An official evaluation will be sent to you within two weeks of being admitted to the College. However, you can schedule a meeting with your Transfer Admission Counselor at any point for an unofficial transcript evaluation.
Graduate Applicants
Does North Central have graduate programs?
Yes! We offer graduate degrees at both the master's and doctoral level in a variety of academic areas, including the health sciences, business, leadership, and more. Explore all programs at northcentralcollege.edu/grad.
Does North Central have pathway programs?
A: Our Master of Athletic Training, Master of Occupational Therapy, Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, and Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies programs all have pathway options for students. Pathway programs allow North Central students to be admitted into graduate programs while they are still finishing their undergraduate degree (often times with shortened application processes) and receive mentorship from faculty.
Additionally, North Central offers a One Year Master of Business Administration program. North Central students can complete the MBA program in just three semesters, leaving North Central with both a bachelor's and master's degree.
Can I take graduate courses as an undergraduate student?
If you want to get a jump start on graduate courses, undergraduate students may take up to six credits of graduate coursework as a senior. Full policy can be found here.
How can I learn more about North Central's graduate programs?
There are many opportunities to learn more! Join us for a campus visit, tune in for a virtual information session, or reach out to the Graduate School at any time for more information. Find upcoming visit opportunities here or submit a request for information.
Visiting Campus
How can I schedule a campus visit?
You can schedule a campus visit online or by calling 630-637-5800.
Can I arrange an individual admissions appointment?
Yes, we offer appointments Monday through Fridays with start times from 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM. Evening appointments are available for transfer students on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. We also offer occasional Saturday visits and events.
Can I visit a class and meet with a faculty member while on campus?
Yes, however, you must coordinate with our Welcome Center staff and express that you would like to meet with a faculty member when registering for the visit. You can include your request in the comment box on the registration form, email admissions@noctrl.edu, or call the Welcome Center directly at 630-637-5800.
Will I see a residence hall while on campus?
Yes, each of our tours will showcase a residence hall on campus.
What if I can’t make it to campus?
Not a problem! We encourage you to explore our virtual tour. We also offer virtual appointments with members of our admissions and financial aid team.
Academics
Are classes taught by professors or teaching assistants?
All classes are taught by the professor assigned to the classes. All professors have a terminal degree within their field and are highly knowledgeable. Professors are always available to meet with students outside of class.
What is the size of classes?
Whether it is an entry-level class or major-specific course, all classes cap at 35 students. Our average class size is 20 students. This means that we have no lecture-based courses but instead, students are provided with personalized attention and support. Our student faculty ratio is 14-to-1.
Is there additional support available to students?
Students have access to our writing center, tutoring help, and the speaking center at no additional cost. The Writing Center can be a resource at all levels of writing. They can assist in brainstorming, research, citations, and the development of a paper. Tutors are available to fit a student’s needs and their schedule. The Speaking Center is a place to practice and craft a student’s speech. Students can practice presenting in front of a Speaking Center worker where feedback and support is provided. Additional services include: testing accommodations, graduate school preparation, and the STEM Resource Center.
How can I find out what credit I will receive for my AP and IB credits?
Credit is awarded for Advanced Placement (AP) exam scores of 4 or 5, with scores of 3 evaluated individually as described in the Advanced Placement table of the North Central Academic Catalog.
Credit is awarded for International Baccalaureate (IB) scores of 5, 6, or 7 in higher level subjects as described in the International Baccalaureate table of the North Central Academic Catalog.
What resources are available to help me find an internship or job?
Whether it’s research on campus or an internship in Chicago, NC has the resources to help students outside the classroom. Career Development is located in our brand-new learning commons and available to review resumes, cover letters, and other career-related documents. They offer mock interviews and additional help setting up a Handshake profile. Handshake is a platform to help students find jobs and internships. Career Development also offers Interview Fairs and Career Fest every year. Having this support for students has allowed 92% of our students to be employed, attending graduate school, or participating in other postgraduate activities six months post-graduation.
What are some of the more popular programs on campus?
Some of the more popular programs include our business, psychology and STEM programs.
How soon can I start taking classes within my major/program?
Students at North Central are taking classes for their program as early as their first semester of their first year on campus!
What is your study abroad program like?
The Center for Global Education is a great resource for students who are interested in studying abroad. Students are eligible to go aboard anytime after their first year at North Central. The Center for Global Education offers approximately 36 programs around the world, for all majors, minors, budgets and comfort zones. You will be carefully advised by our Education Abroad advisors in the process of choosing the program abroad that is best for you.
Does North Central offer research opportunities for undergraduate students?
Yes! Our faculty and professors are always trying to find the answer to something! At North Central College, students have the opportunity to participate in our Summer Undergraduate Research Program. Students in this program work with a faculty member conducting research for eight weeks during the summer. Students may receive a stipend for their work and campus housing is available for a small fee. Students are also able to later present their research findings at our annual Rall Symposium.
Housing & Dining
Am I required to live on campus?
Research shows that college students who live on campus connect better to campus life, experience greater academic success and are more likely to continue on to graduation. It is College policy that first-year, sophomore and junior students, not living with their families, are required to live in campus housing. If you need to request an exception to this policy, you may submit an appeal in writing to the Office of Residence Life.
Do I get to pick my roommate(s)?
If you know someone you would like to room with on campus, you may note this person on your housing questionnaire. We’ll try our best to match you with your preferred roommate, though we cannot guarantee it. It’s important that both you and your requested roommate clearly mark that you want to room together in campus housing – we can only honor mutual roommate requests. If you have questions about this process, feel free to contact the Office of Residence Life at 630-637-5858 or reslife@noctrl.edu.
What if I don’t know anyone to room with?
Then leave the choice up to the Residence Life staff! We’ll do our best to match you with someone who has similar interests, tastes and lifestyle choices. Many such roommates end up becoming life-long friends! We also will have an Instagram page for your incoming class where you can connect and meet other future Cardinals!
Can I bring a pet?
Fish are the only pets allowed and must be housed in a 5-gallon tank or smaller. If you bring an aquarium, remember you’ll need to transport it to and from your residence hall when the campus is closed. No other pets are permitted in the residence halls. Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals are allowed on campus. They must be approved by Student Disability Services. They can be contacted at sds@noctrl.edu or 630-637-5264.
Do I have a mailbox?
If you’re a resident student, you’ll have a mailbox. The Campus Postal Center is located on the lower level of New Hall. Postal Center hours of operation continue to be Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM & Saturdays 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM (when class is in session). Students will receive an email from the Campus Postal Center with their mailbox number.
Can I have a car on campus?
Yes! We have both residential and commuter lots on our campus. If you are planning to bring a car, you can purchase your parking pass in the Office of Campus Safety.
Who is required to have a meal plan?
In order to keep you fueled for success, all North Central students living on campus are required to have a meal plan.
I have special dietary needs or restrictions. Is there anything for me to eat?
Yes! We understand the diverse needs of the North Central campus community and offer a variety of diet-conscious alternatives, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, and more at every location.
How do I sign up for a meal plan?
All resident students will be automatically assigned a meal plan when they are assigned a room. The Fall semester board (meal) plan will typically begin with breakfast on the Friday prior to the first day of classes and will typically conclude with dinner service on the last day of final examinations. Spring semester will typically begin with Sunday dinner the day before classes begin based on the College calendar and will conclude with dinner the last day of final examinations.
What are the meal plan options?
There are four types of resident meal plans. All residents will be automatically assigned to the 17 Meals Weekly plan. You can change your meal plan during the first week of classes each semester at Kaufman Dining Hall. Smaller meal plan sizes are available to commuter students.
What are swipes, bonus bucks, and flex dollars?
Meals, also called swipes, are built into your meal plan. You can use them to enter and enjoy a meal at Kaufman Dining Hall, our all-you-care-to-eat style dining location. Swipes are automatically deducted from your student ID when swiped at Kaufman’s register. Students may use up to 4 swipes at Kaufman per day, unless enrolled in the All-Access Plan which includes unlimited swipes.
Bonus Bucks are also built into your meal plan and can be used at all retail locations to purchase any menu items. Retail locations include the Rolland Boilerhouse (We Proudly Serve Starbucks and Convenience Store), The Cage (Billie’s Coop House Sandwiches, the Local Scene, and Cinco Cantina), and Cardinal Corner. Bonus bucks can also be used to purchase a meal at Kaufman Dining Hall. Bonus Bucks work like cash, automatically deducting from your student ID when scanned at a register. One Bonus Buck is the equivalent of one dollar. Bonus Bucks roll over from Fall to Spring semester; however, unused Bonus Bucks will expire at the end of each academic year.
Flex Dollars are not part of a meal plan but can be purchased as a supplement and are accepted at all dining locations. Like Bonus Bucks, they are automatically deducted from your student ID when used. For students with meal plans, Flex Dollars will only be deducted at dining locations after all bonus bucks have been used. Flex Dollars roll over from one academic year to the next until you leave North Central College.
Campus Life
How do I join a club or organization?
We strongly encourage all North Central College students to participate in a club or organization on campus. There are over 80 different groups on campus based off of majors, different honor societies, student organizations, and fun extracurriculars. At North Central, we host multiple student life fairs throughout the year to meet and connect with these groups! Students are also sent out weekly emails about different clubs on campus and what time they meet to make it easier for students to connect and join.
Does North Central have Greek Life?
NC does not have Greek life. There are over 80 clubs and organizations, 25 athletic teams, and plenty of activities for students to meet one another and gain campus pride.
What is there to do off-campus?
North Central College is located in the heart of the historic district of downtown Naperville Downtown Naperville has over 150 trendy restaurants, shops, and cafes located just steps from campus. The Naperville Riverwalk is accessible from campus with over 2 miles of brick paths, fountains, and study spots. The College is a five-minute walk to the Naperville train station which allows students to access downtown Chicago in 35 minutes.
What safety measures does North Central have in place?
NC makes sure safety is the number one priority. All residence halls require an ID to be scanned into the residence hall. Only residents of the specific residence hall have access to the building. The campus is also equipped with emergency Blue Light Boxes. When the button on the Light Box is pressed, students are automatically connected with security. NC has its own security service, Campus Safety, which patrols campus 24/7. North Central is also located in the heart of Naperville, which in 2021 was ranked the safest city in America.
What support is there for First-Gen students on campus?
At North Central College, we're proud that nearly 40% of our students are first-generation college students. The mission of Cardinal First is to provide a supportive and welcoming community for first-generation students and their families, a campus culture that recognizes and celebrates first-generation student identity as an asset, and a program that intentionally connects first-generation students to faculty, resources, information and experiences that promote academic and personal success from enrollment through graduation.
What diversity efforts are there on campus?
At North Central College, we value diversity in all its forms, and we are committed to building a welcoming, inclusive community for all students, faculty and staff. With a variety of multicultural student led organizations, there is space for students to explore and learn. The Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Athletic Diversity Counsel, and the DEI Taskforce are just a few resources and teams we have to help create a safe space for all.
