Five ways to stay on track -- Your College Transition -- Transfer with ease

Your College Transition Transfer with Ease

Miguel San Juan of St. Charles Accountancy major, transferred from Elgin Community College “I choose to attend NIU because I see the opportunities and resources that are at my disposal here. I like the culture of the campus and how it is easy to get involved in anything. From my experience, every club that I wanted to join was very approachable and accepting of new members.”

Let’s get you transfer-ready!

As you look toward the future, so many choices lie ahead. It’s such an exciting time, but we know how daunting it all can seem.

No matter where you end up — here at NIU or elsewhere — you deserve a smooth transfer process.

With that in mind, we bring you five ways to stay on track as you make this transition, along with just some of the many reasons to consider us as you prepare for your next big step.

Northern Illinois University

page 2

One

Tackle this transition period head-on. Talk as early as possible with advisors at your community college, as well as those at the colleges you’re exploring. Talk to professors in your intended academic field. Talk to other students. Ask questions. Check out potential universities online. Be relentless. Around here, we like to think of this as Huskie grit.

Get a head start.

Check out one of our many events geared specifically for transfer students: • Virtual Transfers Get Information Fridays (TGIF).

• Virtual one-on-one transfer appointments.

Visit go.niu.edu/transfervisit for more details, and even register for our next Open House event.

Everything you need to know about becoming a Huskie is available here: go.niu.edu/transfer. You also can email us at transfercenter@niu.edu or call us at 815-753-0446.

One of every two In the fall of 2019, one of every two new transfers to NIU was a first-generation college student. We know it takes courage and determination to be the first in your family to go to college, and we do all we can to help you get what you need to lead the life you want, today and beyond.

Northern Illinois University

page 3

Two

Look for colleges that make the transfer process as seamless as possible. Do they offer resources just for you? Are their resources easy to navigate?

Seek out the best resources.

Transfer requirements can vary at every university, so it can seem like you’ll never figure it all out. Just don’t give up! Keep your eyes on the prize. Transfer students have high graduation rates, especially at NIU. And you don’t have to do this alone.

Have we mentioned we’re one of only a few universities with counselors specifically designated to work with you?

We work closely with community colleges throughout Illinois and beyond to ensure a smooth transition for you.

We’re doing everything we can to simplify it all.

Our counselors like to work directly with you.

And we also offer numerous individualized resources at go.niu.edu/transfer. Here’s where you’ll find transfer guides broken down by college and even degree paths.

Along with making sure you get credit for as many classes as you deserve, we’ll walk you through the entire process.

Do they have everything you need to guide you through the entire transition process?

Nearly 50% It’s no wonder we place a high priority on our transfer Huskies!

Nearly half of our graduating classes are transfer students.

Northern Illinois University

page 4

Three

Choose a college with cost in mind. You’ve kept your cool and studied hard. Now it’s time for you to be your own advocate as you navigate your next steps. This means looking into as many paths to financial aid and scholarships as possible.

Take advantage of financial aid and scholarships.

Worried about the cost? We hear you. At NIU, we’re continually finding ways to ease both the transfer process and the impact on your wallet.

When you apply for admission, you’ll automatically be considered for our Merit Scholarships for Transfers. Just be sure to apply early for maximum scholarship benefit.

We also offer: • The $1,000 Huskie Legacy Award for students whose parents graduated from NIU. • NIU Partner Scholarships based on financial need and other eligibility factors. These include the Transfer Achievement Scholarship, Kishwaukee College Transfer Scholarship and the City Colleges of Chicago STARS Transfer Scholarship.

• Numerous competitive scholarships at go.niu.edu/myscholarships.

$15M The amount NIU awards in scholarships including many specifically for our transfer students such as our Merit Scholarships for Transfers and our Transfer Achievement Scholarship.

Northern Illinois University

page 5

Four

What’s important to you? What kind of environment do you want to live and learn in? Will you live on campus?

Commute?

Find the right home for you.

You deserve to end up in a place where you feel at-home, valued, connected, involved, inspired and motivated to achieve your dreams. Wherever you end up, you’re a student. Period. Having the word “transfer” in front of that should never make you feel separate from the rest of the campus community.

We make equity and inclusion for our students a top priority here, and we believe our diversity makes us stronger.

As a transfer student at NIU, you’ll find numerous ways to feel welcome. Many resources we provide just for you include our Transfer House and residence hall designated for upper-division students, parking areas for commuters, meal plans and child care. Plus there’s lots more transfer-friendly information through our Commuter and Off-Campus Services, where you’ll find a lounge area, computer access, free coffee and more.

We know you may not be new to college, but you will be new to NIU. So we’ll help you find your home whether you choose to live on or off campus.

300+ When you’re a Huskie, you’re one of our pack. You’ll make friends and memories on a campus with an abundance of organizations.

Our Greek life, cultural resource centers and recreational activities also keep us busy year-round. Whatever your interest, you’ll find it here.

Northern Illinois University

page 6

Five

Your well-being is our top priority, so be sure to feed that hunger of yours to live and learn. Dedicate yourself to getting the most out of every experience. Thoroughly explore the college campuses you’re considering. Get a full picture — from the academic resources they offer to ensure your success to the amenities you deserve to keep you safe, healthy and happy.

Take care of yourself and your future.

At NIU, you’ll have opportunities to dive into your major area of study, get hands-on in your learning and make connections with your professors and your diverse Huskie community. We’ll help keep you on track with: • Career Services.

• The University Writing Center.

• Tutoring services.

• Counseling and Consultation Services.

With video surveillance and key card security in our residence halls and our campus police working 24/7 to protect and serve, you can be assured we’re watching out for you.

An extension of Northwestern Medicine, our Student Health Center is in the hands of one of the top medical systems in the nation, and our recreation center features more than 100,000 square feet of modern amenities.

No. 1 Illinois leads the nation in bachelor’s degree completion rates among community college students who transfer to four-year colleges. We’ve played a big role in that success.

You’ll also have plenty to see and do on our campus with its abundance of organizations, Greek life, cultural resource centers and recreational activities. Whatever your interest, you’ll find it here. The bottom line is your future is our focus.

Northern Illinois University

page 7

Celine Taylor of Elmhurst Public health major, transferred from College of DuPage “I chose NIU for the place to continue my education because it has a nice campus, but it is still in-state and affordable. It is near Chicago, so even while I am still in school I can connect with future employers in a large metropolitan area.”

Visit us!

The sooner we hear from you, as you move through your educational journey, the better. As much as we’re hoping you’ll become a Huskie, we’re ready and willing to help guide you no matter where you end up. We just want to see you succeed. Let us help! go.niu.edu/transfer has everything you need to know!

You also can speak personally to one of our transfer counselors at 815-753-0446 or transfercenter@niu.edu.

Northern Illinois University

page 8