Graduate Students: How to Apply

Expedite your journey to launch your degree program! Meet the priority deadline to have components of your application waived.

Central Application Services

The following programs use a Central Application Service and have separate application processes.  To learn more, visit each program page.

• Master of Athletic Training
• Master of Occupational Therapy
• Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
• Master's Entry to Nursing Practice
• Master of Science in Nursing
• Doctor of Physical Therapy
• Occupational Therapy Doctorate
• Post-Graduate APRN Certificates

Steps to Apply

1. Submit the Online Application

Complete the free North Central College online application. You will also need to submit additional items depending on your program; these items will be viewable on your applicant portal checklist. All applicants must submit:

• Statement of purpose that discusses long-range goals, interest in the chosen discipline, and the reason(s) for applying to this program.
• A current resume that includes educational and employment history, college extracurricular activities, community activities, honors and leadership roles, hobbies and nonacademic interests.
   

2. Submit Official Transcripts

Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions showing an earned bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Official transcripts must be submitted to Graduate Admission directly from the institution attended. 

Official transcripts should be sent electronically from verified services, such as Parchment, to North Central College.

Alternatively, transcripts can be sent from your institution by mail to:
Office of Graduate Admission
30 N. Brainard St.
Naperville, IL  60540

Hard copy transcripts hand-delivered by students will be accepted if received in an official sealed envelope from the institution
 

3. Submit Letter of Recommendation

Applicants must submit one professional or academic letter of recommendation from an employer, professor, or another person who is able to judge your potential for graduate study. Use the recommendation section of the application to enter the recommender's name and email address. Recommendations are submitted online through our secure website. 

Note: Letters of recommendation for Master of Education in Educational Leadership candidates must come from a school principal
 

Admission Interviews and Additional Statements of Purpose

We use a holistic approach, giving careful consideration to all credentials in an application. A minimum GPA of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale during the last 60 credit hours of coursework is required. Applicants who do not meet the minimum grade point average may be considered and are required to submit a supplemental essay as requested by the Office of Graduate Admission.

Applicants may be invited to an admissions interview if deemed necessary by Graduate Admission.  
 

International Graduate Student Requirements

If you are not a United States citizen and/or graduate from a college or university in a country other than the United States, you must also submit:

• Official course-by-course evaluation of foreign transcripts
• Official results of the TOEFL or IELTS

More Information