ALTERNATIVE ADMISSIONS:

GETTING INTO A STATE COLLEGE THROUGH THE SIDE DOOR

Why would you want to go “through the side door”?

· Your G.P.A. is low.

· Your ACT score is low.

· Your class rank is low.

· There is some “unique, compelling circumstance” in your life that has contributed to your low G.P.A., ACT score, and rank and you are willing to write an excellent essay about this circumstance.

Which schools have alternative admission programs?

CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY

Program name: University College

Requirements: ACT: 15 or above

GPA: 2.0 or above

How do I apply?

1. Complete the CSU application.

2. Apply early for the Fall semester only.

3. Interview with a University College coordinator and take their placement test.

4. After acceptance, work with an adviser, be part of a cohort group, and attend a transitional workshop class.

http://www.csu.edu/enrollmentservices/universitycollege.htm

EASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY

Program name: Gateway

Requirements: ACT: 14

GPA: 2.0 or higher

Be a member of a minority group or be socio-economically disadvantaged (receive free or reduced lunch), or be a first generation college student.

How do I apply?

1. Complete the EIU application and check the “Gateway” box.

2. Send two letters of reference; one must be from counselor, 1 from a teacher.

3. Send an essay about yourself indicating your area of disadvantage.

4. Ask your counselor to phone the admissions representative.

5. Ask your parents to phone the admissions representative.

6. Apply early.

http://eiu.edu/~admissions/gateway.php

ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY

Program name: None

Requirements: Individual

How do I apply?

1. Submit regular ISU application.

2. Students who are denied may appeal.

http://admissions.illinoisstate.edu/freshman/requirements/

NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY

Program name: Proyecto Pa’Lante, Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies, Project Success and El Centro

Requirements: Student does not meet regular admissions requirements.

How do I apply?

1. Complete the NEIU application.

2. Submit an essay explaining your unique and compelling circumstances.

3. Send one letter of reference from a counselor or teacher.

4. Attend a pre-admission meeting with program.

5. After acceptance, participate in academic programs and attend a summer transitional program.

http://www.neiu.edu/NEIU%20Departments/Administrative%20Departments/Admissions/Undergraduate%20St

udents/Admission%20Requirements/Academic%20Success%20Programs/Academic_Success_Programs.html

NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY

Program name: Chance

Requirements: Student does not meet regular admissions requirements.

How do I apply?

1. Submit regular NIU application.

2. Submit a personal statement to the CHANCE Program office.

http://www.chance.niu.edu/chance/

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY CARBONDALE

Program name: Center for Academic Success

Requirements: Not meet the minimum requirements for admission to SIU.

How do I apply?

1. Apply early and submit the regular SIU application.

2. Submit a personal statement of your unique and compelling circumstances.

3. Sign a contract, agree to take a limited number of credit hours, talk with a mentor, not enter your major area of study right away.

http://success.siu.edu/cas/overview.htm

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY EDWARDSVILLE

Program name: None

Requirements: Individual

How do I apply? 1. Submit regular SIUE application.

2. Students who are denied may appeal.

http://www.siue.edu/apply/discovery.shtml

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS CHICAGO

Program name: None

Requirements: Individual

How do I apply?

1. Submit regular UIC application.

2. Students who are denied may appeal.

http://www.uic.edu/depts/oar/undergrad/freshman_requirements_undergrad.html

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT SPRINGFIELD

Program name: None

Requirements: Individual

How do I apply?

1. Submit regular UIC application.

2. Students who are denied may appeal and contact Lori Giordano. Lgior1@uis.edu

http://www.uis.edu/admissions/admreq.html#freshman

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

Program name: None

Requirements: Individual

How do I apply?

1. Submit regular UIUC application.

2. Include in your personal essay your unique and compelling circumstances.

3. Minority students, underrepresented and 1st generation college students are encouraged to apply.

4. After acceptance students may receive academic support.

5. Students who are denied may appeal.

http://admissions.illinois.edu/apply/index.html

WESTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY

Program name: Alternative Admissions

Requirements: Do not meet admission standards

GPA: 2.0 or high

ACT: 16 or higher

How do I apply?

1. Submit regular WIU application.

2. Include personal statement which explains what extenuating circumstances have kept you from being successful in high school.

3. Include two recommendation letters from an academic teacher or counselor.

4. Complete Math and English assessments.

5. Complete an interview.

http://www.wiu.edu/advising/academic_services/