Frequently Asked Questions about Advising

Q: How do I make an appointment with an undergraduate adviser? Do they contact me?
A: You may make an appointment for an in person advising session or via telephone by contacting either of our offices at 847/491-5612 or 312/503-6950.

Q: What are the SCS academic advising hours?
A: You may make an appointment Monday through Friday. Hours of appointments are between 8:30am and 7pm Monday thru Thursday and 8:30am to 5pm Fridays.

Q: Do you assign advisors?
A: No, as we offer classes at two campus locations, you may choose your advisor based upon location or personality match.

Q: How long is my session?
A: New students should plan to meet with an advisor for 45 minutes. Continuing students make only need 20-30 minutes.

Q: I need some specific resume and career help. Where do I get that?
A: As a degree-seeking student, you may contact Career Services as long as you have completed at least 4 classes with us.

Q: Can I take dayschool classes?
A: The School of Continuing Studies tries to provide students with as many classes as possible in order to complete their degree. However, occasionally there are unique courses that only the dayschool offers or sometimes graduating seniors have scheduling conflicts. SCS degree seeking students may petition to take up to 3 day classes. Students should have a 3.5 cumulative Northwestern grade point average, have completed 22 units of credit with at least 4 at SCS, and choose from courses unique in nature and are not offered in the evening program.

Q: Can I take a class pass /no pass?
A: Degree-seeking students who carry a 3.0 grade point average the School of Continuing Studies may request to take a course with a pass/no pass option. The course must not be in the student’s major or minor area of concentration. Student must have completed a minimum of 9 classes upon requesting this option. A maximum of four classes taken pass/no pass are allowed in one’s entire SCS academic career.

Q: What is the residency requirement at School of Continuing Studies?
A: Degree-seeking students who transfer to SCS must complete their final 12 units (classes) of coursework at Northwestern University.

Q: How many classes are required to graduate?
A: Bachelor degrees at SCS require 45 units of credit.

Q: What’s a unit?
A: A unit of credit is equivalent to 1 class, 2-2/3 semester hours or 4 quarter hours.

Q: I have attended several colleges and junior colleges. How can I tell what will transfer and apply to my degree at SCS?
A: Students may transfer up to 22 units of community credits or 33 units at the university level. We also accept up to 11 units of combined AP and CLEP credit.

Q: Do you offer financial aid?
A: Degree seeking student and formally accepted prehealth students may apply for financial aid by completing the Fafsa and the paperwork required by financial aid. We encourage you to begin this process by reviewing the financial aid website (Insert link here). Students-at large are not eligible for financial aid.

Q: What type of instructors do you have at SCS?
A: Student will learn from a combination of TA’s, full-time professors and adjunct professors for a quality education that you expect from Northwestern.

Q: What is considered “Good academic standing?”
A: Students must maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average in order to be classified as good standing. Those students whose gpa drops below this minimum may be placed on academic probation.

Q: I have to drop my class. What do I do? Where do I start?
A: You may complete a change of registration form found on our website. You may fax it in or you may complete the form in person at either campus. The form is available on our website. Be sure to complete this by the assigned deadlines.

Q: Where do I find important dates or the SCS calendar?
A: Important dates are found on page 6 of our current catalog or on the website (link here).

Q: Do you offer scholarships?
A: Yes. Certain application deadlines and criteria apply. Check here for further information.

Q: Are you a member of the IAI (Illinois Articulation Initiative)?
A: No. But we do accept many classes in the transfer process.

Q: How often should I meet with my academic advisor?
A: We encourage students to meet with their advisor once per year. If you have more specific concerns, feel free to meet more often.

Q: Will my degree say “School of Continuing Studies?”
A: No. SCS bachelor’s degrees are conferred by the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Communication. The degree will say “Northwestern University.”

Q: How long will it take for me to complete my degree?
A: This answer depends on how many courses you transfer in, and the academic load you plan to carry at the School of Continuing Studies. A formal credit evaluation is recommended to narrow down how many courses you need to complete your degree. You may work with an academic adviser to determine a tentative schedule thereafter.

Q: Will my gpa transfer along with my classes from other institutions?
A: Your grades from other institutions do not transfer into your Northwestern grade point average. Only courses will transfer.

Q: What’s the difference between transfer admissions and transfer of courses?
A: Admissions has their own criteria for admittance to the School of Continuing Studies. Courses are evaluated for degree requirements by our credit evaluator. It is possible that a student may not be admitted via transfer admission, but may still transfer in coursework that counts toward his/her degree.

Q: When should I choose a major?
A: You may commit to a major and change your decision at any time. Many students decide on a major after being exposed to one or two classes. Others may take longer to make that decision. Be sure to complete an academic form and a request of credit evaluation once you make your decision.

Q: Will my classes transfer to another school?
A: Only the other institution can make that decision.

Q: Can I repeat a class?
A: Yes, students may repeat a class. However, both grades will remain on the student’s transcript.

Q: Do you require a certain number of higher level classes for graduation?
A: Yes, 14 classes at the senior level must be completed to successfully graduate.

Q: Do you need a certain gpa to graduate?
A: Yes, students must earn a 2. o in their major, minor and overall gpa to successfully graduate.

Q: What is CLEP?
A: CLEP is the College Level Examination Program. It is a standardized exam that allows students to take an exam in a field of interest or one that you have some experience. Students may successfully transfer in up to 11 units of CLEP credits.

Q: Can I CLEP?
A: Yes, you may take up to 11 units of the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) credit. However, you must secure permission by petitioning.

Q: May I take a class at another institution and transfer it back to NU?
A: Yes, but you must secure permission via a successful petition.

Q: Do I need to apply for graduation?
A: Yes, you must apply for graduation. You may pick up a card at either campus and must complete it by October 1st of each year along with a check for $50.