Pre-Seniors
Information for high school sophomores and juniors.
Getting ready to explore colleges but not sure where to begin? You’re not alone — and the University of Northern Iowa is here to help. These steps and resources will guide you so you can feel confident and ready to launch your college search. Curious what it's really like at UNI? Come visit and find out!
Your future is closer than you think!
Whether you know what you want to do after graduation or have no idea yet, exploring the University of Northern Iowa is a great place to start.
- A perfectly-sized campus in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
- 200+ student organizations to help you find your people.
- 11 dorms within a 10-minute walk to class & campus life.
- Purple & gold runs deep with 17 Division I sports teams.
- 8 dining & retail spots with award winning food.
- Home to more than 9,000+ students.
How to prepare for college
Research schools
The first step to prepare for your college search is learning more about the schools you are interested in. Want to learn more about UNI or a specific major? Fill out a quick form, and we’ll send the info straight to your inbox and mailbox.
Visit campus
There’s no better way to explore a college than by visiting. We invite you and your family to come experience UNI through Daily Visits, Panther Visit Days and focused fall events.
Connect with admissions
Your admissions counselor is your guide for anything you need. They’ll walk you through next steps, answer questions and help you feel ready for what’s ahead. Don’t hesitate to set up a virtual chat with your UNI admissions counselor!
Prepare to apply
Finally, you can familiarize yourself with the application process, so you feel ready to apply when the time comes. Take a look at the two ways you can apply at UNI, our coursework requirements and admission-based FAQs.
You can apply starting July 1 before your senior year. UNI doesn’t have a priority deadline, but we recommend applying by the start of your second semester senior year.
UNI has 160+ majors and minors.
Looking for the right major? UNI likely has what you’re after. Start exploring now and use our helpful tools to see what might be a great fit.
Planning to take college courses in high school?
Focus on classes that meet UNI’s general education requirements vs. maximizing college courses available to you. More coursework doesn't necessarily give you a credit or financial advantage. Our counselors can explain more! There is a minimum of 37 total general credit hours required for students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. Review our list of commonly transferred courses, and use the transfer equivalencies tool for any not listed.
| Courses | General Education Category Satisfied |
|---|---|
| Composition I & II | Written Communication (WC) |
| Public Speaking or Oral Communication | Oral Communication (OC) |
| Intro to Psychology or Intro to Sociology | Human Condition – Domestic (HD) |
| World History courses (Specific course names vary among community colleges) | Human Condition – Global (HG) |
| Introduction to Literature | Human Expression (HE) |
| Art Appreciation or Music Appreciation | Human Expression (HE) |
| Introduction to Philosophy or Ethics | Responsibility (RE) |
