Transfer students can receive an instant admission decision from DePaul University at Accelerated Transfer Admission sessions this spring at a number of area colleges and DePaul. To be accepted, applicants still must meet DePaul’s admission criteria, but the normally four- to six-week processing period is eliminated or greatly reduced.

The events are designed to eliminate the stress and frustration of waiting for an admission decision. Students simply go online to www.depaul.edu and submit an online application in advance of the event they will attend and then bring sealed transcripts from all post-secondary institutions they have attended to the admission event. If a student has completed fewer than 30 semester credit hours, he or she will need to bring an official final high school transcript and ACT or SAT scores. DePaul staff will review these materials and make a decision on the spot.

“We have seen a marked increase in the number of students transferring to DePaul in recent years and have responded by providing services and programs that meet their unique needs,” said Pamela Denise Lee, associate director of the Office of Transfer Admissions at DePaul. “The accelerated admission process is designed to smooth the transition for these students and eliminate the wait.”

DePaul is the No. 1 private institution that students transfer to in the state of Illinois. Transfers to DePaul from community colleges have increased nearly 17 percent in the last year. In fall 2008, more than 66 percent of DePaul’s transfer students came from community colleges. Accelerated transfer admission is especially helpful to community college students because it brings a simpler admission process to their doorstep.

Once admitted, the student can meet with an admission counselor to get a preliminary review of how prior credits will transfer. Students also will have an opportunity to ask questions about financial aid, orientation and any other issues they need to address in order to make their enrollment decision. As a bonus, DePaul will waive the $40 application fee.

“This is a great opportunity for students to sit down one-on-one with a transfer counselor, find out immediately if they’re accepted and develop a plan for enrolling at DePaul,” Lee said. “Why wait if you don’t have to?”

Students with international educational credentials are not eligible to attend this event but have other admission options. They should contact the International Admission Office at (312) 362-5620 for more information.

Below are the upcoming sessions, locations and times:

● Feb. 24, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Morton College, Building C, first floor, 3801 S. Central Ave., Cicero.

● Feb. 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., College of Lake County, Glass Lounge, Room C125, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake.

● March 6, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., DePaul Center, Joan H. Wish Center, Suite 101, 1 E. Jackson Blvd., Chicago.

For more information, please contact DePaul’s Admission Office at (312) 362-5551 or visit depaul.edu/transferinfo.