NIU will see about 2,000 potential students Friday at the open house, said Bob Burk, director of the Office of Admissions.

Students who are interested in attending NIU will explore the campus from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. starting at the Holmes Student Center. No reservations are needed.

Judging from past open houses, Burk said the number of visitors climbs an average of 200 people with each open house. Providing enough shuttle buses may be a challenge this time, Burk said. However, efforts will be made to ensure the flow of shuttles remains steady.

“I think we’re ready for it,” Burk said.

More than 70 percent of students who attend open houses and/or campus visits apply to NIU, Burk said. It’s important for interested students to explore the campus and see what it has to offer, he said.

“An open house is the most important thing in the college search process,” Burk said.

Prospective students need to be sure NIU has what they are looking for, he said. For instance, location, atmosphere, faculty, students, facilities and programs are essential elements taken into consideration, Burk said. Without visiting the campus in person, potential students may lack information needed to choose the right college.

Unlike most fall open houses with mostly high school senior visitors, this spring open house will attract mostly high school juniors who are just beginning their college search, Burk said.

Potential students and their families will have the opportunity to meet representatives from the Office of Admissions, undergraduate departments and the University Health Service. Members of faculty, academic programs, student services and financial aid staff also will be available for anyone needing assistance.

Current NIU students will lead visitors on bus tours around campus throughout the day, Burk said. Potential students will visit residence halls along with many other sites.

Visitors can attend the open house at their convenience during the day, Burk said. They do not have to be present the entire time.

Many colleges and departments also are holding individual open houses throughout the day. A schedule of events is available at www.admissions.niu.edu.

Each year, NIU hosts four open houses, Burk said. They fall on Presidents Day, Good Friday, Veterans Day and Columbus Day.

“It works out well because students are out of school those days, even though NIU is in session,” Burk said.

By attending the open house, potential students and their families will have their questions answered, Burk said.

Visitors can park in the Convocation Center parking lot for free and will be shuttled by bus to the student center.