Admission to IU is selective, and we review each application for its individual merits and qualities. In particular, we consider factors that emphasize academic performance and preparation, the strength and quality of the high school curriculum, recent grade trends, class rank, and results of the SAT or ACT.

Our admission standards for U.S. public and private high school students are listed below. If applicable, be sure to review the additional admission standards information we provide for international students and homeschooled students.

Admission Standards through 2010
Admission Standards beginning 2011

Admission Standards through 2010

Academic Preparation

The following standards should help you assess your credentials for admission. It's important to note that these are minimums — most students will need to go well beyond these expectations in order to be most competitive for admission.

High School Graduation

You need to have earned a diploma from an accredited high school (or have a General Equivalency Diploma) to be eligible for admission. Alternatively educated students (those who are home schooled or attend an alternative school) should submit credentials that demonstrate equivalent levels of achievement and ability.

High School Curriculum

Admitted freshmen generally have completed 18-19 yearlong college-preparatory courses in high school. Each year's program should include courses representing at least three of the different academic areas (English, math, social science, and natural science).

The following curriculum must be completed in high school:

• 8 semesters of English (i.e., literature, grammar, composition, journalism)
• 6 semesters of math (algebra, geometry, advanced algebra)
• 4 semesters of social science (i.e., history, government, economics, psychology, sociology)
• 2 semesters of natural science (biology, chemistry, physics)

Students from Indiana are expected to complete Core 40 requirements, the state's mandated education expectations for high school students. In addition to the course work outlined above, Core 40 requires an additional eight semesters of some combination of math, natural science, social science, and/or foreign language.

If you are not from Indiana, you are expected to complete a minimum of 32 semesters of college-preparatory courses. That includes the course work listed above plus 12 semesters of some combination of math, natural science, social science, and/or foreign language.

Class Rank

More than 50 percent of admitted freshmen rank in the top 25 percent of their high school class. If you're an Indiana resident, you should rank in at least the upper half of your class. Nonresidents generally rank in the upper third.

Standardized Test Scores

IU requires scores from either the SAT or the ACT. Students must submit the results from the SAT or ACT writing component along with the other standard sections of either test.

When you register for a test, make sure to ask that your score be sent to IU Bloomington. Our SAT code is 1324 and our ACT code is 1210. You may also send us a photocopy of your result report.

If you submit more than one set of scores, we'll consider the highest critical reading and math component scores for the SAT or the highest ACT composite. In 2006, the average SAT score for fall admitted freshmen was 1170; the average ACT composite was 26.

No Formula

These are our minimum standards for admission, but you should know we do not use formulas to make our decisions. In general, we encourage you to apply to IU if you have been taking four to five academic classes each year and have earned above-average grades in those classes. If we decide you are not yet ready for IU's academic challenges, you will be given options to consider, including possible transfer to IU in the future.

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Admission Standards beginning 2011

IU will have new admission standards for students entering in the fall of 2011. These new standards have been approved by the Board of Trustees. Even though these requirements don't go into effect immediately, we encourage you to continue a strong, balanced curriculum that includes at least two years of world language and math through high school.

Academic Preparation

Applicants should complete at least 34 credits (or semesters) of college-preparatory courses, advanced placement courses, and/or college courses in high school. In addition to the current requirement that eight credits of English be completed, they include:

• 7 credits of mathematics including 4 credits of algebra and 2 credits of geometry (or an equivalent 6 credits of integrated algebra and geometry), and one credit of pre-calculus, trigonometry, or calculus
• 6 credits of social sciences including 2 credits of U.S. history, 2 credits of world history/civilization/geography, and 2 additional credits in government, economics, sociology, history, or similar topics
• 6 credits of sciences, including at least 4 credits of laboratory sciences -- biology, chemistry, or physics
• 4 credits of world languages -- this is a totally new subject requirement
• 3 or more credits of additional college-preparatory courses; additional mathematics credits are recommended for students intending to pursue a science degree and additional world language credits are recommended for all students

If a student's high school does not offer the courses needed to meet one or more of these course requirements, then alternative college-preparatory courses may be substituted for those courses that are not available.

Indiana residents must be on track to complete a Core 40 curriculum or a Core 40 Academic Honors curriculum, or equivalent as a condition to be offered admission.

Grades in Academic Classes

Preference will be given to applicants who have a grade point average of B or better (greater than 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale) in their college-preparatory courses.

Class Rank

Preference will be given to Indiana residents who are in the top 40% of their graduating class and to non-residents who are in the top 30% of their graduating class.

Standardized Test Scores

Results of either the SAT or the ACT are required. Preference will be given to Indiana residents who score above the state average and to non-residents who score above the national average.

Other Factors

Essays, extra-curricular activities, letters of recommendation, community service, work experience, as well as dual-credit, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and/or Advanced College Project (ACP) courses may be considered as evidence of academic motivation and maturity. An admission decision may take into account the known strengths and weaknesses of an applicant's college preparation program, the trend of an applicant's grades in college preparatory courses, and the applicant's potential contribution to a diverse educational environment.

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