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.
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. 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.
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. 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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