Navigating Ball State University Admissions: Understanding GPA and Other Requirements
Ball State University, a respected institution of higher learning, welcomes prospective students to explore the possibility of becoming a Cardinal. Admission to Ball State is competitive, and the university carefully evaluates all applications on an individual basis. This article provides a detailed overview of Ball State's GPA requirements, along with other essential factors considered during the admission process.
Academic Foundations: High School Diploma and Coursework
Ball State requires the Core 40, Enrollment Seal, or out-of-state equivalent diploma for admission consideration. Beyond diploma type, Ball State considers a combination of factors including recent grade trends, academic performance, and test scores (if provided).
The Importance of GPA
The average GPA at Ball State is 3.56, which requires you to be around average in your high school class. You'll need a mix of A's and B's, and very few C's. If you have a lower GPA, you can compensate with harder courses like AP or IB classes.
GPA Calculation and Academic Standing
Advising has provided a worksheet and GPA calculator to help you understand how an overall grade point average is calculated. Use the GPA calculation form (PDF) to see the grading scale and how numerical grade points are computed, and to estimate your GPA. Students will have both a semester GPA and an overall, or Accumulative GPA each term grades are reported.
A student will be placed on academic probation at the close of a term when the cumulative grade-point average is less than 2.0. All degree programs require that students earn a grade-point average of at least 2.0 overall and in each major, minor, certificate, and the University Core Curriculum.
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Academic Clemency
Undergraduate students who were not enrolled at Ball State University for a five-year period may petition the Office of the Registrar to have grades and credits earned before that period removed from the calculation of their cumulative grade-point averages. For students who qualify for academic clemency, all previous Ball State University course work with grades of C or above will be counted for credit only.
Test-Optional Policy and Score Submission
Ball State is test-optional, meaning you decide whether or not to provide your SAT and/or ACT scores. If you decide to send us your test scores, we will accept them from your testing agency or on your official high school transcript. We also superstore, which means we’ll consider your best test scores.
SAT Scores
Ball State hasn't explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, but because it's published average SAT or ACT scores (we'll cover this next), it's likely test flexible. The 25th percentile SAT score is 1080, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1240. In other words, a 1080 places you below average, while a 1240 will move you up to above average.
Ball State will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and Ball State forms your Superscore, you can take the SAT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Therefore, if your SAT superscore is currently below a 1080, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it.
ACT Scores
The average ACT score at Ball State is 24. The 25th percentile ACT score is 20, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 26. When you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 20 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can.
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By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. Ball State considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration.
A Holistic Approach to Admissions
Admission to Ball State is selective, and the university carefully evaluates all applications on an individual basis to consider academic performance, level of course work, extracurricular participation, and more. Beyond GPA and test scores, Ball State seeks students who demonstrate a well-rounded profile.
Extracurricular Activities and Personal Qualities
Do you play an instrument, compete in sports, perform onstage, participate in clubs, have a job, or volunteer for your community? You can also submit a one-page statement, resume, or recommendation as part of your application.
Applicant Statement
You have the option to submit a one-page applicant statement describing the circumstances that affected your academic performance and/or course selection.
Application Process and Important Deadlines
Applying to Ball State is easy and is done completely online. A complete application requires an official high school transcript sent directly from your high school. An application and all required application materials must be received at least two weeks before the start of classes for a given term to be considered for admission to Ball State.
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Ball State practices rolling admission, which means we’ll review your application once we receive all required materials.
Required Documents
Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews.
Indiana Resident Admissions Program
Ball State University is participating in the Indiana Resident Admissions program, a guaranteed admission path for students who earn the new Enrollment Honors Plus Seal diploma. Students that do not meet those requirements are still encouraged to submit an application. To be eligible for Indiana Resident Admissions, you must be a resident of Indiana and attend an Indiana high school granting the Enrollment Honors Plus Seal.
Yes, high school seniors that are eligible for Indiana Resident Admissions still need to complete an application for admission to Ball State University. You can use either our Ball State application or the Common App. After that, you will need to have your official transcript sent from your High School (Parchment is the preferred method) and potentially your test scores. Beyond diploma type, we consider a combination of factors including recent grade trends, academic performance, and test scores (if provided).
Indiana Resident Admissions does not guarantee admission to an academic program or major. Senior year still matters. We encourage all future Cardinals to do their best in senior year-it benefits you! Students that excel in senior year can be re-evaluated for different or additional scholarships depending on their academic performance in their final semesters.
The first step to take is confirming enrollment within your Cardinal Landing Portal. After that, students will need to complete additional tasks such as applying for housing, completing the FAFSA, registering for Orientation, and submitting their final transcript that confirms their graduation date and that they have met all Enrollment Honors Plus Seal requirements.
Admission for Adult Learners
Learn how to apply to Ball State as a student age 23 or older. We will consider your high school performance or your GED/TASC scores when reviewing your application.
Resources and Support
If you need assistance with any part of your application process, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
Academic Support for Students on Probation
Students on academic probation may be required to repeat courses, enroll in no more than 18 credits, take courses in reading and study skills, attend academic progress meetings sponsored by University College, attend workshops and seminars on academic success, obtain advisor’s approval to make schedule changes, and enroll in class sections that offer supplemental instruction.
Reinstatement After Dismissal
Students dismissed from Ball State for academic reasons cannot be reinstated for at least two semesters (summer is considered a semester). To be reinstated, students must complete an application form available from the Office of the Registrar and submit it to the Office of the Registrar for review by the appropriate date for the term of enrollment.
The application cannot be reviewed if a “university hold” has been placed on the student record or if the university has not received official transcripts of grades from all other schools attended since the last semester of attendance at Ball State. Ball State is not obligated to reinstate students who have been dismissed.
Students granted reinstatement must show that they have sufficient aptitude to pursue their intended program of study. They must also show signs of increased maturity, increased commitment to education, and adequate financial resources to attend Ball State without excessive employment. Students may not apply for reinstatement more than once in a twelve-month period.
Accessing Academic Information
You can view your final semester grades as well as your schedule, overall academic standing and other academic information by visiting MyBallState. You can also authorize parents or others to view your academic information. Learn more about how you can grant others proxy access to certain pieces of your information.
To find current grades in courses during the course of a semester requires the student's responsibility to know how the teacher will "post" or inform the class of grades. The instructor may use an internet tool to report grades (Web Gradebook and Canvas are examples), but many instructors do not, and students should not expect to be able to track all grades online. It's always a good idea to have a record for yourself if questions arise, and to take action if you have less than satisfactory grades. It's also expected that students will take note of how the teacher has set up the grading scale and how the student will be evaluated for the course grade.
Although students are not informed at midterm of all grades, students receiving a grade below C at midpoint of a full term course are required to be notified by the instructor. This allows time for students to take action, discuss with advisors, and talk with teachers for grade improvement.
Nursing Program Admission Requirements
Are you interested in one of our Bachelor’s Degrees in Nursing? You will need to meet the admission requirements of Ball State. Admission to our program is competitive.
Prerequisite Courses
Credit in ANAT 201, CHEM 101, BIO 113, PSYS 100, and SOC 100 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher and repeated no more than one time. A grade of C- or less is not passing in these courses for the baccalaureate nursing program. If a course is repeated, the highest grade earned will be used. Credit in NUR 228 and PHYS 215 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher or these courses in progress at the time the application is filed and repeated no more than one time for a grade of C (2.0) or higher on completion. In order to apply, students must have met the prerequisite course requirements. Science courses including Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, and Microbiology must have been completed within the past seven years.
GPA Requirement for Nursing Program
A Ball State University undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher based upon a minimum 30 semester credits completed.
Additional Requirements for Nursing Program
Applicants must submit disclosure of criminal background at the time of application. You must submit a criminal background check by the required date-and annually thereafter. If you have already been admitted to the program and have received new or pending charges, you are not permitted in clinical settings. You will need to withdraw from clinical courses. Drug screens and further background checks may be required by clinical agencies. Students apply to the nursing program during the first 10 business days of the first semester sophomore year. During Freshman Orientation, you will sign a contract.
LPN to BSN Program
Submit a current unencumbered Indiana LPN license and be in good standing with the Indiana State Board of Nursing. Earned an overall GPA of 2.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale in a basic nursing program or a 2.75 GPA. Or achieve a 2.75 GPA or higher after the completion of 16 credit hours at Ball State. Successfully completed all nursing prerequisites or transfer equivalents. Successfully pass a criminal background check (completed annually thereafter). states. Certain conditions may apply depending on what regulations your state has and what degree you are seeking.
Acceptance Rate and Admission Chances
The acceptance rate at Ball State is 85.5%. Because this school is not selective, you have a great shot at getting in, as long as you don't fall well below average. Aim for a 1080 SAT or a 20 ACT or higher, and you'll almost certainly get an offer of admission.
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