Navigating Admissions at Indiana University: Understanding ACT Score Requirements and More

Indiana University--Bloomington, a public research institution established in 1820, stands as IU’s main and largest campus, boasting a vibrant community of over 40,000 undergraduates and graduates. With over 550 academic programs and a rich tradition, IU Bloomington offers a diverse and spirited environment for students. Understanding the admissions requirements, especially concerning ACT scores, is crucial for prospective students. This article delves into the specifics of ACT score requirements, GPA expectations, and other essential elements of the Indiana University admissions process.

Understanding the Admissions Landscape

For the 2019-2020 admissions cycle, Indiana University’s Bloomington campus received 44,129 applications, of which 35,469 were accepted. This resulted in an acceptance rate of 80.3%, indicating that IU Bloomington is a less-selective school. While this may seem encouraging, it's essential to understand the academic standards that admitted students typically meet.

The Role of GPA

GPA is a very important academic factor. The average high school GPA of IU Bloomington’s Class of 2024 was 3.75. A significant 38.2% of the class had a GPA of 4.0. The GPA ranges for admitted students are as follows:

3.75+: 64.49%
3.50-3.74: 16.63%
3.25-3.49: 10.98%
3.00-3.24: 6.05%
2.50-2.99: 1.83%
2.00-2.49: Less than 1%
Below 2.00: 0%

To be a competitive candidate, you should aim for at least a 3.7 GPA. Indiana University receives a massive number of applications and uses a tool known as the Academic Index to sort through them. The Academic Index consolidates your entire academic performance into a single number which is used to see if you meet a school’s academic standards. If your GPA is lower, and you’re still a freshman or sophomore in your high school, check out our tips for increasing your GPA.

Class Rank

Of the 37% of IU Bloomington’s class of 2024 who submitted class rank, 32% graduated in the top 10% of their high school class, and 66% graduated in the top 25%.

Read also: Navigating Accreditation

ACT/SAT Scores: Test-Optional Policy

Indiana University is test-optional. Applicants are not obligated to submit test scores, and those who don’t will still be given full admission consideration. Of the students who enrolled in Fall 2020, 77% submitted SAT scores, and 63% submitted ACT scores.

Half the applicants admitted to Indiana University--Bloomington who submitted test scores have an SAT score between 1170 and 1400 or an ACT score of 27 and 33. However, one quarter of admitted applicants achieved scores above these ranges and one quarter scored below these ranges.

Understanding the ACT Score Range

A composite ACT score between 27 and 33 is generally considered competitive for Indiana University Bloomington. An ACT score of 27 places you around the average, while a score of 33 or higher can significantly boost your application.

Test-Optional Policy in Detail

IU Bloomington has a test-optional admissions policy, which allows students to choose at the point of application whether to have SAT and/or ACT test scores considered as part of their application review. The goal of test-optional admissions is to provide students who do not feel that their standardized test scores accurately reflect their academic potential the opportunity to choose to not have those test scores considered as part of the admissions review.

Research indicates that for many students, high school GPA paired with test scores provides the best prediction of academic success at Indiana University. However, for some students, a standardized test score may not be as predictive of their success or tell the full story of their potential.

SAT and/or ACT scores are not required for transfer students. However, transfer applicants may submit test scores if they would like to have them considered as a part of their admissions review.

You will be given full admission consideration in the absence of test scores. We will continue to look at all factors of your application, with the greatest emphasis placed on your grades earned in academic coursework; as well as performance in honors, dual-credit, International Baccalaureate, and Advanced Placement courses; your essay; extracurricular activities; and other achievements.

Deciding Whether to Submit Scores

If your scores are high: If you score in the top 25th percentile of IU students, submitting test scores will likely give your application a boost. High standardized test scores are a valuable way to display your academic aptitude in addition to your transcript.
If your scores are low: If you don't feel your scores accurately reflect your academic potential, you can opt not to submit them. In this case, a greater emphasis will be placed on grades in academic courses and grade trends in the admissions review.

Additional Information and FAQs

Test-optional for all: Currently, all undergraduate students are eligible to apply test-optional.
Scholarships: IU Bloomington is committed to making scholarship opportunities available to students who qualify, whether they apply with or without test scores.
Changing your selection: You can change your test-optional selection after you apply. To do so, please log into your IU Portal and navigate to the resources section to update your test-optional selection.
Self-reporting scores: You can also choose to apply with self-reported SAT or ACT scores. This is optional and will not impact your admission decision. If you choose to send scores, please send official scores to us after you are admitted and before you register for your summer orientation session.

Other Application Requirements

High School Diploma

All nine IU campuses require students to earn an accredited high school diploma or equivalent before enrollment. If you’re currently a high school student, this just means you should be on track to earn your diploma when you apply to IU.

High School Equivalency

Yes! IU Bloomington accepts the Indiana High School Equivalency Diploma. All other campuses also accept the GED (General Education Development) test, the TASC (Test Assessing Secondary Completion), and the HiSET (High School Equivalency Test). Some campuses set score minimums for these equivalency tests.

Coursework and Academic Preparation

Academically, IU Bloomington encourages students to pursue a challenging high school curriculum that includes dual credit, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and/or Advance College Project (ACP) classes will give your application an edge.

Read also: IU Bloomington Fall Semester

Applicants must earn a diploma from an accredited high school (or must have completed the Indiana High School Equivalency Diploma) to be eligible for admission consideration. 3 or more credits (semesters) of additional college-preparatory courses. Cumulative GPA, as well as the grades earned in the 34 courses required for admission, is an important part of the application review process.

Essay

Indiana University-Bloomington requires a 200-400 word essay as part of their IU supplement. You will be asked to describe your academic and career plans and any special interest (for example, undergraduate research, academic interests, leadership opportunities, etc.) that you hope to pursue at Indiana University. The essay also gives you the chance to share with admissions officers any unusual circumstances, challenges, or obstacles in the course of your education.

Extracurricular Activities

Having extracurricular activities on your application shows colleges that you have personal passions and that you can take your skills beyond the classroom. Activities are often categorized into tiers based on the level of achievement and recognition:

Tier 1: Activities and roles on the national level or which garner field-wide recognition.
Tier 2: Activities that show high levels of achievement and potential.
Tier 3: Activities that demonstrate sustained participation.
Tier 4: Activities that demonstrate interest without particular dedication.

Recommendations

Recommendation are considered by admissions officials at Indiana University--Bloomington.

Additional Requirements for Specific Groups

Note: Application requirements and standards may differ for transfer students, international students, adult applicants, homeschooled students, or those who have been out of school for a year or more. In some cases, IU may grant conditional admission to students who don’t meet all the requirements listed.

Homeschooled students, students who have attended a school with non-traditional evaluation methods where traditional alpha or numerical grades are not assigned, and student athletes subject to NCAA eligibility standards will be required to submit a standardized test score.

To be admitted, international students must complete above-average work in their supporting programs. Applicants whose native language is not English must submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum score of 560 (paper-based) or 84 (Internet-based) is necessary for regular admission to a degree program.

Application Deadlines

The application deadline at Indiana University--Bloomington is rolling.

Freshman applicant timeline for admission

Submit a complete application by: Receive a response no later than:

November 1
February 1
After February 1: Applications received after February 1 will be reviewed on a space-available, case-by-case basis

Transfer applicant timeline for admission

Submit a complete application for: Receive a response:

Fall semester by June 1, spring semester by November 1, or summer session by March 14-8 weeks after submission

Applying to IU

Planning on applying to IU Bloomington? Indiana University accepts applications through the Common Application as well as the Apply IU application.

A complete application consists of the following, depending on which path you choose:

Applying with test scores:

An application for admission completed through the Apply IU online application
A high school transcript that includes your senior year class schedule, sent electronically from your high school
SAT or ACT scores, self-reported or sent electronically from the testing agency

Applying without test scores:

An application for admission completed through the Apply IU online application
A high school transcript that includes your senior year class schedule, sent electronically from your high school

Conditional Admission

Full Admission requirements:

At least a B average
Core 40 or Academic Honors Diploma (or an out-of-state equivalent)
High School equivalency exam scores: Pre-2014 GED score of 620/Post-GED score of 165/TASC score of 669/HiSet score of 54

Standard (Conditional) Admission Requirements:

Students who do not qualify for full admission may be reviewed for conditional admission. Students are offered conditional admission on a case-by-case basis. Conditional admission factors include GPA, diploma type, SAT/ACT scores (if submitted). To be considered, all students must have a 2.0 GPA or higher on a Core 40/college prep diploma or Pre-2014 GED score of 530/Post-GED score of 150/TASC score of 573/HiSet score of 45

Additional Information for Transfer Students

Students who have completed course work on another Indiana University campus and have not earned a bachelor's degree may apply for a permanent or temporary (guest) transfer. Please visit Intercampus Transfer site for additional information.

Official college or university transcripts from all previously attended institutions (do not submit transcripts from Indiana University)

Guest students are students enrolling for a semester or summer session as visitors from another institution.

Official college or university transcript indicating good academic standing. Other acceptable documents are a letter of good standing or the most recent grade report from the home institution.

Average or above-average achievement at the home institution (at least a 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale)

Students between their senior year in high school and their freshman year in college must submit a letter of acceptance from their home institution.

Students intending to enroll in computer science, English, mathematics, or a course in the natural sciences must show evidence of required prerequisites or complete IU South Bend's placement examinations.

Applicants who are over 21 years old and have earned a high school diploma or GED/high school equivalency exam results can apply as non-degree students and remain as such for up to 12 credit hours of course work.

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