Freshmen Students
Admissions Standards
Admission to Indiana University 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 your high school curriculum, recent grade trends, class rank, and results of the SAT or ACT.
Academic Grades Required for Admission
In general, our students have the equivalent of a B average or higher in secondary school. You are given more serious consideration if your marks or grades have been consistently above average or steadily improving in a challenging academic program. On the other hand, low marks or grades in the most recent term or a less demanding academic program are often reasons to deny admission to IU.
SECONDARY SCHOOL GRADUATION
You must earn a diploma from an accredited secondary school (or have a General Equivalency Diploma) to be eligible for admission. If you are homeschooled or attend an alternative school, you should submit credentials that demonstrate equivalent levels of achievement and ability. You should also review our country-specific requirements.
China
Upper Middle School Graduation Certificate with official English translation bearing the original ink seal of the school
Standardized Test Scores Required for Admission
SAT or ACT Exam
IU requires scores from either the SAT or the ACT. Preference will be given to international students who score above the U.S. national average. The middle 50 percent range of SAT scores for admitted freshmen is typically 1110–1290, and the middle 50 percent range of ACT scores is typically 25–31.
If you submit more than one set of scores, we will consider the highest critical reading and math component scores for the SAT or the highest ACT composite.
Demonstration of English Proficiency
Indiana University Bloomington requires all nonnative English-speaking international undergraduate applicants to demonstrate English proficiency.
Undergraduate applicants can meet our English proficiency requirement for admission by attaining the necessary score on any one of the following tests:
| Test | Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL (Internet-based test) | 79 |
| TOEFL (Paper-based test) | 550 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) | 6.5 |
| Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) | 79 |
| SAT Critical Reading section | 500 |
| ACT English section | 21 |
Other Factors Weighed During Admissions Process
Essays, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, community service, and work experience 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.
