Sophomores

IU Admissions expert tip: Attend any college fair in your area. Collect brochures, ask questions, and then think about making your first college visits to the schools that interest you.

See where it all happens

A campus that is both beautiful and inspiring. A place for discovery and expression. See where you’ll make the memories that will stay with you forever.

Description of the video:

[ video description: The IU logo appears on the middle of the screen. ]

[ video: “Application Tips” ]

[ video: Young man sits facing camera in computer lounge. ]

Jeric: Hey, everyone! My name is Jeric, and I’m a senior here at Indiana University. I remember just a few short years ago when I was in your shoes—approaching my senior year of high school and preparing to start on this next adventure in life, otherwise known as college.

I remember exactly how daunting this application process can be, so I’m here to give you a few tips on how to submit your application with confidence.

[ video: “Let’s get started.” ]

Jeric: Freshman applicants applying for the fall semester can apply using one of three different applications: the Indiana University eApplication, the Common Application, or the Coalition Application. The materials required for each application are the same. We do not prefer one application over another; however, it’s really important that you only complete one. If you complete more than one application, that may delay your decision.

[ video: “Application Tip #1: Choose your application.” ]

Jeric: IU strongly encourages students to apply as early as possible in the fall of their senior year. And remember, November first is our early action and scholarship deadline. That means in order to be considered for IU’s Academic Merit Scholarships, you must submit a complete application for admission—including official transcript, test scores, and essay—by November first. We also have a regular decision deadline of February first.

[ video: “Application Tip #2: Submit your complete application as soon as possible.” ]

Jeric: The next thing you need to know is what to send in to complete your application. You need to submit an application, which includes a non-refundable $60 fee, the IU-required essay, and your official high school transcript and test scores.

[ video: “Application Tip #3: Make sure you know what to send.” ]

Jeric: As I just mentioned, regardless of the application platform you choose, you’ll need to submit the IU-specific essay. That means you’ll need to upload and submit the essay when you submit the application.

[ video: “Application Tip #4: Make sure you know how to submit your essay.” ]

Jeric: The next tip is about the application essay. Your essay should be between 200 and 400 words. You’ll be asked to describe your academic and career plans and any special interests—such as undergraduate research, academic interests, or leadership opportunities you’re eager to pursue as an undergraduate at Indiana University. You’ll also have the opportunity to address any unusual circumstances, challenges, or obstacles you may have faced in pursuit of your education and how you were able to overcome them.

It’s important to put your best self forward with your essay. Think it through, brainstorm with family and friends, and talk to a college counselor. Write about your passions and open up about yourself. This essay should be uniquely you. And don’t forget, have someone proofread your essay to make sure there are no misspellings or typos. Also remember that your essay may be used for scholarship consideration.

[ video: “Application Tip #5: Write a strong essay using your own voice.” ]

Jeric: You’ll soon come to the question about what major interests you. If you are undecided about a specific major, mark exploratory. If you know what you want to major in, mark the major in the school or college in which that major is located. And remember, you will always have the opportunity to add additional majors or minors.

[ video: “Application Tip #6: If you’re undecided, mark “exploratory.’” ]

Jeric: Once you think you’re done filling out the application, review it again and again! Go back and check numbers in fields like your address, phone number, and date of birth. Thoroughly review these to make sure you didn’t put any numbers in the wrong order.

[ video: “Application Tip #7: Review your application details.” ]

Jeric: Now that you’ve submitted your online application, it’s time to complete your application process. To do this, you need to have your official high school transcript sent to IU, as well as your SAT and/or ACT scores. It’s important to remember, we’ll only consider official test scores sent directly from the testing agency.

[ video: “Application Tip #8: Send us your transcript and official test scores.” ]

Jeric: As you’re applying to IU, follow these simple application tips and you will be submitting the most competitive application possible. And if you ever have any questions, the IU Office of Admissions is here to help. I hope to see you all on campus soon and, as always, it’s a great day to be a Hoosier.

[ video: The IU logo appears with “admissions.indiana.edu” beneath it. ]

Top six tips for sophomores

Meet the requirements

Make sure you know what courses you need to take in high school to meet college admission standards and requirements.

Learn more about IU’s requirements

Find what interests you

Start a list of the colleges that interest you by trying an online college search site like Cappex. You can look for schools with specific majors, that are a certain size or in specific states, and more.

Sign up

Join the mailing lists for colleges you like. Tell us you’re interested in being a Hoosier, for example, and we’ll tell you how and when to apply, remind you of our deadlines, invite you to special events, and more.

Join IU’s mailing list

Take the PSAT/PACT

Register for and take the PSAT/PACT to identify areas where you need to improve your skills. As a test-optional school you can choose later whether or not to have your test scores considered as part of your IU application. For now, make sure you're ready for either direction you choose.

Think about the future

Start investigating majors and career options based on your favorite hobbies, classes, and activities. Did you know IU has 200+ majors to choose from?

Start now

Think about attending an IU precollege program. You’ll meet other students with similar interests, discover passions, and experience life on a college campus.

You don’t have to know what you want to major in at college, but start thinking about a field you want to work in. Try taking different classes based on your interests and passions, or even volunteering or working at a local business. This will help you find your path.

Nia Jones, IU student