Application season is right around the corner and your junior year is the time to get ready to apply. Remember: Apply early for highest admission and scholarship consideration! Use these tips as you prepare to apply and be sure to share your information with us so we can send you reminders and admissions information.
You’ll be applying before you know it
International students
If you’re an international student, you’ll apply to IU Bloomington through the Office of International Services.
Here’s the most important stuff you need to know
Description of the video:
[Video: The screen is red. A white line moves from the right to the center of the screen, then forms a square which then expands into the words application tips, with animated graphics on either side. The words condense back into a square, then a line, which moves to the bottom of the screen and off screen.]
[Video: A student is standing in the lobby of a building. A large monitor is on the back wall, with the IU trident showing. The student is wearing an Indiana University shirt.]
[Words appear: Emily, senior.]
Emily: When it's time to apply to college, it's hard to know what to expect. That's why you wanna gather as much information to help you make smart choices. Follow these steps, so you can be sure that you're submitting the strongest application possible.
[Video: A different student is standing in a hallway. This student is wearing a red jacket with an Indiana University logo.]
[Words appear: Dav, junior.]
Dav: First, make sure you take required classes.
[Words appear: One. Take required classes.]
Dav: Applicants should complete at least 34 credits of college preparatory courses. You'll find the list of classes on our website. Check it to make sure you're on track.
[Video: A new student is shown in a room with a large IU trident on the wall behind them. There is also a large desk with Indiana University across the front. The student is wearing a shirt that reads IU is home, and has a drawing of the Sample Gates on it.]
[Words appear: Abi, junior.]
Abi: It's also important to keep your grades up.
[Words appear: Two. Keep your grades up.]
Abi: We know you hear this all the time, but it's true, grades matter. If your grades slip, IU will want to see an upward grade trend and, if appropriate, an explanation of the circumstances that affected your performance.
[Video: Back to Emily.]
[Words appear: Three. Take challenging courses.]
Emily: When available and appropriate, IU encourages students to take dual credit, advanced placement,
international baccalaureate, and/or advanced college project courses. These courses require a lot of focus and hard work, so taking them shows colleges that you welcome a challenge. Just remember, only take what you can manage.
[Video: Back to Dav.]
[Words appear: Four. Consider taking the s a t slash a c t.]
Dav: Admission to IU is test optional. This means that you choose, at the point of applying, whether to have a c t or s a t scores considered as part of your admission review, letting you decide how best to tell your academic story.
[Video: Back to Abi.]
[Words appear: Five. Know your deadlines.]
Abi: Finally, make sure you know the important dates in the admissions process. At IU, the early-action, non-binding deadline is November first.
[Words appear: November first. Early action, non-binding deadline.]
Abi: If you submit a complete application for admission by this date, you will receive the highest consideration for scholarships awarded by IU. If you meet the November 1st deadline and decide to have your test scores considered, you can still submit updated s a t and or a c t scores until January fifteenth.
[Video: Back to Emily.]
Emily: IU's regular decision deadline for applications is February 1st.
[Words appear: February one, regular decision deadline.]
Emily: Applications submitted after February first will be considered on a space available, case-by-case basis.
[Video: Back to Dav.]
Dav: Visit our website to see all of the important dates in the application process and check out step-by-step application instructions.
[Video: Back to Abi.]
Abi: At every step, IU is here for you. Just visit our contact page to get in touch with your personal admissions counselor.
[Video: Back to Emily.]
[Words appear: Recap. One. Take required classes. Two. Challenge yourself. Three. Remember the important dates.]
Emily: So remember, take the right classes, challenge yourself, and remember the important dates. Before you know it, you'll be able to submit your application to join the Hoosier family.
[Video: The screen fades to red. An IU trident logo appears at the top of the screen and Indiana University below that. The website address admissions dot Indiana dot e d u appears at the bottom. A subscribe button appears in the lower right corner.]
[Music gets louder then fades out.]
[End of transcript.]
Top tips for juniors
- Make a list of your “must haves” for a college—think major, size, etc. Then, use websites like Cappex or college social apps like ZeeMee to find schools that have what you want.
- Develop your short list. Visit college websites, collect materials at college fairs, and check out social media.
- Think about what you want to do after college (a career or graduate school) and make sure the colleges you choose offer opportunities that will help get you there—as well as other options in case you change your mind.
- Join the mailing list for any school that interests you. It’s a great way to keep up with deadlines, admissions or school events, and campus news.
- Visit any time you want—day or night—with a virtual tour. You can also experience campus in-person with our many visit options.
- Take the SAT and/or ACT. IU is test-optional, so you can choose whether to include your test scores when you apply, but it’s good to have them ready just in case. Learn more about our test-optional policy and decide which path is right for you.
- Know the cost. Start researching costs and learn how to apply for financial aid (the FAFSA is available December 1 of your senior year).
Reach out to the Office of Admissions with any questions you have—we’re here to help!
*Admission to IU is test-optional. To find out if this is the right path for you, learn more about our test-optional admissions policy.
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"The biggest piece of advice I can give is to put yourself out there! Every freshman is in the same position as you, trying to find friends and how to fit in. Joining clubs, going to events, even talking to people on your floor are easy ways to connect."
ZanderIU student