Every Jaguar’s spots are different – they’re what make us unique. At Indiana University Indianapolis, we recognize that some students may excel with standardized testing, whereas others don’t.
Providing access and options is key to IU Indianapolis' culture, as is our commitment to removing barriers to help you reach your dreams. That’s why when it comes to your admission to IU Indianapolis, we want to see what you feel should best represent you as a future Jaguar. When applying for freshman admission to IU Indianapolis, you have the choice as to whether or not you should submit your SAT or ACT scores for review.
We're here to help you decide which path best fits you
You can apply to IU Indianapolis and submit SAT or ACT scores to be considered in your admissions decision. Typically*, the admissions committee expects to see no lower than a 2.8 GPA and 1000 on the SAT (19 on the ACT).
Applying without test scores
You can apply to IU Indianapolisand without submitting SAT or ACT scores. Typically*, the admissions committee expects to see at least a 3.0 GPA with an Indiana Academic Honors Diploma (or out-of-state equivalent).
For the Core 40 with Academic Honors designation, students must:
Earn 6-8 Core 40 world language credits (6 credits in one language or 4 credits each in two languages).
Earn 2 Core 40 fine arts credits.
Earn a grade of a “C” or better in courses that will count toward the diploma.
Have a grade point average of a “B” or better.
Complete, or receive a waiver for, one of the following:
Earn 4 credits in 2 or more AP courses and take corresponding AP exams
Earn 6 verifiable transcripted college credits in dual credit courses from the approved dual credit list.
Earn two of the following:
A minimum of 3 verifiable transcripted college credits from the approved dual credit list,
2 credits in AP courses and corresponding AP exams,
2 credits in IB standard level courses and corresponding IB exams.
Earn a composite score of 1250 or higher on the SAT and a minimum of 560 on math and 590 on the evidence based reading and writing section.
Earn an ACT composite score of 26 or higher and complete written section
Earn 4 credits in IB courses and take corresponding IB exams.
Indiana Core 40 Equivalent
English/language arts (8 credits)
Including a balance of literature, composition, and speech.
Mathematics (6 credits, in grades 9-12)
2 credits: Algebra I
2 credits: Geometry
2 credits: Algebra II
Or complete Integrated Math I, II, and II for 6 credits.
Science (6 credits)
2 credits: Biology I
2 credits: Chemistry I or Physics I or Integrated Chemistry-Physics
2 credits: Other Core 40 science class
Social Studies (6 credits)
2 credits: US History
1 credit: US Government
1 credit: Economics
2 credits: World History/Civilization or Geography/History of the World
Directed Electives (5 credits)
World Languages
Fine Arts
Career and Technical Education
Physical Education (2 credits)
Health and Wellness (1 credit)
Electives (6 credits)
College and career pathway sources recommended
Additional requirements for academic honors equivalent:
Earn 2 additional Core 40 math credits.
Earn 6-8 Core 40 world language credits (6 credits in one language or 4 credits each in two languages).
Earn 2 Core 40 fine arts credits.
Earn a grade of a “C” or better in courses that will count toward the diploma.
Have a grade point average of a “B” or better.
Complete, or receive a waiver for, one of the following:
Earn 4 credits in 2 or more AP courses and take corresponding AP exams
Earn 6 verifiable transcripted college credits in dual credit courses from the approved dual credit list.
Earn two of the following:
A minimum of 3 verifiable transcripted college credits from the approved dual credit list,
2 credits in AP courses and corresponding AP exams,
2 credits in IB standard level courses and corresponding IB exams.
Earn a composite score of 1250 or higher on the SAT and a minimum of 560 on math and 590 on the evidence based reading and writing section.
Earn an ACT composite score of 26 or higher and complete written section
Earn 4 credits in IB courses and take corresponding IB exams
* If you do not meet the GPA or test score requirements above, IU Indianapolis does consider students with lower cumulative GPAs. When holistically reviewed, emphasis is placed on your high school curriculum, and the types of courses you have taken (including how you performed in those courses). You can make the decision on if you would like the standardized test scores used in consideration.
3.54Average high school GPA of an incoming freshman
1120Average SAT score of an incoming freshman
22Average ACT score of an incoming freshman
Scholarship consideration for incoming freshmen
If you have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, regardless of your test-submission status, you will be automatically considered for a Jaguar Excellence Award - IU Indianapolis' admission-based scholarship for new freshmen. If you qualify for a JEA, you will be notified in your offer of admission.
In addition to scholarships based on your admission, you should also explore competitive awards to help fund your education. It's important to note that some awards may require you to submit SAT or ACT scores for consideration, even if you opted not to send them for your admission review. When applying for competitive awards, it's important to submit your scholarship application early. November 15 is IU Indianapolis' deadline for maximum scholarship consideration.
Frequently asked questions about test-optional admission
We want to make sure you're considering your options for admission with informed decisions. Below are answers to some of the questions students like you have asked us. Have a question not listed here? Your admissions counselor can help!
Test-optional admission is a path offered by IU Indianapolis that allows you to choose whether or not to apply for admission with SAT or ACT scores. The purpose of this option is to give students who do not feel their academics are represented by their standardized test scores a path to IU Indianapolis.
Additionally, given the cancellation of SAT and ACT dates due to the pandemic, this option provides students the opportunity for admission to IU Indianapolis, without being penalized for circumstances out of their control.
As a high school student, you have two great resources available to help you determine which path is the best when it comes to your circumstances:
Talk to your counselor at your high school, they'll be able to help guide your decision based on your academics and their invaluable experience helping students in your school who are asking the same questions.
Your IU Indianapolis admissions counselor can also help you weigh the pros and cons of each path, and what it might mean for your future as a Jaguar.
No. While the SAT and ACT have long been a component of the admissions process, IU Indianapolis has not denied admission to the university based on test scores alone.
If you choose test-inclusive admission to IU Indianapolis, and improve your SAT or ACT again at a later date, you can have your new scores sent to us. We'll then update your record with the new scores, as well as review you for any upgrades to your admission.
If you have applied for admission we do allow you to apply with your test scores being considered. If you would like to pursue this option, please complete the form below.
PLEASE NOTE:Only update your test-optional selection if you have already submitted your application and need tochange your selectionregarding whether or not you want to have your test scores considered as a part of your admission review. If you don't want to change the selection you made on your application,do not completethis form.
A complete application consists of the following, depending on which path you choose:
Applying with test scores:
An application for admission is completed through the Apply IU online application or the Common Application.
A high school transcript that includes your senior schedule, sent electronically from your high school
SAT or ACT scores, self-reported or sent electronically from the testing agency
A non-refundable $65 application fee
Applying without test scores:
An application for admission is completed through the Apply IU online application or the Common Application.
A high school transcript that includes your senior schedule, sent electronically from your high school
A non-refundable $65 application fee
If you apply for admission without test scores, IU Indianapolis will still review your application for admission without taking your test scores into account.
No. IU Indianapolis accepts and reviews the SAT and ACT equally. We recommend that you look at the differences of both tests and take the one that best suits your strengths.
Yes. If you decide to submit your SAT or ACT scores, IU Indianapolis will take the result you receive from each component of the SAT or ACT and review them with your admission as a superscore.
Yes. Test-optional refers to the SAT and ACT exams, and those tests are not required for admission or for our international student merit-based scholarships. However, international students may need to provide proof of English proficiency, which could require the submission of TOEFL, IELTS, or DET test scores. If you do submit SAT or ACT scores, we will consider an SAT (Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing) score of 410 or an ACT (English) of 17 as proof of English proficiency.
Direct admission to an academic school or program
In addition to standard requirements for admission to IU Indianapolis, each academic school has separate requirements for direct admission into their school or programs. If you do not qualify for direct admission to your major, you will start in University College to complete prerequisites for your program.
University College is the starting home for the majority of incoming IUPUI freshmen. The College provides you with resources and support to prepare you for success in your major.
