essays for indiana university

Ready to apply to IU? You’re in the right place.

Whether you’re applying to college for the first time, transferring from another school, or going back to college, we can help you through the process. Here’s how it works.

How to apply to IU

Organize your info.

Before you start, you may want to make a list of all your senior-year classes and high school extracurricular activities so you’re ready to enter those in your application. Also consider whether you want to include your SAT and/or ACT test scores in your application. Test scores aren’t required to apply to IU, and admission decisions are always based on a range of factors, including your GPA, your high school courses, your extracurricular activities, your test scores (if you include them), and other achievements.

Interested in financial aid?

Your very first step is to fill out your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The 2025-26 FAFSA will be available for you to complete sometime after December 1, 2024. This form is used to determine which federal grants and loans you qualify for to reduce your tuition and help you pay for college. Deadlines vary by campus, but the earlier you complete this form, the better!

To learn about other financial support options at IU, visit our Scholarships and Awards page .

Pick your campus(es)

You can apply to any IU campus using the Apply IU app. You can apply to as many campuses as you like. You’ll apply to one campus at a time, but you can resubmit the same application to each campus, plus any materials specific to that campus’s application. If required, you’ll pay one application fee based on where you apply.

If you only plan to apply to IU Bloomington, IU Indianapolis, and/or IU Northwest, you can choose to apply through the Common App .

If you want to earn your IU degree completely online, visit IU Online .

If you are applying for a graduate or professional program, visit that program’s website to find application instructions.

Applying from outside the U.S.?

You’ll pay an application fee for each campus you apply to.

Create your online application

Once you know what campuses you want to apply to, start your application. Remember that each campus accepts one or more of the following application types:

Review the table at the bottom of this page to find out which application types your campus(es) will accept.

Applying for a graduate or professional program?

Head straight to the Admissions website for the campus or program you’re interested in.

Start the application

Follow the on-screen guidance to complete your application. With Apply IU, you can save your application at any time (without submitting it) and finish it later.

Applying to IU Bloomington?

An essay is required as part of your application. If you are applying through the Common Application, you can choose from any of the essay prompts in the application. If you are applying through Apply IU, you’ll be asked to write a 200- to 400-word essay on a prompt you’ll see in the application, and you can upload the document directly to your application (look for “Essay Question” in the Additional Information section).

Tell us what majors or programs you’re interested in

You’ll be required to choose a major* you’re interested in at each campus (or a degree program** if you’re applying to IU Online). This just helps us to do a better job of guiding you based on your goals and interests. You can always change your major later.

*A major is a general area of focus for your undergraduate studies. **A degree program is a specific course of study for earning a certain degree.

Not sure what you want to major in?

That’s totally okay—lots of incoming students start college without declaring a major! Just look for the Undecided or Exploratory option, or choose a General Studies option. Your choice won’t affect your campus admission decision, and you’ll be able to choose a different major later if you change your mind.

Check your deadlines

If you’re applying to multiple campuses, they may have different application deadlines. You’ll want to submit your completed Apply IU application by the earliest deadline (see the application requirements table on this page for a handy list).

When can you expect to hear something?

You’ll hear directly from the campuses you applied to about decisions and next steps, but each IU campus has a slightly different schedule for reviewing and responding to applications. Head to the Admissions section of each campus’s website to find more info.

Application requirements by campus

Along with official transcripts, here’s what each individual IU campus requires. Remember that IU is test-optional, which means ACT and SAT scores are not required to apply.

NOTE: U.S. applicants will, if required, pay only one application fee for all campuses equal to the highest fee on the list of campuses they apply to. International students will pay a $65 application fee per campus. All fees are per term, so if you apply to IU again for another term, you’ll need to pay the application fee again.

While some campuses accept multiple application types, you only need to submit one.

For incoming first-year applications: If you want to apply to multiple campuses, you should complete the Apply IU application by the earliest deadline of the campuses you select.

*To be considered for IU Academic Scholarships, you must submit a complete application by the early action deadline, November 1. The early action deadline is non-binding, meaning that even if you’re accepted, you’re not required to enroll at IU Bloomington.

**If the campus you’re applying to has a Priority Admission deadline, this is the deadline to submit your application for scholarships and financial aid. If you miss this deadline, you may still be eligible for some scholarships or financial aid, but you’ll need to contact the Admissions office on that campus to confirm.

What’s next?

Learn more about paying for college, visiting IU campuses, or choosing a major.

Read about cost and financial aid

Find info on lowering your tuition and covering college costs.

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Find out about virtual and in-person campus visits.

Get tips for transfer applications

Learn more about applying as a transfer student.

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Indiana University-Bloomington (IU) Supplemental Essay Guide: 2021-2022

Not sure how to write an Indiana University supplemental essay? CollegeAdvisor.com ’s guide to the Indiana University application essay will show you exactly how to write an engaging Indiana University supplemental essay and maximize your chances of admission. If you need help crafting your IU application essay, create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272 .

Indiana University Application Essay Guide Quick Facts:

• U.S. News considers Indiana University a more selective university.
• The IU acceptance rate is 80.4%.
• Indiana University is ranked #68 in the U.S. News list of National Universities.

Does Indiana University Require Essays?

Yes. In addition to the Personal Statement that you’ll write for the Common App or Coalition App , you’ll also complete one Indiana University supplement essay. Since there’s only one IU essay prompt, you should do everything you can to make sure your essay stands out. 

Need some help writing your Common App essay? Get great tips from our Common App essay guide .  

What is Indiana University’s Supplemental Essay?

There is only one school-specific IU essay prompt, which is required for all applicants. There are no additional IU supplemental essays for first-year applicants. Your Indiana University essay should be between 200 and 400 words. 

Indiana University application essays can cover a breadth of topics. Above all, the Indiana University application essay aims to help the admissions team get to know you. The IU essay prompt gives you the freedom to write about the topics that best illustrate who you are and how you will use an education from IU. Take advantage of the Indiana University application essay to maximize your admissions odds. 

How do I Write Indiana University’s Supplemental Essay: Question 1

Describe your academic and career plans and any special interest (for example, undergraduate research, academic interests, leadership opportunities, etc.) that you are eager to pursue as an undergraduate at Indiana University. Also, if you encountered any unusual circumstances, challenges, or obstacles in pursuit of your education, share those experiences and how you overcame them. This essay may be used in scholarship consideration. (400 word maximum)

This IU application essay is a combination of the classic “why college?” and “why major?” prompts. In 400 words, your Indiana University essay should clearly articulate your reasons for applying to Indiana University. It should also show your vision for your time as a Hoosier. 

The IU essay prompt also lets you discuss challenges that have impacted your education. Often, you can integrate these challenges into the narrative of your Indiana University essay since you overcame them in pursuit of your goals. Your IU application essay should focus on connecting your experiences to your future at Indiana University. 

When brainstorming for this IU essay prompt, ask yourself what you want to be when you grow up. Write down your dreams, goals, career interests, academic pursuits, and hobbies. When reading your IU supplemental essay, the admissions team should learn what is important to you and how you would spend your time on their campus.

An effective Why IU supplemental essay will think beyond the IU acceptance rate and Indiana University ranking. When answering this IU essay prompt, don’t just think about IU as a means to an end. Instead, think of this Indiana University application essay as a “why fit” essay. Your college experience is a two-way street; you will both contribute to and benefit from the IU community.

Tell a story

In your Indiana University application essay, try to tell a story. Your college essay shouldn’t read like a five-paragraph essay. To draw your reader in, try opening your IU supplemental essay with an anecdote. How can you immediately put the reader in your shoes? Establish an element of mystery? Dramatize your opening? Select a story that shows growth, curiosity, determination, or another positive trait that you’ll highlight in your Indiana University essay. 

In your IU application essay, make sure you include personal details. Whenever you make a claim about yourself in your Indiana University essay, provide examples to support it—show, don’t tell. If you write that you have an entrepreneurial spirit, back it up with a story from your life. If you include that you have a passion for mentoring others, provide a story from a time you mentored someone. IU does not expect that you will be involved in the same activities in college that you were in high school; still, your IU application essay should show the reader your character and skills. 

Be specific

As well as being personal, your Indiana University application essay should be specific. There are many great options for college, and you could succeed at many different schools. So, why do you want to attend IU? In your IU supplemental essay, strive to answer this question: How will the opportunities at IU make your goals a reality? There are countless majors and minors to choose from at Indiana University.  So, what will your educational path look like?

Do your research on reasons to attend IU. What specific classes, research opportunities, professors, clubs, and organizations will you take advantage of? When answering the IU essay prompt, clearly state how you would make the most of the specific opportunities you discuss. Don’t just name-drop professors. 

Writing a personal and specific Indiana University essay will help you stand out amidst thousands of other Indiana University application essays. Don’t write things in your Indiana University application essay that you could write about any other college. Conversely, avoid writing about topics that many students could also discuss in their Indiana University essays. 

Show don’t tell

Throughout your Indiana University essay, show instead of telling. This will help you convey the most interesting and effective story. When discussing a program that sparked your interest in your major when answering the IU essay prompt, paint the picture and help the reader understand your daily work. If you write about an extracurricular activity in your IU application essay, detail how it felt to accomplish something in that activity. Use vivid descriptions instead of just stating the facts.

When answering the IU essay prompt, make sure to clarify the stakes of your story. As you respond to the IU essay prompt, clarify why your interests matter. Why should the reader admit you? In your IU application essay, show the reader why accepting you would make IU a better place. Use your Indiana University application essay to highlight your potential!

Throughout your Indiana University application essay, use self-reflection to tell an authentic story. Discuss what matters to you and why. What values do you prioritize? Your IU supplement essay should emphasize your defining traits. 

In your Indiana University application essay, you should also avoid cliches. Don’t just name a program or extracurricular because it sounds impressive; authenticity will help your application the most. Also, avoid general statements about the school in your Indiana University essay as well as simple emotional appeals. Don’t just compliment the school—instead, discuss what you will bring to IU in your IU supplemental essay. 

Remember to discuss both your skills and IU’s offerings in your Indiana University application essay. College is a two-way street and “fit” is extremely important. So, use your IU supplemental essay to show how you would fit into the IU community.  

Indiana University Application Essay Draft Key Questions:

• Is your Indiana University supplemental essay both specific and personal?
• When discussing challenges, do you explain how you overcame them?
• Do you tell a cohesive and interesting story in your Indiana University essay?
• Did you proofread your IU application essay for grammar and clarity?

Additional Tips for Writing the Indiana University Application Essay

Be sure to leave yourself time to edit and revise your IU application essay! Indiana University admissions has two deadlines : Early Action on November 1, 2021, and Regular Decision on February 1, 2022. 

Before submitting your application, think about how every aspect of it will be perceived by the IU admissions team. Do you tell them as much as you can about who you are? Make sure that your IU supplemental essay paints a clear picture of your goals, motivations, and future plans. Your IU application essay should be consistent with the rest of your application; it should also add details to your profile that the reader doesn’t glean from the rest of your application. 

What is the Acceptance Rate for IU?

The IU acceptance rate is approximately 80%. However, the IU acceptance rate for the Kelley School of Business as a freshman is around 40%. The median GPA for applicants accepted to IU for the fall 2021 class was 3.91, while the median SAT and ACT scores were 1300 and 29, respectively. Read the full list of admissions requirements here . 

Don’t focus too much on the IU acceptance rate. Instead, spend your energy making your Indiana University application essay the best it can be. Since so many factors impact the IU acceptance rate, focus on the ones within your control. 

Want more tips on how to use the IU acceptance rate (and any other school’s rate) to build your school list? Check out our expert’s guides on acceptance rates and rankings . 

Indiana University Application Essay – Final Thoughts

In your IU essay, be unique and original but also genuine and honest. Instead of trying to predict what the admissions team wants to hear, focus on telling your personal story. Do your research on your future major so you can connect yourself with opportunities at IU. Be clear, concise, and specific in your responses to the Indiana University essay prompt; you only get one chance! There is no cookie-cutter IU student, so highlight what makes you stand out. Good luck!

This guide was written by Caroline Marapese , Notre Dame ’22. For more CollegeAdvisor.com resources on Indiana University, click here . Want help crafting your IU University supplemental essay? Create your account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

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Frequently asked questions about applying

We’re here to make the application process as smooth as possible for you. In addition to the information provided in our How to Apply pages, here are a few more top questions students and families ask during the application process.

Which application do I choose?

Freshman applicants.

Indiana University Bloomington accepts the Apply IU Application and the Common Application. No preference is given for any one application platform, and the materials needed to complete each are the same. The application review process is also the same for both platforms. To learn more about which application may be the best option for you, we encourage you to visit the Apply IU Application and Common Application websites.

Transfer applicants

Apply for admission to IU Bloomington by using the Apply IU Application .

Can I apply using more than one application (freshman applicants)?

Although there are two applications to choose from, you should submit only one application. There is absolutely no advantage to submitting multiple applications and this may even result in a delay in the review of your application and receipt of your admission decision. In the event that you submit multiple applications, the first complete application will be considered for admission. Please also note that application fees are non-refundable.

What is Advising & Major Exploration Services?

Advising & Major Exploration Services (or AMES, formerly known as University Division) provides academic advising for pre-business, pre-nursing, pre-social work, and exploratory students at IU Bloomington. 

Pre-business, pre-nursing, and pre-social work students who start in AMES can immediately begin their preparation for their preferred program. You'll have access to the same courses and prerequisites as direct admits, so you don’t have to wait to start pursuing your goals.

Exploratory students will work with AMES advisors to:

• Explore programs
• Learn about the requirements for your chosen major or majors
• Complete a formal application or automatically certify into a program

All along the way, students work with expert advisors in AMES who understand the many academic options available. They are also matched with a career advisor for complete support on their path to achieving their goals—both for their education and their career.

Learn more about AMES

What is direct admission?

There are a few ways to start your academic journey at IU, including direct admission which refers to admission to specific academic programs and degree-granting schools. No matter how you begin, you will have expert academic and career advising to help you create your ideal path to your reach your goals.

Get to know the different admission paths and each school's requirements for direct admission. 

Why am I experiencing issues submitting my application and/or fee payment?

If you are applying on a desktop or laptop, make sure you allow pop-ups and enable third-party cookies so that your application and fee payment will be submitted correctly. If you experience any payment issues, please contact us at [email protected] or 812-855-0661 . Please note that the Apply IU Application does not work properly with Internet Explorer.

What determines when I will receive a response to my application?

Several factors influence the timing of when a student will receive a response to their application including, but not limited to:

• When the application is received . While the applications open as early as August 1, historically over 50% of students applying for the fall term complete their application within the last 10 days of October. This large number of applications in a very short time period requires sufficient time for processing and review.
• Additional time for review. We take a holistic approach to reviewing applications and are always looking for reasons to admit. All students who complete their application by the November 1 early action deadline will receive a response on or before January 15. Students who complete their application by the February 1 regular decision deadline will receive a response on or before March 15.
• Space availability in desired program. Indiana University offers hundreds of exciting majors, minors, and programs for students to consider and pursue. Many of these programs are rated among the highest in the nation and draw strong interest from students around the world. To look for opportunities to offer admission to as many students as possible and honor their interests we may take a little longer in our review.

What if I’m a 21st Century Scholar?

If you are an Indiana resident and a 21st Century Scholar, please indicate that you are a 21st Century Scholar when you are completing your application for admission to IU.

What if I have received a special type of diploma or honors?

When you are competing your application for admission to IU, please indicate if you will receive any special diploma or honors, such as the following:

• Core 40 Diploma
• AICE Diploma
• Academic Honors Diploma
• National Achievement Scholar
• National Merit Semifinalist

What if I don’t have a major in mind?

Many students come to IU wanting to explore their options for a major—and that’s a good thing. If you are undecided about a specific major, mark “Exploratory (general)” on your application.

Note: The College of Arts and Sciences and the Kelley School of Business have their own Exploratory options. If you know you would eventually like to pursue a program in the College or Kelley, but aren't sure which one, please choose "Exploratory (College)" or "Exploratory (Kelley)" on your application.

How much do you need to know about my high school senior year schedule (freshman applicants)?

To confirm that you will have met the high school course requirements for admission set by the IU faculty, we need to receive your full senior year schedule (not just your fall courses). We won't begin our review until this information is received.

Here are some additional pointers:

• If your school is on semesters , list your fall and spring classes.
• If you have full-year classes , list them once for fall and list the same classes again for spring.
• If you’re on trimesters , use fall, winter, and spring; list your classes three times, once for each term.

How can I ensure that my birthdate and other personal information are correct?

When entering your information, make sure to review your birthdate to make sure that you haven’t accidentally put numbers in the wrong order.

Making sure all the numbers and other information are correct will help avoid delays in processing your application.

Is an essay required?

As part of your application, regardless of which platform you choose, you will need to submit an essay. If you are applying through the Common Application, you can choose from any of the essay prompts in the application. If you are applying through Apply IU, you will need to submit the IU-specific essay using the prompt below.

IU-specific essay: In 200–400 words, describe your academic and career plans and any special interest (for example, undergraduate research, academic interests, leadership opportunities, etc.) that you are eager to pursue as an undergraduate at Indiana University. Also, if you encountered any unusual circumstances, challenges, or obstacles in pursuit of your education, you may share those experiences and how you overcame them. Please note that this essay may be used for scholarship consideration.

Should I submit supplemental information with my application, such as a counselor or teacher recommendation?

Letters of recommendation are not required as part of the application process. However, if you would like to submit these documents because they provide additional information about your academic and personal merit/accomplishments that is not indicated elsewhere in your application materials, we will accept one counselor recommendation and one teacher recommendation. Recommendations or other supplemental documents should be submitted with your official high school transcript (using your school's process for submitting electronic or paper transcripts) or included as part of your Common Application submission if you are applying through this platform.

How do I qualify for a fee waiver?

Please note that the application fee can be waived for students who have demonstrated financial need. If you feel that your financial circumstances may qualify you for a fee waiver, make sure you request a fee waiver when completing your application. Also, if you are a 21st Century Scholar or a Balfour Scholar, the application fee will be waived if you indicate you participate in one of these programs when you complete your application.

If you are submitting the Apply IU Application, you will need to submit a completed ACT , SAT , or NACAC fee waiver form that has been verified by your high school counselor. If you are submitting the Common Application, you will need to complete the fee waiver section on your profile and your counselor will need to verify your eligibility. Please note that regardless of which application you submit, an admission decision will not be made until we receive a fee waiver form/verification or your $65 application fee.

What if my school doesn't report a cumulative GPA?

If your school does not report a 6-semester cumulative GPA on your transcript, we will not consider a high school transcript GPA as part of your application review.

If you have transferred high schools, please consult with your current high school to understand if a cumulative GPA is calculated including your previous work. Per the information above, if a 6-semester cumulative GPA is not included on your transcript, we will not consider a high school transcript GPA as part of your application review.

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Have more questions? We’re happy to help. Reach out to your personal admission counselor or contact us at [email protected] or 812-855-0661 .

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How to Get Into Indiana University Bloomington: Admissions Stats + Tips

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How hard is it to get into indiana university, average academic profile of accepted indiana university bloomington students, what is indiana university looking for.

• How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into Indiana University  

How to Apply to Indiana University—Bloomington

Founded in 1820, Indiana University is a public research institution with seven campuses across Indiana. Its Bloomington campus is IU’s main and largest campus, home to more than 40,000 undergraduates and graduates. Bloomington offers more than 550 academic programs, a strong sense of school spirit and many lively school traditions, new and old. IU prides itself on being the quintessential American ideal of higher education: the values of academic freedom, creativity, innovation, an inviting atmosphere, and career-focused learning experiences. 

For the 2019–2020 admissions cycle, Indiana University’s Bloomington campus received 44,129 applicants, of which  35,469 were accepted. This means that last year, IU Bloomington’s acceptance rate was 80.3% , making it a least-selective school. Indiana University does not have a binding early decision application option, but it does have a non-binding early action option .  

Want to get a better idea of your personal chances of admission into Indiana University? Our free chancing calculator can help you better understand your chances of acceptance into any college. By taking into account multiple elements of your profile, including your grades, test scores, extracurriculars, and more, we’ll estimate your odds of acceptance, and give you tips on improving your profile! 

The average high school GPA of IU Bloomington’s Class of 2024 was 3.75. 38.2% had a GPA of 4.0 . 24% had a GPA between 3.75 and 3.99 , and 18% had a GPA between 3.5 and 3.74.  

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%. 94% graduated in the top half. 

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. The top 25% of students scored above a 1340 on the SAT , and above a 31 on the ACT. 

With more than 200 undergraduate programs, Indiana University has “a degree for every dream.” In short, there’s a place for everyone. With majors in sport marketing to musical theater, IU Bloomington can open up possibilities for any student. 

How IU Bloomington Evaluates Applications

According to their 2020-2021 Common Data Set, IU considers the following factors “very important” :

• Course rigor
• Academic GPA
• Standardized test scores

These factors are “important” :

• Application essay

These are “considered” :

• Recommendation letters
• Extracurricular activities
• Talent/ability
• Character/personal qualities
• First generation
• Alumni/ae relation
• Geographical residence
• State residency
• Volunteer work
• Work experience
• Racial/ethnic status

And these are “not considered” :

• Religious affiliation/commitment
• Level of applicant’s interest 

Discover your chances at hundreds of schools

Our free chancing engine takes into account your history, background, test scores, and extracurricular activities to show you your real chances of admission—and how to improve them.

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into Indiana University 

1. achieve at least a 3.7 gpa while taking the most challenging classes available.

As the average GPA of enrolled IU Bloomington students last year was a 3.75, in order to be a competitive candidate, you should aim for at least a 3.7 GPA. In addition, IU wants to see that you’ve challenged yourself, so you should try and take advanced honors, Advanced College Project, AP, or IB classes.

Schools of IU receive a massive number of applications and use a tool known as the Academic Index to sort through them. 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 you fail to meet a college’s Academic Index threshold, you risk not having your application read. 

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 . If you’re a junior or senior, it will be harder to increase your GPA, so the easiest way to increase your Academic Index is to get a higher test score.

2. Report your SAT scores if above 1300, and ACT if above 32

While standardized test scores are optional for students applying to any of the IU campuses, IU will still consider your test scores if you submit them. Additionally, 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 you score above a 1300 on the SAT or a 31 on the ACT, you should report your scores. 

To improve your SAT/ACT score, check out these free CollegeVine resources:

• How to Get a Perfect 1600 Score on the SAT
• How to Get a Perfect 36 Score on the ACT
• More SAT Info and Tips
• More ACT Info and Tips

3. Write an engaging supplement response

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. The essay is the perfect place for you to show your strengths , character, authentic voice, and written eloquence.  

For tips on how to approach the IU supplemental essay, take a look at our guide on how to write the Indiana University Bloomington essay 2021–2022 .

4. Cultivate at least one or two Tier 1-2 extracurriculars (find your “ spike ”) 

When your academics are as equally strong as many other candidates for a college, extracurriculars are where you have a chance to stand out and help admissions officers form a better idea of who you are and what you might bring to their campus. 

In general, extracurricular activities can generally be divided into four “tiers.” To really make your profile shine, you should have one to two “Tier 1” or “Tier 2” extracurriculars. 

• Tier 1 activities demonstrate exceptional talent, achievement, leadership, or merit. Activities and roles on the national level or which garner field-wide recognition count as Tier 1 activities. This may include winning a national award, qualifying for international competition and therefore gaining prestigious recognition, or starting a nonprofit that gains national traction. Having a Tier 1 activity marks you as a distinguished youth in the field of your activity, so having Tier 1 activities is rare. 
• Tier 2 activities are more common than Tier 1, but still show high levels of achievement and potential. Holding school-wide leadership positions like student government president, winning regional competitions or awards, and local recognition as a student athlete or musician are all considered Tier 2. 
• Tier 3 activities demonstrate sustained participation rather than exceptional achievement, and are frequently seen in applications, both across the board as well as in any given individual student’s application, as some students may have more than one Tier 3 activity. These activities can include holding minor positions in school clubs or being on a Varsity team.
• Tier 4 activities are the most common and have the lowest entry bar; they demonstrate interest without particular dedication. However, they are still important to include, especially if you have higher tier activities, because they can help show the diversity of your interests. Tier 4 activities can include regular volunteering, general membership in clubs or organizations, or taking any kind of music or art lesson over several years. 

Having extracurricular activities on your application shows colleges that you have personal passions and that you can take your skills beyond the classroom. While IU is going to be happy to see any kind of interest you’ve taken, you’re going to be a much more competitive candidate if you have a few Tier 1 or 2 activities that show dedication and excellence rather than many scattered Tier 4 activities. 

Planning on applying to IU Bloomington? Here are some dates to keep in mind for the 2021–2022 application cycle. 

Application Requirements

Indiana University accepts applications through the Common Application as well as the Apply IU application. To apply, you will need the following materials:

• IU Bloomington writing supplement
• $65 non-refundable application fee
• Official high school transcript
• Full senior year course schedule 

Optional materials include:

• SAT/ACT scores 
• Letters of recommendation (one counselor and one teacher, max)

Learn more about Indiana University—Bloomington

How to Write the Indiana University Bloomington Essay 2021-2022

What Are the Big 10 Schools? Should You Attend One ?

Student Life at Big 10 Schools: What It’s Really Like

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Indiana University Bloomington 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Guide

Early Action: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Feb 1

Indiana University Bloomington 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanation

The Requirements: 1 essay of 200-400 words.

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why

Describe your academic and career plans and any special interest (for example, undergraduate research, academic interests, leadership opportunities, etc.) that you are eager to pursue as an undergraduate at Indiana University. Also, if you encountered any unusual circumstances, challenges, or obstacles in pursuit of your education, share those experiences and how you overcame them. (200-400 words) This essay may be used in scholarship consideration.

This supplemental essay prompt packs a punch. It’s a why essay combined with an optional additional info essay. Read it carefully and be sure to include each part they’re requesting, if applicable. Start by writing about your area of study and why you chose it. What sort of career is possible after you graduate? Are there offerings at IU Bloomington that will prepare you for your dream job? Get familiar with the IU Bloomington website to make sure admissions knows you’ve done your homework. 

The second part of this prompt is an additional info essay — and it’s only necessary if you’ve experienced extenuating circumstances that need to be explained (prolonged absences, a drop in GPA, etc.). Remember, it’s not how you fell down, but how you got up that’s important, so don’t be afraid to talk about what happened and what you learned from the experience.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, iu bloomington essay tips.

Hey everyone! I'm working on my application for Indiana University Bloomington and I want to make sure my essay stands out. Any tips for writing a great essay for IU Bloomington? What are some topics that have worked well for previous applicants? Thanks!

Hello! It's awesome that you're working on your Indiana University Bloomington application. Crafting a strong essay is definitely important, so here are some tips to help you out:

1. Research Indiana University Bloomington: Before writing your essay, make sure to research the school, its values, and what makes it unique. Understanding the school's culture and academic offerings will help you incorporate relevant information and demonstrate your genuine interest in attending.

2. Reflect on your personal experiences: As you think about what to write, consider your own experiences, challenges, interests, or goals that have shaped your identity. This is your chance to showcase your personality and how you'll contribute to the IU Bloomington community.

3. Be specific: Avoid writing a generic essay that could apply to any university. Focus on what attracts you to IU Bloomington specifically and how it aligns with your future aspirations. For example, mention a specific program, research opportunity, or extracurricular activity offered by the university that you'd like to take part in.

4. Show, don't tell: Use descriptive language and vivid details to paint a picture of the experiences or lessons you're sharing. The goal is to make the reader feel as if they were there with you.

5. Be concise and clear: Make sure your essay has a clear focus and stays on-topic. Aim for a natural flow and avoid using overly complex language just for the sake of sounding intellectual.

6. Edit and revise: Don't hesitate to go through several drafts and ask for feedback from teachers, friends, or family members. This will help you spot any grammatical errors, awkward phrasings, or unclear ideas that need to be refined.

As for topics that have worked well for previous applicants, it's important to remember that what's successful for one person may not be as effective for someone else. Rather than trying to replicate someone else's topic, choose something that's unique and meaningful to you. Some possible angles to explore could be a transformative personal experience, the influence of a mentor or family member, overcoming a specific challenge, or discussing your commitment to a particular passion or cause.

Remember, the key is to be authentic and demonstrate your genuine interest in IU Bloomington while reflecting on your personal growth and ambitions. Good luck with your essay!

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