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How to Write the Indiana University Bloomington Essay 2024-2025

Located in Bloomington, Indiana, Indiana University Bloomington — often known as IU — is a large public research university with a reputation of being known as a “ Public Ivy .” Offering a more affordable, yet intensive education, IU is a popular choice among applicants who are looking for a rigorous environment. The school is consistently ranked in the top 100 national universities.

With programs such as the Kelley School of Business, the School of Education, and the School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, IU provides students with a wide array of academic opportunity. Beyond coursework, however, the university also boasts an active social life, with a decent portion of its student body participating in Greek life.

IU’s supplemental essay is an important part of the college application process. There is no need to worry — CollegeVine has prepared the following guide to help you tackle this essay.

Indiana University Bloomington Supplemental Essay Prompt

Describe your academic and career plans and any special interests (e.g., undergraduate research, academic interests, leadership opportunities, etc.) that you are eager to pursue as an undergraduate at indiana university. if you encountered any unusual circumstances, challenges, or obstacles in completing your education, share those experiences and how you overcame them. (200-400 words).

This prompt is essentially a “ Why This Major ?” and “ Why This College? ” essay combined. Readers are looking to understand which of IU’s programs and opportunities you will take advantage of to further your career. First, discuss your academic and career interests and goals; second, explain how Indiana University specifically would help you reach these aspirations.

The first part of this essay should ideally answer the question: What do you want to be when you grow up? This part of the essay should present a cohesive picture of your passion in a specific academic field. Start off with a personal anecdote that showcases your interest in a single course of study or future career.

Keep this introduction concise, yet vivid, grasping the reader’s attention. For example, you could begin with a description of performing the oboe in a dark, packed auditorium on a bright stage at the state symphony, or the immense pride and relief you feel after distributing the school newspaper you and your staff worked on for countless hours.

Next, detail your accomplishments and experience in this field — remember to show more than tell. Provide evidence of your interest through your actions during a research project or an extracurricular activity. For example, instead of saying “I like both science and art,” illustrate the year you spent researching the brain’s ability to store memories through Dali’s paintings, and how this caused you to view the process of recollection as more of an art rather than a hard science, leading to your desire to study both neuroscience and art history. Not only does this show your interest in both fields, it also implies you are curious and innovative.

This paragraph is also a chance to portray your ability to grow and conquer challenges in your given field. So, rather than writing “I won state for Mock Trial,” describe the struggles you overcame and the growth you experienced in your role as president of your school’s mock trial team. By weaving narration throughout the paragraph, you will be able to portray a more authentic and unique story.

Lastly, connect your aspirations to IU. Specificity is key here. Avoid being vague and general with sweeping statements like “Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business is perfect for me” or “As a student at IU, I could study abroad.” Vague statements demonstrate a lack of interest and lack of effort. Research and learn about the qualities and programs that make Indiana University unique and special to your needs. What are unique programs or extracurriculars at Indiana University, and what will they teach you? What is a quality of IU that is important to you? Avoid generic responses that could apply to any other university.

If you want to be an investment banker through Kelley, describe the focused skillset you will gain from the school’s investment banking workshop, or the network you will create from the small classes and tight-knit community of the Kelley Business Honors Program. An aspiring global correspondent could describe the IU’s worldly approach towards learning and interning in London through the Media School’s “Summer in London” program.

Your primary goal is to connect your accomplishments and aspirations with the opportunities that await you at IU; however, avoid listing every possible activity you could participate in and stay focused.

• Start with a personal, vivid anecdote conveying your interest in a single field.
• Share a narrative of you overcoming an obstacle in this field; provide evidence of your experience in this interest.
• Describe the essence or quality of a program or activity at IU that would help you grow in this area.

Where to Get Your IU Essay Edited

Do you want feedback on your IU essay? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

Need feedback faster? Get a  free, nearly-instantaneous essay review  from Sage, our AI tutor and advisor. Sage will rate your essay, give you suggestions for improvement, and summarize what admissions officers would take away from your writing. Use these tools to improve your chances of acceptance to your dream school!

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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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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Jacobs School of Music Bulletin 2024-2025

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Indiana university bloomington requirements for incoming freshmen.

The standards listed below represent the minimum levels of preparation and achievement necessary to be considered for admission. Most admitted students exceed these minimum levels. Each application is reviewed individually. When making admission decisions, the university is primarily concerned with the breadth and depth of the college-preparatory program including the student’s cumulative grade point average, SAT/ACT scores, academic curriculum and the grades received in those academic courses, grade trends in college-preparatory subjects, class rank, and other additional factors.

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Applicants must earn a diploma from an accredited high school (or must have completed the Indiana High School Equivalency Diploma) to be eligible for admission consideration. Students who are homeschooled or attend an alternative school should submit credentials that demonstrate equivalent levels of achievement and ability.

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Applicants should complete at least 34 credits of college-preparatory courses, advanced placement courses, and/or college courses in high school, including:

• 8 credits of English , such as literature, grammar, composition, and journalism
• 7 credits of mathematics , including 4 credits of algebra and 2 credits of geometry (or an equivalent 6 credits of integrated algebra and geometry), and 1 credit of pre-calculus, trigonometry, or calculus
• 6 credits of social sciences , including 2 credits of U.S. history, 2 credits of world history/civilization/geography, and 2 additional credits in government, economics, sociology, history, or similar topics
• 6 credits of sciences , including at least 4 credits of laboratory sciences - biology, chemistry, or physics
• 4 credits of world languages
• 3 or more credits of additional college-preparatory courses. Additional mathematics credits are recommended for students intending to pursue a science degree and additional world language credits are recommended for all students.

Alternative college-preparatory courses may be substituted for courses that are not available in the applicant's high school.

Grades in Academic Classes

Cumulative GPA, as well as the grades earned in the 34 courses required for admission, is an important part of the application review process. Weighted GPA is also part of the review, if included on transcript.

Application Essay

An IU-specific essay of 200-400 words is required.

Standardized Test Scores

ACT or SAT scores are accepted as either official or self-reported scores. Self-reported scores can be entered in the Indiana University application. If offered admission, the offer will be contingent upon receipt of official test scores from testing agencies, which must match or be higher than those self-reported during the admissions process. IU's test-optional admissions policy allows students (both domestic and international) to choose at the point of application whether to have SAT or ACT test scores considered as part of the admissions review. For applicants who choose not to have test scores considered, a greater emphasis will be placed on grades in academic courses and grade trends in the admissions review. Applicants receive equal consideration for admission and scholarship to the Jacobs School of Music, regardless of whether or not they applied under the test-optional policy. There are several groups of students who will be required to provide SAT or ACT scores. Homeschooled students, students who have attended a school with non-traditional evaluation methods where traditional alpha or numerical grades are not assigned, and student athletes subject to NCAA eligibility standards will be required to submit a standardized test score. Applicants who are at least 21 years old or have been out of high school for three or more years may be considered for admission without standardized SAT and/or ACT test scores.

Information

For additional information, contact the Office of Admissions, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405; (812) 855-0661; [email protected].  

International Students

To be admitted, international students must complete above-average work in their supporting programs. International applicants whose native language is not English must meet the English Proficiency requirements of Indiana University for undergraduate degree-seeking students. A complete description of options to complete the English Proficiency requirement is available at the Office of International Services (OIS) website.

Admitted undergraduate international students are also required to take the Indiana Academic English Test (IAET) and must register for any supplemental English courses prescribed based on the results of this examination or, if necessary, enroll in the intensive English language program.

For additional information, contact the Office of International Services, Indiana University, Ferguson International Center, 330 N. Eagleson Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405; [email protected] ; (812) 855-9086; http://ois.iu.edu/admissions/index.html .

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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 FAFSA may be available for you to complete as early as October 1 each year. 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.

Visit a campus

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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Personal statements & application letters, personal statements and application letters.

The process of applying for jobs, internships, and graduate/professional programs often requires a personal statement or application letter. This type of writing asks writers to outline their strengths confidently and concisely, which can be challenging.

Though the requirements differ from application to application, the purpose of this type of writing is to represent your goals, experiences and qualifications in the best possible light, and to demonstrate your writing ability. Your personal statement or application letter introduces you to your potential employer or program director, so it is essential that you allow yourself enough time to craft a polished piece of writing.

1) PREPARE YOUR MATERIALS

Before you sit down to write, do some preparation in order to avoid frustration during the actual writing process. Obtain copies of documents such as transcripts, resumes and the application form itself; keeping them in front of you will make your job of writing much easier. Make a list of important information, in particular names and exact titles of former employers and supervisors, titles of jobs you have held, companies you have worked for, dates of appropriate work or volunteer experiences, the duties involved etc. In this way, you will be able to refer to these materials while writing in order to include as much specific detail as possible.

2) WRITE A FIRST DRAFT

After you have collected and reviewed these materials, it is time to start writing. The following is a list of concerns that writers should keep in mind when writing a personal statement/application letter.

Answer the Question: A major problem for all writers can be the issue of actually answering the question being asked. For example, an application might want you to discuss the reason you are applying to a particular program or company. If you spend your entire essay or letter detailing your qualifications with no mention of what attracted you to the company or department, your statement will probably not be successful. To avoid this problem, read the question or assignment carefully both as you prepare and again just prior to writing. Keep the question in front of you as you write, and refer to it often. Consider The "I" Problem: This is a personal statement; using the first person pronoun "I" is acceptable. Writers often feel rather self-conscious about using first person excessively, either because they are modest or because they have learned to avoid first and second person ("you") in any type of formal writing. Yet in this type of writing using first person is essential because it makes your prose more lively. Using third person can result in a vague and overly wordy essay. While starting every sentence with "I" is not advisable, remember that you and your experiences are the subject of the essay. Avoid Unnecessary Duplication: Sometimes a writer has a tendency to repeat information in his or her personal statement that is already included in other parts of the application packet (resume, transcript, application form, etc.). For example, it is not necessary to mention your exact GPA or specific grades and course titles in your personal statement or application letter. It is more efficient and more effective to simply mention academic progress briefly ("I was on the Dean's List"; or "I have taken numerous courses in the field of nutrition") and then move on to discuss appropriate work or volunteer experiences in more detail. Make Your Statement Distinctive: Many writers want to make their personal statements unique or distinctive in some way as a means of distinguishing their application from the many others received by the company or program. One way to do this is to include at least one detailed example or anecdote that is specific to your own experience—perhaps a description of an important family member or personal moment that influenced your decision to pursue a particular career or degree. This strategy makes your statement distinctive and memorable. Keep It Brief: Usually, personal statements are limited to 250–500 words or one typed page, so write concisely while still being detailed. Making sure that each paragraph is tightly focused on a single idea (one paragraph on the strengths of the program, one on your research experience, one on your extracurricular activities, etc.) helps keep the essay from becoming too long. Also, spending a little time working on word choice by utilizing a dictionary and a thesaurus and by including adjectives should result in less repetition and more precise writing.

Personal Statement Format

As mentioned before, the requirements for personal statements differ, but generally a personal statement includes certain information and can follow this format (see following model).

Introduction Many personal statements begin with a catchy opening, often the distinctive personal example mentioned earlier, as a way of gaining the reader’s attention. From there you can connect the example to the actual program/position for which you are applying. Mention the specific name of the program or company, as well as the title of the position or degree you are seeking, in the first paragraph. Detailed Supporting Paragraphs Subsequent paragraphs should address any specific questions from the application, which might deal with the strengths of the program/position, your own qualifications, your compatibility with the program/position, your long-term goals or some combination thereof. Each paragraph should be focused and should have a topic sentence that informs the reader of the paragraph’s emphasis. You need to remember, however, that the examples from your experience must be relevant and should support your argument about your qualifications. Conclusion Tie together the various issues that you have raised in the essay, and reiterate your interest in this specific program or position. You might also mention how this job or degree is a step towards a long-term goal in a closing paragraph. An application letter contains many of the same elements as a personal statement, but it is presented in a business letter format and can sometimes be even shorter and more specific than a personal statement. An application letter may not contain the catchy opening of the personal statement but instead includes detailed information about the program or position and how you found out about it. Your application letter usually refers to your resume at some point. Another difference between a personal statement and an application letter is in the conclusion, which in an application letter asks for an interview.

3) REVISING THE PERSONAL STATEMENT/APPLICATION LETTER

Because this piece of writing is designed to either get you an interview or a place in a graduate school program, it is vital that you allow yourself enough time to revise your piece of writing thoroughly. This revision needs to occur on both the content level (did you address the question? is there enough detail?) and the sentence level (is the writing clear? are the mechanics and punctuation correct?). While tools such as spell-checks and grammar-checks are helpful during revision, they should not be used exclusively; you should read over your draft yourself and/or have others do so.

As a child I often accompanied my father to his small coin shop and spent hours watching him work. When I was older, I sometimes set up displays, waited on customers, and even balanced the books. This experience instilled in me the desire to own and manage my own business someday, yet I understand that the business world today is more complex. This complexity requires more education, and with that in mind, I am applying to the Master's of Business Administration program at Indiana University Bloomington (IUB). In addition to my helping out in my father’s business, I have had numerous other work experiences that further enhance my qualifications for this program. My resume enumerates the various positions I have held at Kerasotes Theaters, Chili's restaurants, and Indiana University's new Student Recreational Sports Center (SRSC), and what all of these positions have in common is an emphasis on serving the public effectively. Further, as an assistant manager at the Showplace 11 and a staff coordinator at the SRSC, I have gained valuable expertise in managing employees and creating work schedules. Both of these positions have allowed me to develop my sales and people skills, which are extremely important in an increasingly service-driven marketplace. Not all of my work experience has been as a paid employee. Part of my volunteering experience at Middleway House, the local battered women's shelter, involved extensive work on computers, including word processing, organizing databases and creating spreadsheets. Also, I recently participated in an internship program for academic credit with the Eli Lilly corporation in the personnel division. As a management intern, I was able to watch the workings of a major corporation up close and would like the opportunity to combine my experiences with the theoretical background available in the MBA program at IUB, with its emphasis on computers, marketing and human resources. My successful internship is one element of my overall academic success as an undergraduate here at IUB, yet I have also made time for a variety of extracurricular activities, including working for my sorority and competing in intramural basketball. My positive experiences here have resulted in my desire to stay in Bloomington to continue my academic endeavors; furthermore, continuing my education here would allow me to make important business contacts, with the career goal of opening my own computer consulting firm in the Midwest.

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Indiana University Admission Essays

Cultural exchange: shaping perspectives on diversity.

Diversity and inclusion are paramount in shaping an individual’s perception of the world, fostering empathy, and building a harmonious society. One significant personal experience has indelibly shaped my perspective on diversity and inclusion, influencing my interactions with others and my approach to fostering an inclusive…

Indiana University: Pursuing Academic and Personal Success

I am writing to apply for admission to Indiana University as a college student. As a bright and motivated individual, I believe that IU will provide me with the perfect environment to pursue my academic and personal goals. Introduction From a young age, I have…

Indiana University: A Platform for Growth and Transformation

Introduction As a college student, I have come to realize that personal growth and transformation are not merely the byproducts of academic pursuits but are equally nurtured through a supportive and inclusive campus environment. My aspiration to become a part of the vibrant community at…

From Indiana to Japan: A Journey of Global Engagement

That all changed when I had the opportunity to participate in a two-week cultural exchange program in Japan during my sophomore year of high school. This life-changing experience opened my eyes to a world beyond my own small corner of Indiana and ignited a passion…

Cross-Cultural Reflections: Nepal and Beyond

One meaningful cross-cultural experience that has greatly influenced my worldview occurred during a volunteer trip to a rural village in Nepal. I spent two weeks working with a local non-profit organization, helping to build a school and providing educational support to the children. During my…

Indiana University: My Transformative Cross-Cultural Experience

My exposure to diverse cultures and global perspectives was limited. However, during my senior year of high school, I had the opportunity to participate in a cross-cultural exchange program that opened my eyes to the beauty and importance of global engagement. This experience not only…

Nine Mile: College Admission Essay Sample

As is the case with many twelve-year-old sixth graders, I used to be a little self-centered. I was in the middle of puberty, with hormones raging and jumbling my mind in all kinds of ways, and the fact that I was slightly socially awkward and…

Fingerprints: College Admission Essay Sample

Taking my spot in the third seat, I face the coxswain as she commands our boat. As we push off the dock, adrenaline runs through my veins. As my stomach leaps into my throat, hands sweating, I tenuously maintain my grip on the oar. As…

My Love for Wearing Costumes

My love for wearing costumes developed as a child. Even today, I’d have to say, I still enjoy wearing them. As the president of the DECA chapter at my school, I get to dress up in pant suits and pearls, while role-playing as a CEO….

A Keyboard in my Crib: College Admission Essay Sample

(Note: This was for an undergraduate transfer application.) My musical journey began innocently enough, in my infancy, with a toy keyboard placed in my crib as a diversion. Though I would not begin formal instruction on an instrument for several more years, this simple gift…

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Indiana University Undergraduate College Application Essays

These Indiana University college application essays were written by students accepted at Indiana University. All of our sample college essays include the question prompt and the year written. Please use these sample admission essays responsibly.

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College Application Essays accepted by Indiana University

Nine mile nicole e. dipaolo, indiana university.

As is the case with many twelve-year-old sixth graders, I used to be a little self-centered. I was in the middle of puberty, with hormones raging and jumbling my mind in all kinds of ways, and the fact that I was slightly socially awkward and seen...

Willow Tree Anonymous

June 4th 2006

The volunteers in the red shirts direct us to enter our corrals. It's race time. Twenty-three thousand of us cram into our assigned areas and stand shoulder-to-shoulder, no room to move. I know what lies in wait—fifty-four...

A Keyboard in my Crib Anonymous

(Note: This was for an undergraduate transfer application.)

My musical journey began innocently enough, in my infancy, with a toy keyboard placed in my crib as a diversion. Though I would not begin formal instruction on an instrument for several...

Finding Your Animal Totem Brad Boyle

"On Thursday," announced my religion teacher, "we will be going to the zoo to find our animal totems." For those that don’t know, an animal totem represents the Native American belief that each person has a connection to a specific animal. I was...

My Life Jordan Williams

“Jooooorrrrddddannnnn,” my mom screamed with utter fear and panic in her voice. Surprisingly, amongst all of the chaos, her voice was all that I heard. I’m not sure if I was disoriented, bewildered or just in complete shock but at that particular...

Home Away From Home Laith Nasfat Shehadeh

For many of my friends, summer break means swimming at the local pool and hanging out at our downtown movie theater. Yet for me, summer means traveling 6,000 miles to a completely different country, where I speak a completely different language...

Hook, Line and thinker. Dan Schwarz

To many, it may seem farfetched to associate the feeling of being perfectly content with a sport as salty as fishing, but not to me. The way the cork grip of a fishing rod gingerly held between my fingers instills the feeling of being so...

Fingerprints Paris Silverman

Taking my spot in the third seat, I face the coxswain as she commands our boat. As we push off the dock, adrenaline runs through my veins. As my stomach leaps into my throat, hands sweating, I tenuously maintain my grip on the oar. As the “new...

Dealing with Failure in the Floral Business Anonymous

It was an ideal day for a wedding. The sun was shining and was seventy degrees on top of one of downtown Cleveland’s taller rooftops. The airshow was to my right, and the entire span of the Cleveland skyline to my left. The wind died down as we...

From America with Russian Love Fiona Jenna Blumin

A vivacious and carefree four-year-old, I dropped my paintbrush, splattering globs of blue paint all over my t-shirt and classmates nearby. Immediately, my thin lips transformed into an enormous grin. My grandpa, or as we say in Russian, my ...

97% Allegra Mendonsa

97%. That is the survival rate for thyroid cancer. It’s the first thing I looked up after my diagnosis. I felt like something inside me shattered. I told myself I could live with that because, statistically speaking, I would be okay.

However, my...

A Tale of Two Teeth Anonymous

Sweat droplets streamed down my cheeks. It was an odd, balmy April day and my friend Grant and I had just finished an amiable game of street hockey when boredom began to claw at our minds. As the sun started to sink below the horizon, I focused my...

Costumes Emma Sapp

My love for wearing costumes developed as a child. Even today, I’d have to say, I still enjoy wearing them. As the president of the DECA chapter at my school, I get to dress up in pant suits and pearls, while role-playing as a CEO. While my...

Only Time Will Tell Anonymous

I’ll always remember that drive; there was a crisp summer breeze sailing in through my window and the taste of early-morning dew still hung in the air. My heart was beating so fast, I could hardly hear my favorite song, “Sweet Caroline”, blasting...

Beauty Anonymous

Anyone can find beauty in ordinary things: the ivory snow falling outside a foggy window on a January morning, the rainbow that appears after a thunderstorm, or the almost formulaic pink and orange hues of a sunset over the horizon. But these...

More Than a Reflection Morgan Jankowski

There are times when I gaze out of the windows of the South Shore Train and see nothing more than the softened edges of verdant forests and the blurred outlines of monotonous buildings. I watch as the clouds move, change shape, and reform yet...

Camper to Counselor Anonymous

I stood on the platform above Corey Lake at Camp Eberhart, goosebumps slowly forming as my teeth chattered from the cold wind’s touch on my bare skin. My eyes fixated on the dark blue hues and the ripples forming in the water below me. My hands...

Last Place...? Stacy Park

My choir director points at me, whispering, “You’re next.” Those daunting words make me falter back to my chair. As I wait for my turn, my hands start trembling with fear. I immediately slap my wrist hard enough for the choir director to turn...

The Edge Jillian Konikow

A six-year-old girl stands at the edge, unsure about the leap she must take. She is nervous; very aware of the challenge at hand and the expectations she must meet. In the next moment, she finds herself suspended in the air, entering the watery...

Uninvent Your Camera Anonymous

Photos freeze the world in place for just a moment. In the rapidly moving world, it’s refreshing to look at a photo, stop the earth’s spin, and live in the past for a few minutes. Photos are sentiments—souvenirs of a time and place that has...

Packet of Tissue Anonymous

“You are going to a boarding school in Singapore,” said my parents one day.

The decision to send me off to boarding school came as a surprise for my family’s acquaintances. It came as a shock to me --- especially since I did not even know what the...

Recent Questions about Indiana University

The Question and Answer section for Indiana University is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

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Office of International Services

Indiana University application process for freshmen international applicants

If you're a freshman international applicant-meaning a beginning student who has never attended a college or university before-this page will provide you with a step-by-step guide through the international student application process.

IU accepts two applications—the Apply IU Application and the Common Application . Both ask the same types of questions, although they may be worded differently. We do not prefer any particular application, and we use the same review process for each. You can choose whichever one works best for you.

Have questions about being an IU student?

Talk with an International Student Ambassador to find out what it’s like to study at IU.

Indiana University Bloomington application deadlines

• Fall early action: November 1
• Fall regular decision: February 1
• Spring semester: September 15
• Summer semester: January 1

IU application materials for international undergraduates

• Completed online application
• Common Application essay or Apply IU 200-400 word IU-specific essay
• Academic records

Demonstration of English proficiency

• Financial documents
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• SAT or ACT exam scores (optional)
• Letters of recommendation (optional)

Application fee

A $65 application fee is due with the submission of your application to IU.

Ready for the next step? Though there are two application form options to choose from, you should submit only one application for admission. You will not receive any benefit from applying multiple times, and all application fees are nonrefundable. If you apply using more than one application, it may delay processing.

Use the Apply IU Application to apply to more than one Indiana University campus.

Start your Apply IU Application

• Common Application

Use the Common Application to apply to any of over 900 schools, including Indiana University.

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Before you apply

Before you being your the application process, learn what you need to do to get ready to apply.

Review admission standards

Before you begin the application process, you should read our admission standards to make sure you qualify to apply. Admission is selective, and we review each application for its individual merits and qualities. We pay particular attention to these factors:

• Academic performance and preparation
• Strength and quality of your high school curriculum
• Anticipated completion of secondary school before you start at IU
• Recent grade trends
• SAT or ACT results (if applicable)
• English proficiency

Academic preparation

We require at least 34 credits (or semesters) of college-preparatory courses, advanced placement courses, or college courses in secondary school in these subjects:

• 8 credits (or 4 years) or the equivalent of secondary work in English or in your native language, including literature, grammar, and composition courses
• 7 credits (or 3.5 years) of mathematics, including 4 credits of algebra and 2 credits of geometry (or an equivalent 6 credits of integrated algebra and geometry), and 1 credit of additional college preparatory math (precalculus, trigonometry, or calculus)
• 6 credits (or 3 years) of social sciences, including history, government, economics, psychology, or sociology
• 6 credits (or 3 years) of sciences, including at least 4 credits (2 years) of laboratory sciences such as biology, chemistry, or physics
• 4 credits (or 2 years) of another world language
• 3 or more credits of additional college-preparatory courses

Additional mathematics credits are recommended for students intending to pursue a science degree. Additional world language credits are recommended for all students.

Note: If your secondary school does not offer the courses needed to meet one or more of these requirements, then alternative college-preparatory courses may be substituted for the courses that are not available.

Academic grades required for admission

Your cumulative GPA, as well as the grades you have earned in the 34 courses required for admission, will be an important part of the application review process. 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 requirement

You need to complete the equivalent of U.S. high school. Many education systems call this upper secondary school. It includes all course components and examinations required for graduation. Review country-specific requirements to see details for the country you’re studying in.

If you are homeschooled or attend an alternative school, you need to submit credentials that demonstrate equivalent levels of achievement and ability.

IU Bloomington requires all international undergraduate applicants to demonstrate English proficiency. You need to have met this English proficiency requirement within the last two years.

You can do this by:

• Submitting acceptable results for one of the English proficiency tests or the SAT or ACT exam listed in English proficiency tests
• Submitting acceptable results from certain classes listed in Curricula scores
• Holding citizenship from or completing at least three full years of secondary school in a predominantly English-speaking country, defined in List of English-speaking countries
• Successfully completing Level 7 of the Intensive English Program (IEP) at IU Bloomington

English proficiency tests

You can   self-report these scores   for the admission process. However, if you need an   immigration document   (I-20 or DS-2019), the testing agency will have to provide the official score report before we can create the immigration document. Have the testing agency send the score to IU Bloomington.

Curricula scores

List of English-speaking countries

• British Virgin Islands
• Federated States of Micronesia
• Grand Cayman Islands
• New Zealand
• Philippines
• Republic of Ireland
• St. Kitts & Nevis
• St. Vincent & the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turks & Caicos Islands
• United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales)
• United States

Review admission and scholarship deadlines

Students who complete their application materials by November 1, the early action deadline, get first and maximum consideration-both for admissions and scholarship. It is also the deadline for direct admission consideration for some schools.

February 1 is the regular decision deadline and the deadline for Global Engagement Scholarship consideration.

If you submit your application after February 1, you will be considered only if space is still available.

Admission nofication

You'll generally receive an admission notification two to three weeks after our office has received all application materials.

A $100 enrollment deposit is due on June 1.

See the steps to enroll

Spring and summer admission deadlines

International applicants interested in summer admission are only eligible to apply for the second eight weeks of the summer term and are required to take a minimum of 6 credits during this term.

Scholarship consideration

Merit scholarships are awarded based on the academic information you provide through your application for admission. To be considered for IU Achievement and Selective Scholarships, you must submit your complete application for admission to IU by November 1. If you meet this deadline, you can submit updated SAT or ACT scores (if applicable) through January 15 for additional scholarship consideration. Updated scores will be evaluated and notification will be made on a rolling basis for those who qualify.

Qualified international students who submit a complete application for admission by February 1 will be considered for merit-based scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships will be determined based on academic information provided in the admission application—no separate application is required.

Explore our majors

Before you apply at IU Bloomington, make sure you spend some time exploring our different schools and 200+ majors .

When you fill out your application, you’ll be asked to choose an intended major. If you know what you’d like to major in, select that major.

If you don’t know what you want to major in, that’s OK. IU students who have not yet chosen a major are considered exploratory students . It’s fine to spend time discovering the path that’s right for you. Indiana University promotes academic exploration above all else. It’s why most freshmen begin their studies in University Division (UD) , where they fulfill the general requirements needed to certify into a degree-granting school or college.

Learn about direct admission

International students who are accepted at IU are automatically admitted to University Division (UD) . Students in UD will work to fulfill the requirements for admission to the major of their choice. Almost all beginning students start their IU experiences this way.

However, a few IU schools also offer direct admission to outstanding students. When you receive direct admission, you are able to begin your college career as a student in the program of your choice. That means you do not later have to apply for admission to your major.

What to do to be considered for direct admission

To be considered for direct admission, you will need to:

• Submit all application materials by the deadline.
• Indicate the major that you want to be admitted to on your application.
• Prove, by way of test scores (if applicable) and your academic record, that you are an exceptional student. Each school has its own requirements.
• Fulfill all other direct admit requirements as outlined by the school of your choice.

Only 10 to 20 percent of incoming students receive direct admission. If you do not receive direct admission, you can still apply to that school later after you have spent some time studying in University Division.

Schools that offer direct admission

• College of Arts + Sciences
• Jacobs School of Music
• Kelley School of Business
• Media School
• School of Art, Architecture + Design
• School of Education
• Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering
• O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs
• School of Public Health

Learn about receiving credit for AP, IB, and other advanced coursework

IU recognizes many British-style Advanced Level exams and International Baccalaureate higher-level exams when awarding credit.

Review fee-waiver information (if eligible)

The Indiana University application fee is $65 and is nonrefundable. We will not process your application or make an admission decision until we receive a completed fee waiver or the application fee.

If you are an international student with limited financial resources, you may be eligible for an admission application fee waiver. To obtain a fee waiver, you must request a fee waiver when completing your application.

If you are submitting the Apply IU application, you will then 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.

Submit the online application and essay

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 will need to submit one of the essay prompts. If you are applying through Apply IU, you will need to submit the IU-specific essay.

Make sure you allow pop-ups and enable third-party cookies to ensure that your application and fee payment will be submitted correctly.

Select your application platform and get started. Even though there are two options to choose from, you should submit only one application for admission to IU Bloomington.

• Apply IU Application

After you apply

After you submit the online application and essay, you still have a few more steps before you're done.

Receive your Atlas login information

After you submit your online application, you will receive immediate email confirmation that it was received.

OIS will email you your Atlas login information within five days of receiving your completed application. You will then need to log in to Atlas so you can upload the additional documents you are required to submit. Look for the Freshman Application Checklist under the Requests section.

Submit your supporting documents

Completing the application for admission is the first step toward attending Indiana University.

After you have submitted your application, there are some supporting materials that you need to provide. (All documents submitted for admission consideration become the property of IU.)

IU required application materials

Secondary school academic records.

To complete your application, you only need to upload a copy of your official academic records. These need to include an original stamp or seal. If the original is not in English, also include a literal translation certified by the academic institution as being complete and correct.

You can find what specific documents we need for each high school country below.

Note: if you are admitted, you will need to bring a physical version to Bloomington of all the academic records you upload (in addition to a final record showing you completed secondary school). Remember, it needs have an official stamp or seal. If your final academic records were sent to you in a sealed envelope, you will need to keep them in the envelope for OIS to consider them official.

You will need to submit evidence that you meet our English proficiency standards described in admission standards . How you demonstrate your proficiency will determine what you need to submit. For example, if you use scores from a test, you will need to submit those. Your documentation needs to be from within the last two years in order to be valid.

Optional materials you can submit with your application

Sat or act exam scores.

IU’s test-optional admissions policy allows you to choose at the point of application whether to have your SAT or ACT test scores considered as part of your admissions review—letting you decide how best to tell your academic story. Research indicates that for most students, high school GPA paired with test scores provides the best prediction of academic success at Indiana University. However, for some students a standardized test score may not show all that they are capable of or tell the full story of their potential.

Each individual student will determine if they should apply test-optional, however various resources and guidance are available through our office.

We superscore, which means that if you choose to have test scores considered as part of your admissions review, when we are reviewing your application, we'll consider your best test scores. We’ll consider the highest critical reading and math component scores for the SAT. For the ACT, we’ll combine the highest scores for each subtest from different exams for a new ACT composite

If you took the ACT or SAT, you may share either official or self-reported scores. Students sharing self-reported scores can self-report your test scores on your application. You will also have the option to self-report additional scores after submitting your application. If offered admission, the offer will be contingent upon receipt of official test scores from testing agencies, which must match or be higher than those self-reported during the admissions process. Self-reporting your scores is only applicable if you decide to have your test scores considered at the point of application.

If you would like to have the official testing agencies send your scores, use the codes listed here to have your official scores sent to Indiana University Bloomington.

• Our SAT code is 1324.
• Our ACT code is 1210.

Letters of recommendation

Sometimes you may want to have a teacher, counselor, employer, or coach write a letter of recommendation to help us get to know you better. We love to hear stories of your growth, hard work, creative ideas, leadership, or obstacles you’ve overcome.

Letters can be especially useful if you struggled in a certain class or academic term because of outside circumstances. A teacher or counselor can give us insight into why your abilities are greater than an academic record may show.

Submit your financial documentation

As an international student at IU Bloomington, you are required to submit documents proving you have the financial means to support yourself for a full calendar year, including tuition, fees, and living expenses. We encourage you to submit your financial documents as soon as possible.

Check your admission status

After you apply, you can see the status of your application at any time in Atlas .

Receive your admission letter from OIS

You will first be notified of your admission decision via email by the Office of International Services (OIS).

If you are admitted, you can also choose to have your admission letter sent to you via mail after you have paid your enrollment deposit and submitted the required financial documents .

Let us know you plan to enroll

If you are admitted to IU Bloomington, you’ll need to let us know you plan to attend by paying your enrollment deposit.

To officially reserve your spot as an IU student, submit your intent to enroll form and $100 enrollment deposit by May 1.

Need help with your application?

Our International Admissions team is here to help. If you have questions about the application process, materials, requirements, or next steps, reach out to an International Admissions staff member .

IU Bloomington international freshmen application FAQs

How can i make changes to my application.

If you need to change information that you submitted with your application, you'll need to submit a form. The form is only for changing things like email address, contact information, name, etc. Continue using Atlas to submit any new information.

How can I cancel my application?

If you would like to cancel your application after you have already applied, you can do that on the Intent to Enroll page.

What if I'm applying to the IU Jacobs School of Music?

After you apply to IU, you’ll need to complete the Jacobs Schools of Music supplemental application and submit an additional fee.

Start your international education journey at Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University provides a diverse and welcoming environment for international students. Choose from IU Bloomington’s 200+ majors and discover a program that will nurture your interests and jump-start your career.

Begin your application to IU and take the next step toward an exciting future.

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General Scholarship Application

What is the general scholarship application.

The General Scholarship Application is utilized to determine a student's eligibility for a diverse range of IU Bloomington scholarship opportunities such as general IU scholarships and departmental scholarships specific to the student's academic program. This application includes a series of questions and an essay that should take less than 60 minutes to complete.The General Scholarship Application is open to all students, incoming and current, and is encouraged to be submitted each year for continued scholarship consideration.

This application ensures that students have equitable access to scholarship opportunities, emphasizing Indiana University's commitment to supporting student success. Please utilize the FAQs listed below for additional information and instruction regarding the General Scholarship Application. 

Things to know when accessing the application: 

• Applicants (incoming  and  current students) should be logging in to the Applicants and Administrators tab,  not the References and Reviewers tab . *See instructions below
• For incoming students, students  must create their IU computing account before they will be able to log in to the IU Scholarships task for accessing the General Scholarship Application. 
• Students can update their application after their initial submission by logging back into the IU Scholarships task, navigating to the "My Applications" tab, finding the General Application box, and selecting "Update". 

Steps to Access the General Scholarship Application

• You will need your 10-digit ID number provided in your admission email to create this account.  Please note that it may take up to 48 hours to activate your newly created computing account.
• After you have created your IU computing account and this account is activated (again, this can take up to 48 hours), you will go to One.IU and search for "scholarships" in the search bar. You will select the IU Scholarships task. 
• Once you have selected the IU Scholarships task, you will log in to the Applicants and Administrators tab through selecting the "Sign in with your CAS Credentials" option. Your "CAS Credentials" are the username and passphrase set by the student when creating their IU computing account. 
• You should not be attempting to log in under the References and Reviewers tab and should not be creating a Blackbaud ID. 
• The General Application is used to determine eligibility for many scholarships at IU. The application includes a series of questions and an essay, which should take less than 60 minutes to complete. Fill out the application and click "Finish and Submit." 
• Once you submit the General Scholarship Application, select "Other Recommended Opportunities" to see any additional scholarship opportunities you might be eligible for. You may need to complete additional applications to be considered for certain scholarships.
• Should you need to update your application after submitting, you will need to log back into the IU Scholarships task and navigate to the "My Applications" tab. Once there, scroll to the General Application and select "Update". If you update your application, please ensure you click "Finish and Submit" after making updates as the application will not automatically resubmit. 

FAQs for Incoming Students

How do i access the general scholarship application.

Once a student has receive their official admission to IU Bloomington, they are then eligible to submit the General Scholarship Application. Students should follow the steps listed below for accessing and submitting the application: 

• Create your  IU computing account , if you have not already done so.   You will need your 10-digit university ID number provided in your admission email to create this account. Please note that it may take up to 24 hours to activate your account.  
• Log in to the  IU Scholarships  task in  One.IU  using your IU computing account (IU credentials).   Do not log in using your guest account. Once logged in, select the General Application to start filling out your General Application.  
• Complete the General Application.   The General Application is used to determine eligibility for many scholarships at IU. The application includes a series of questions and an essay, which should take less than 60 minutes to complete. Fill out the application and click "Finish and Submit." Please ensure that you answer all questions thoroughly.  
• Complete any additional applications.   Once you submit the General Scholarship Application, select "Other Recommended Opportunities" to see any additional scholarship opportunities you might be eligible for. You may need to complete additional applications to be considered for certain scholarships.  

Do I need to enroll at IU Bloomington before I can access the General Scholarship Application?

No. Newly admitted, incoming students do not need to submit their Intent to Enroll to be able to access and submit the General Scholarship Application. 

When is the General Scholarship Application due?

The General Scholarship Application has a deadline of  February 1 by 11:59 p.m. EST for all incoming students. 

Can I submit the General Scholarship Application after the February 1 deadline for incoming students?

While you are technically able to submit the General Scholarship Application after the February 1 deadline, any applications submitted after this deadline will not be considered.

What do I do if I don't receive my admission decision prior to the General Scholarship Application's February 1 deadline?

Unfortunately, if a student does not receive their admission decision prior to the General Scholarship Application's deadline of February 1, they will not be able to submit this application. While they would not be able to submit this application for scholarship consideration during their first year, all continuing students are able to, and are encouraged to, submit the General Scholarship Application each year for continued scholarship consideration. 

I thought that based on submitting my application for admission by November 1 I would be considered for scholarship opportunities. Why should I submit the General Scholarship Application too?

While it is true that  Early Action applicants will be considered for a selection of merit-based scholarship opportunities, all incoming student should also submit their General Scholarship Application if they wish to be considered for additional IU scholarship funding. 

Why are some of the scholarships in my "Recommended Opportunities" not relevant to me?

While most of the scholarship opportunities included in the "Recommended Opportunities" section are tailored to each student, there are some opportunities that have eligibility criteria that is not accounted for in the General Scholarship Application and must be self-reported. 

Who is reviewing my General Scholarship Application submission?

When you submit the General Scholarship Application, you're automatically considered for various scholarships from different awarding departments across the Bloomington campus. Which scholarships you are considered for depends on if you meet the scholarship’s eligibility criteria. Each awarding department manages its own scholarship opportunities, so the review of your application will be completed internally. This means that your application could be reviewed by multiple departments depending on what scholarships you qualify for

I need to upload a document for one of the Recommended Opportunity applications, but the document won't upload.

To upload any required documents, you must follow the instructions below:

• Your file must be either a .pdf or .docx form.
• Your file’s name cannot include the following: Commas, apostrophes, and non-alphanumeric characters outside of a-z, A-Z, and 0-9 .
• If your file contains any prohibited characters, your file will be rejected for uploading.

Once you have ensured that your file type and name meet the above requirements, you will be able to upload your file and submit your application.

FAQs for Current/Returning Students

Current students should follow the steps listed below for accessing and submitting the General Scholarship Application each year: 

Should I submit the General Scholarship Application after my first year?

Yes. Students are encouraged to continue to submit their General Scholarship Application each year that they are an IU Bloomington student. This is to ensure that the student is continuing to be reviewed and considered for additional IU scholarship opportunities.

When is the General Scholarship Application due for current/returning students?

There is not a set deadline for current students, so we encourage students to submit the General Scholarship Application as early as possible to ensure maximum scholarship consideration. 

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How to Complete Indiana University Application Essay

Situated in Bloomington, Indiana, the Indiana University (IU) is one of the US largest public research universities in the country, which is well known for its belonging to the “Public Ivy League.” Offering a rather affordable, yet very intensive and well-recognized education, this university is one of the most popular choices among those applicants who are searching for a creative, rigorous and original environment. The university is ranked 90 in the recent rates of universities worldwide, and 39 in the USA. What should an applicant start with in order to apply for this university? The answer is simple. He / she should complete an Indiana university application essay of premium quality.

Although the acceptance rate of the Indiana University is 78%, an Indiana university application essay is still an essential part to the process of college / university application. You should not get worried if you strictly follow the guidance provided below.

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Efficient Indiana University Application Essay Guidelines

Writing a personal statement is a turning point in your life because it is usually a decisive factor in the application process. Actually, such an essay is your chance to prove that you deserve to be accepted to a certain college or university. The main advice that can be given to all the applicants is “Be yourself.” When writing an application essay, you clearly explain what makes you unique and interesting. However, the truth is that many other applicants will also follow this advice. How to write an essay that will help you stand out from others? We have prepared a list of tips that will help you find out how to create a masterpiece that will make the admission board members think “Wow! We surely need this student!”

Choose a Good Topic

If you are allowed to write your personal statement on any topic, make sure to select the one that will help you create an engaging, appealing, and creative piece. When choosing the topic, keep in mind that your essay should be about you, your experiences, and your aspirations.

Don`t focus mainly on the educational institution. Of course, you may mention that after reading all the requirements indicated on the university website, you think that you are a perfect fit for this educational environment. However, first and foremost, you need to focus on your strengths.

Keep Your Focus Personal

Do not try to cover too many topics as you will make your essay too shallow. Instead, try to pick up two or three major aspects that may help you demonstrate your personality and focus on them.

Use Your Own Voice

Although you may examine the great personal statement examples available on the web, you should not forget that the essay should introduce you, your feelings, and your strengths. Try to avoid copy-pasting from the samples as it is a wrong strategy. Only an original essay that tells the application committee more about yourself will bring you the expected outcome.

Don`t Forget About Revision

Even if you have written a brilliant personal statement, do not forget to proofread it in order to fix all the flaws compromising the quality of your paper. When checking your paper, make sure to delete or paraphrase all the awkward or irrelevant sentences, as well as fix all the grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors. Though your essay will be assessed primarily for its content, the obvious typos will demonstrate your carelessness, which is not good if you want to get accepted.

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Indiana University Application Essay: Essential and Helpful Tips

Carefully read the below provided Indiana university essay prompt, which is considered one of the most significant one:

Describe in detail your future academic plans and career perspectives and any specific interest (for interest, academic interests, undergraduate extracurricular activities or research, leadership achievements / opportunities / expectations etc.) that you are very eager to perform as an undergraduate at the University of Indiana. Additionally, if you encountered any original / unusual / interesting circumstances, obstacles , or challenges in pursuit of your academic education, you should share those useful experiences, as well as how you managed to overcome each of them. (200-300 words are enough for your response.)

This practical prompt is of great significance as “Why College / School / University Y?” and “Why Major in X?” combined. Future readers expect that they clearly grasp which of programs or opportunities offered at Indiana University you would like to take advantage of in order to succeed in your future career and life. Firstly, discuss your future academic and career goals and interests; second, give explanations how this university would assist you in reaching these aspirations and wishes.

The first part of an Indiana university application essay should give clear answer to the question: What would you like to become when you finish your studying? This part of your essay should provide a cohesive and clear picture of your desires and passions in a certain academic field or discipline. Commence with an anecdote or a joke that can clearly showcase your interest in and love for a single study course or future career.

Try your best to make your introduction concise, vivid, and mind-blowing so that your readers pay their attention to it. For instance, you could start with a vivid description of the immense relief and pride that you felt after having distributed the school journal you and your school-mates worked on for many hours a day.

You should try to show more than simply tell. Try to provide pieces of evidence of your passions or interests through your actions and deeds during your research project preparation or any extracurricular activities. For instance, instead of stating “I like both art and science,” make emphasis on the year that you spent conducting research on the ability of the brain to store various memories through van Gogh masterpieces, and how this made you view the recollection process as more of a vivid art rather than a pure science.

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You should try to connect your achievements, aspirations and future plans to Indiana University. Specificity is one of the most important aspects in this case. You should avoid being unclear, vague or bizarre with such statements as “Indiana University is ideal for me” or “If I go to Indiana University, I would expect to study in the UK.” Vague and general statements show a lack of your interest, as well as of your effort. You should do research and find out about the qualities, programs and opportunities that make Indiana University special and unique only to the needs of yours. What are programs at Indiana University, and what will you be able to learn there? What is a high quality of Indiana University that is significant to you only? Avoid providing generic answers that could apply to any other educational establishments.

Your key goal should be to connect your aspirations and accomplishments with the unique opportunities that await only you at Indiana University; however, you should not list each potential activity that you could take part in and always stay concentrated.

• Commence with a witty anecdote that conveys your specific interests in a single discipline or field of science.
• Indicate how you managed to overcome or handle a difficult obstacle in the chosen field; focus on corroborative pieces of evidence of your unique experience.
• Emphasize the quality or key essence of a certain activity or activity at Indiana University that would assist you in growing in this filed.

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Indiana University Application Essay Sample

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, examples of iu application essays.

Hey everyone, I'm working on my Indiana University (IU) application, and I'm struggling with the essay portion. Does anyone have any examples or suggestions of successful essays that I could take a look at for inspiration? I want to understand the quality of writing they're looking for.

Hey! I don't have specific examples, but I would say that you should take a look at [this post] ( https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-indiana-university-bloomington-essays) because it provides very detailed information on how to write the Indiana essays. Along with the explanations of how to approach your writing, they sometimes include sample sentences or essays that can help you better understand what to write. I hope this helps, and good luck!

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Selective Scholarship Essays

<p>Hello All!</p>

<p>During my visit to IU Bloomington, I was told that the essays for the Selective Scholarship Application for the HS class of 2011 will be the same as the previous year. Can anyone point me in the right direction to obtain these or post them so I can start working over the summer?</p>

<p>Thank You!!!</p>

<p>I don’t remember the exact questions, but I’ll try to give you a good idea.</p>

<p>First off, there are two shorter essays (200-400 words ea.) and one long one (about 600 words). The 600 word essay is supposed to a persuasive essay and you’re required to cite sources. The topic is open, you can write about anything from movies to medical research to politics.</p>

<p>One of the shorter essays is about what you hope to accomplish with your education/time at IU, what your goals are, what your career plans are, etc. You might want to find the exact question before you start writing.</p>

<p>I’m not sure what the second short essay question said, but it’s supposed to be written about something you’re involved in, and how you’ve made a difference in that activity/team/club/etc…again, you probably want to find the question before you write.</p>

<p>Hope this helps!</p>

<ul> <li><p>Essay 1: Describe your academic and career plans and any special interests (for example, scientific research) that you are eager to pursue as an undergraduate at Indiana University. Also, share any unusual circumstances, challenges, or obstacles you have encountered in pursuit of your education and how you overcame them. (200-400 words)</p></li> <li><p>Essay 2: Identify your most significant involvement in or contribution to your school, local community, or other communities in the US or world wide. Describe your level of achievement or involvement and reflect on your most important contributions. Briefly describe how these experiences have influenced you. (200-400 words)</p></li> <li><p>Essay 3: The scholarship review committee considers this additional analytical essay to be very important and places special emphasis on your choice of topic, writing style, research ability, critical thinking skills and objectivity. Please research and write an original essay of approximately 600 words on a topic of special interest or concern to you about which thoughtful people could disagree. We encourage you to choose a topic which reflects your own intellectual interests. Consider a topic that has not been explored in your high school courses, and please do not recycle essays or papers you’ve written for class. Your thesis should be supported with persuasive and concrete evidence, and you should cite all sources. We have provided a few suggestions below, but these need not limit your choice or your creativity. Possible topics might include: An ethical, political, economic, philosophical, scientific or social issue or creative work (such as a novel, film, poem, scientific theory, biography, painting, sculpture) that has had a significant impact on the world at some point in time. A recent development (issue) in your community, country, or the world, about which there has been controversy. An issue currently being debated in a field you are interested in. Possible topics might include: •An ethical, political, economic, philosophical, scientific or social issue or creative work (such as a novel, film, poem, scientific theory, biography, painting, sculpture) that has had a significant impact on the world at some point in time. •A recent development (issue) in your community, country, or the world, about which there has been controversy. •An issue currently being debated in a field you are interested in.</p></li> </ul>

<p>Would you be interested in being considered for the Cox Research Scholarship Program (<a href=“ http://www.coxresearchscholars.iub.edu/ );%5B/url%5D”> http://www.coxresearchscholars.iub.edu/ );</a> which provides full tuition, fees, and a stipend for conducting research or engaging in other scholarly activities under the direction of an IU faculty member, during your undergraduate career here at Indiana University Bloomington? (You are eligible to be considered for this program regardless of academic major or interest area. However, students who will be participating in varsity athletics at IUB are not eligible to be considered for this award.)<br> (Yes)<br>

• Essay 1: Describe the experience you have had with research and/or scholarly activity and provide at least one example.<br>
• Essay 2: Have you voluntarily engaged in research and/or scholarly activity on your own time, outside of any given assignment, for your own knowledge or benefit? If yes, please provide at least one example.
• Essay 3: Briefly describe your personal interest in research and/or scholarly activity.</p>

<p>Thank you so much for all this help!!! What did you guys write about for your third (persuasive) essay?</p>