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Indiana University
How to Apply

Applying to IU Bloomington

Find deadlines and resources for applying to IU’s largest campus in Bloomington, where you’ll find countless ways to make lifelong connections, pursue your passions, and work toward your goals.

Two IU Bloomington students walk in front of the Sample Gates. A crimson IU trident is in the background.

Is IU Bloomington the right fit for you?

IU Bloomington is the heart of the Indiana University family, with our largest campus, our broadest range of degrees and majors, and our most quintessential college experience. Beyond IU Bloomington’s storybook campus and lively, Big Ten college atmosphere is a family-like community, with countless ways to find your place and ample resources and support for any challenge or goal.

IU Bloomington’s unmatched number of academic programs and learning opportunities make it possible to carve out your own unique path to a meaningful career, while genuinely caring and involved faculty and an extensive variety of welcoming student clubs and organizations make it easy to find your place in the larger Hoosier family.

And not to mention: More than half of IU Bloomington students earning a bachelor’s degree graduate without student debt.

More to consider

  • 61% of 2022–23 bachelor’s degree recipients at IU Bloomington graduated without student debt.
  • Students admitted to IU Bloomington have an average high school GPA of 3.98 (out of 4.0).
  • 41% of 2023 freshmen went to high school outside Indiana, and 5% are from outside the U.S.

All statistics are current as of 2023.

Learn more about life at IU Bloomington
550+
academic programs
10,000+
employers post jobs available to IU students
18:1
student-faculty ratio
  • All statistics are current as of 2023.

I feel like IU really does a good job of making sure you’re on the track to success by providing different tools, but there’s also enough leeway to have a personal life and to do all the things that you want to do and explore.

Simran Bhandarkar IU Bloomington student

How to apply to IU Bloomington

High school students can apply to IU Bloomington in one of two ways:

While all these application types are accepted, you should only submit one application. The materials needed and the review process are the same for all applications.

The early action deadline (non-binding) for fall applications is November 1.

The regular admission deadline for fall applications is February 1.

Get a jump start on your essay

All IU Bloomington applicants are required to submit an essay. If you apply using the Common Application, you can use any of the essay prompts provided in the application. If you apply using the Apply IU application, you will need to provide a 200- to 400-word essay using the following 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.

Start your application

Qualifying for direct admission

If you’ve indicated a major on your application, you may be offered direct admission to the school or college through which the major is offered. The eligibility requirements differ between schools and colleges.

Learn more about direct admission at IU Bloomington

If you’ve already applied

You’ll hear directly from IU Bloomington about whether or not you’ve been accepted. Here’s when you can expect to receive your decision:

  • Early action (non-binding) fall applications: January 15
  • Regular admission fall applications: March 15

Consideration for direct admission will be conducted at the point of the initial review for admission to the university. Eligible students will receive notification in their university admission decision. Academic programs that require additional steps or offer a review request/petition process will have unique processes and timelines for direct admission consideration. Students offered direct admission through these processes would receive a separate communication from the school/program.

If needed, you can make changes to your submitted application.

Complete your steps in the IU Portal

After you apply, you’ll get an email inviting you to the IU Portal. There you can check your application status, review your Checklist for any items you still need to submit, and see your next steps.

Other deadlines to watch

For first-year applicants:

  • Spring semester admission: November 1
  • Summer session admission: March 1

You’ll receive a decision in 4–8 weeks.

IU Bloomington Admissions resources and support

Find where to learn more about different IU Bloomington opportunities and application types.

I have always marched to the beat of my own drum. I don’t need to do something that is prescribed to me, and now I am able to customize my world. It was such a relief to discover that IU offers [the Individualized Major Program] and, to me, it’s a testament that I picked the right school.

JP Pritchard IU Bloomington student

IU Bloomington Admissions is here to help

Have questions? Reach out to your admission counselor, or contact:

Office of Admissions
Indiana University Bloomington
940 E. Seventh Street
Bloomington, IN 47405-7108

Phone
812-855-0661

Fax
812-855-5102

Email
iub.admissions@iu.edu

Electronic transcripts
IUBLRecv@iu.edu