iu admission essay example

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.

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 3.90 (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.

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:

The Apply IU application
The Common App (high school students only)

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

Apply IU application
Common App (high school students only)

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.

Create your IU computing account

About two weeks after submitting your application, you should receive an email from IU with your university ID number and instructions for setting up your IU computing account.

With an ID number and IU computing account, you can:

Check your application status
Make changes to your submitted application

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.

IU Bloomington admission counselors

Find your counselor

Military and Veteran applicants

Learn how to apply

IU Bloomington cost and finances

Learn about paying for college

Graduate applicants

Visit the University Graduate School

IU Bloomington scholarships

Visit the Office of Scholarships

Second degree or non-degree applicants

Transfer applicants.

Learn how to transfer

IU Bloomington Transfer Guide

Get the info you need to transfer

IU Bloomington Admissions viewbook

Download our guide to IU Bloomington

International applicants

Visit the Office of International Services

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 [email protected]

Electronic transcripts [email protected]

IU Bloomington Admissions

Find more details about applying to IU Bloomington.

Credit Transfer Service

See how your credits will transfer to IU Bloomington.

Life at IU Bloomington

Explore student life and the campus experience at IU Bloomington.

Social media

Facebook for IU
Linkedin for IU
Twitter for IU
Instagram for IU
Youtube for IU

Additional resources

Indiana university.

Have a question? AskIU
About Email at IU
People Directory
Non-discrimination Notice
OneSearch@IU
IT Services
Knowledge Base

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.

Personalized and effective college advising for high school students.

Advisor Application
Popular Colleges
Privacy Policy and Cookie Notice
Student Login
California Privacy Notice
Terms and Conditions
Your Privacy Choices

By using the College Advisor site and/or working with College Advisor, you agree to our updated Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy , including an arbitration clause that covers any disputes relating to our policies and your use of our products and services.

Home — Application Essay — University — Indiana University

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…

Get professional help in 5 minutes

— EST. 1820 —

110,436 Students

1800 North Range Road, Bloomington 47408

Selected filters

Universities

American University
University of Colorado - Boulder
University of Michigan
University of Miami
University of Maryland, College Park
University of Georgia
University of San Francisco
Santa Clara University
Rutgers University
Whitman College

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

Instructions Followed To The Letter
Deadlines Met At Every Stage
Unique And Plagiarism Free

Indiana University Bloomington | Indiana

Cost & scholarships
Essay prompt

Want to see your chances of admission at Indiana University Bloomington | Indiana?

We take every aspect of your personal profile into consideration when calculating your admissions chances.

Indiana University Bloomington | Indiana’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Why this college short response.

Common App Personal Essay

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

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.

Join Now to View Premium Content

GradeSaver provides access to 2359 study guide PDFs and quizzes, 11005 literature essays, 2764 sample college application essays, 926 lesson plans, and ad-free surfing in this premium content, “Members Only” section of the site! Membership includes a 10% discount on all editing orders.

Browse College Application Essays
Undergraduate

College Application Essays accepted by Indiana University

Nine mile nicole e. dipaolo, indiana university.

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

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

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...

Freshman Students

Transfer Students
Graduate Students
Financial Documentation
Undergraduate
Graduate & Professional
Scholarships
External Funding
Sponsored Funding
Applying for a Visa
SEVIS Transfer to IU
Change to F-1 Status
Change to J-1 Status
English Proficiency Test
Vaccinations and TB Test
Travel Arrangements
Academic Advising & Support
Global Citizen Scholarship
Rising Star Scholarship
BP Peduli Scholarship
Bunchana Atthakor Scholarship
Eoyang-Lee Scholarship
Irving and Lena Lo (ILLO) Scholarship Fund
Maintaining Status
Military Service
Leave of Absence
Complete Withdrawal
Local Address
SEVIS Violations
Travel Outside the U.S.
SEVIS Transfer from IU
Graduation Preparation
DACA & Undocumented Status
Insurance for Dependents
IU International Plan
Glossary of Terms
Medical Care
Equity & Inclusion
Civil Discourse & Free Speech
International Driver's Permit
Indiana Driver's License
Leasing, Renting, or Sharing a Car
Buying a Car
Alternative Transportation
Travel Outside of Bloomington
Airport Shuttle
Cell Phones
Finding a Job
On-Campus Employment
Curricular Practical Training
STEM OPT Extension
Academic Training
J-2 Work Authorization
Severe Economic Hardship
Apply for a Social Security Number
Department Hiring & Hosting
New or Repeat Program Restrictions (Bars)
Two-Year Home Residency Requirement (212(e))
Obtaining a Visa
J-2 Dependents
J-1 Funding Documentation
University Enrollment
English Language Proficiency Requirement
J-1 Visa Categories
Changing Employers
Planning a Visit
Visa Waiver Program
J-1 Student Intern Visas
Application Based on IU Employment
Travel During the Application Process
Assignments Abroad
Absence from the U.S.
Common Questions
How to apply
Short-Term Student Programs
Student Organizations
IU World’s Fare
Photo Contest
Conversation Partners
Practical English Tutorials (PET)
Grad-Scholar Connect
Exploring Nature
Things to Do in Bloomington
Student Ambassadors
Social Media
International Statistics
International Student Fee
Using ATLAS
About Indiana University
Life at Indiana University
After Admission
Services for Students
Health & Safety
इंडियाना विश्वविद्यालय के बारे में
इंडियाना विश्वविद्यालय में जीवन
प्रवेश के बाद
छात्रों के लिए सेवाएं
स्वास्थ्य और सुरक्षा
인디애나대학교에서의 생활
نبذة عن جامعة إنديانا
الحياة في جامعة إنديانا
الخدمات الطلابية
الصحة والسلامة
Sobre la Universidad de Indiana
La vida en la Universidad de Indiana
Financiamiento
Después de la admisión
Servicios para estudiantes
Salud y seguridad
Sobre a Indiana University
Vida na Indiana University
Após a admissão
Serviços para estudantes
Saúde e segurança
À propos de l’Université de l’Indiana
La vie à l’Université de l’Indiana
Financement
Après l’admission
Services proposés aux étudiants
Santé et sécurité

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
Application fee or waiver
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.

Start your Common Application

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 May 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.

Office of International Services resources and social media channels

Annual Security Reports

Skip to Content
Skip to Main Navigation
Skip to Search

IU School of Nursing

School of Nursing School of Nursing School of Nursing

Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society
Milestones in IU Nursing History
Faculty Governance
Staff Council
Organizational Chart
Mission, Vision & Values
Strategic Plan
Accreditation, Honors & Awards
Open Positions
Culture & Community
Visiting Scholars
IMPACT Sessions
Advisory Council
Explore Career Options
How to Apply
Scholarships & Fellowships
Honors Program
Second Degree Accelerated BSN Track
RN to BSN Track
Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Family Nurse Practitioner
Nursing Education
Nursing Leadership in Health Systems
Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Executive Leadership Track
Advanced Clinical Track
MBA or MHA to DNP Transition Track
PhD in Nursing Science
Certificates
Pre- and Postdoctoral Training
Simulation & Skills Centers
Online/Distance-Accessible Learning
Software, Hardware & Network Requirements
Clinical Partnerships
Become a Preceptor
Study Abroad
Global Programs
Health Policy & Advocacy
Champion Center for Cancer Control Research
Center for Enhancing Quality of Life in Chronic Illness
Faculty Innovating for Nursing Education
Social Network Health Research Lab
Research in Palliative & End-of-life Communication and Training (RESPECT) Center
Meet Our Researchers
Current and Past Fellows
Advanced Training in Self-Management Interventions for Serious Chronic Conditions.
Cancer Prevention and Control
CNA Program Director and Instructor Training
Qualified Medication Aide Program Director Training
Getting Started in Nursing Professional Development
Canvas Intro
Lectureship Series
Simulation Excellence
Urgency of Now
Frequently Asked Questions
Alumni Association
Legacy Leaders Award
Bicentennial Award
Share Your Story
Parents & Families
Ways to Give
Military Service Survey
Advisory Board Members
IUPUI Faculty Support
Pre-nursing Coursework
Education & Leadership Tracks
Nurse Practitioner Tracks
Clinical Nurse Specialist Tracks
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Programs & Degree Tracks
Simulation & Skills Center
Student Research Opportunities
Student Organizations
Pulse Newsletter
Graduate Programs
Scholarships
Parent Engagement Form
Nursing News
Lafayette Street Clinic
Kiki Suttle
Elham Algashgari
U.S. News & World Report's Best Online Nursing Rankings 2024
Faculty Feature: Dr. Cindy Hill
Faculty Feature: Britney Arce
Faculty Feature: Dr. Melanie Gall
National Mentoring Month: Drs. Pei-Shiun Chang and Yvonne Lu
Search Articles
School of Nursing News
Indianapolis
Bloomington
News & Events

Learn how to apply for Direct Admission

Completing the direct admission essay requirement.

To submit the required essays for direct admission consideration, you must first create your IU computing account using your University ID (UID). Your UID will be sent to you approximately 10-12 days after submitting your Indiana University application.

Once you receive your log-in credentials (approximately 3-4 days after requesting a new IU Computing account) you will be able to sign-in to access IU Scholarships through the Blackbaud Award Management (BAM) tile inside of one.iu.edu .

Accessing the application system

Go to One.IU
Search for “Scholarships” and click start
Sign in with your IU login CAS Credentials

Completing the general scholarship application

Select “My Applications”
Select “General Application” (Please note this is the general scholarship application, not the general application for admission to the university)
Answer the prompts in the “Required Scholarship Essay” box
Additionally in this section, we strongly encourage all students to answer the following questions:
Why are you pursuing a career in nursing?
What are your professional goals upon completing your degree?
Please describe how you have demonstrated exceptional leadership in classroom/extracurricular activities. Describe the impact these experiences may have as you prepare to enter the nursing profession.
Details of any financial hardships or special circumstances you may have and how receiving a scholarship will assist you in reaching your goals.

You may edit the “Required Scholarship Essay” portion of the application until the December 15 deadline. Once you submit your general scholarship application you are done with this portion of the application.

Submitting your Direct Admit essay requirement

Within the BAM scholarship portal there are “Opportunities” that require you to take further action. These opportunities include (but are not limited to) uploading additional documentation, getting recommendations, and submitting essays. Each opportunity has an apply button in the “Actions” column of the listing.

To find the IU School of Nursing Direct Admit essay submission form:

Inside of BAM, click “Opportunities” to the right of “My Applications”
Search for “Direct Admit” and press enter
Select “Apply” on the IUB/IUFW/IUI-Direct Admit Nursing opportunity
Complete the essays and submit
You are done with the IU School of Nursing Direct Admit application

Taking advantage of additional scholarship opportunities

Indiana University and the School of Nursing offer numerous scholarship opportunities for current and incoming students. You can search using a variety of keywords. Additionally, you can search by campus (e.g., IUB, IUFW, IUI or IUPUI) or school (e.g., Nursing). Opportunities that state “No Action Needed” use the General Application and have automatically been submitted during this process.

Click “Apply” to be considered for an opportunity. Please pay attention to deadlines as they may vary and are not part of the School of Nursing direct admission process.

IU School of Nursing - IUPUI resources and social media channels

Skip to Content
Skip to Main Navigation
Skip to Search

Indiana University Bloomington Indiana University Bloomington IU Bloomington

Exploratory Programs
Individualized Major Program
Search Majors, Degrees, and Programs
Class Profile
Honors Programs
Learning Communities
Pre-professional Study
Career Centers
Faculty Connections
Internships & Experience
Alumni Network
How to Start
Advising & Support
Global Experiences
Student Involvement
Bloomington
Scholarships
Financial Aid
Eighth Grade
Ninth Grade
Virtual Tour
Maps, Directions & Parking
Freshman Applicants
Transfer Applicants
Intercampus Transfer Applicants
Adult Applicants
Military & Veteran Applicants
Second Degree and Visiting Applicants
International Applicants
Graduate Applicants
University Division & Direct Admission
Make a Change to Your Application
Application FAQs
Freshman Students
Transfer Students and Spring Freshmen
Intercampus Transfer Students
Adult Students
Summer Students
Join the Mailing List

Office of Admissions

Update! The deadline to complete your intent to enroll has been extended to May 15 for fall 2024 admitted students.

Where will your IU journey take you?

There’s no denying it: IU Bloomington is a great place to get an education. From world-class academics to one of the most beautiful college campuses in the nation, we have it all. And it’s all here waiting for you.

So dive in. Explore what it’s like to be a Hoosier . Learn everything you need to know about the college search process or enrolling today. Find it all right here.

Reserve your space

Let us know you're IU bound by completing your Intent to Enroll by May 1 May 15.

Attend a Red Carpet Day

Join us for a special visit program designed for admitted students.

Explore your options

See all the ways you can study what interests you at IU.

HEADS UP, FUTURE HOOSIERS

Financial aid

Navigate your options

Wondering how to pay for college? Learn how IU can help you find ways to manage your costs.

It’s tradition

Get the spirit

Some customs are as old as campus itself. See what makes life at IU Bloomington so unique.

Planning for college

Discover your future

Wherever you are in your high school journey, it’s not too early to think about college.

200+ majors, so you can mix and match among top programs

9,550 students in the 2023 freshman class

750+ student organizations

FUTURE FRESHMEN

See admission requirements
Learn how to apply
Learn about AP credit
Check your status
Correct your application

FUTURE TRANSFERS

Learn about transfer credit

ADMITTED STUDENTS

Learn how to enroll
Declare your intent to enroll
Set up your computing account
Explore housing
Learn about orientation

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

How to Write the Indiana University Bloomington Essay 2023-2024

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.

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

Office of Scholarships

Future Scholars

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 1st by 11:59 p.m. EST for all incoming students.

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

While you are technically able to submit the General Scholarship Application after the February 1st 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 1st deadline?

Unfortunately, if a student does not receive their admission decision prior to the General Scholarship Application's deadline of February 1st, 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 1st 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.

We’re here to guide you

Scholarship Opportunities

Office of Scholarships social media channels

We can improve your MBA profile and boost your candidacy. Gain insight into the review process and eliminate weaknesses from your MBA application.

Note: You must have javascript enabled to submit the form.

Tuesday Tips: Kelley School of Business Essays, Tips for 2023-2024

The Kelley School of Business at Indiana University is a top-tier business school with an innovative program that cultivates strong recruiting relationships with companies. These Kelley School of Business essays focus on understanding you. From the moment you decide to attend Kelley, you will be focusing on your career and leadership development.

For example, even before you start classes, you will be part of an orientation program called Me Inc. to help you refine your career goals. After you start school, you will continue to receive personalized coaching, leadership training, and real-world industry projects.

This will help you focus on the right career path and job openings for your internship and full-time job search. Consider these factors as you prepare your answers to these Kelley School of Business essays.

Kelley’s program is unique and close-knit, so your fit with the program and your desire to participate fully will be vital to the admissions committee. Kelley has an academically strong class of students, a large number (45% of the Class of 2024) of whom hail from outside the United States.

Curious about your chances of getting into a top B-school? Contact us to talk strategy with a free 15-minute advising session with an SBC Principal Consultant.

Required Kelley School of Business Essays

Essay one: discuss your immediate post-mba professional goals. how will your professional experience, when combined with a kelley mba degree, allow you to achieve these goals should the short-term goals you have identified not materialize, what alternate career paths might you consider (500 words).

The Kelley School has tailored its curriculum to help you reach your career goals. Therefore, entering Kelley with a career vision will help you take full advantage of the program.

For example, students can immediately specialize by choosing one of the first-year Academies in your industry area of focus. Think about these opportunities at Kelley when you answer this career goals question. Make sure to specify how you see yourself using the tools available.

When you discuss your career experience in this essay, focus on the most critical moments in your career. Avoid reciting your jobs like a resume.

Consider the times when you had to stretch to accomplish the goals set out for you. Maybe that happened when you stepped up to lead or became introspective about your career aspirations. These are the stories that will explain how your professional experience will help you achieve your goals.

The second half of this question deals with your flexibility around your career goal and ability to handle change. Change is constant in most industries, and your ability to recognize opportunity, even outside your anticipated career goals, will be critical to your success. Therefore, think about the core elements essential to you in forming your career goals and how you could achieve them in different career opportunities.

For example, perhaps you are passionate about the food industry and want to update the world of packaged goods. However, you could imagine pursuing either a strategy role or a finance role within consumer packaged goods.

Or, you love marketing but could see yourself either marketing a film or a jewelry line. In this case, the most crucial factor is practicing the craft of marketing. Showing that you can pivot while staying true to your core values and interests will position you well in this set of Kelley School of Business essays.

Essay Two: Please respond to one of the following short essay prompts. (300 words)

My greatest memory is… i’m most afraid of… my greatest challenge has been… i’m most proud of….

While the prior essay focuses on your career path and goals, this essay is about your core personal motivations. Consider what are the formative moments in your life. In this essay, the story you choose to tell will reveal your personality and values to the admissions committee.

Therefore, think about the moments in your life when you have changed or matured. Was there an experience that led you to learn more about yourself? Or, perhaps, you interacted with someone who challenged or inspired you. Another experience might have been traveling outside your comfort zone—either literally outside your home country or in a transition like leaving home for college.

Option 2, “I’m most afraid of…” is the one prompt that does not explicitly call on a past experience. However, your fear likely has its roots in a formative moment in your life.

Once you have a story to tell, make sure you explain why this moment is important to you. To clarify, you can narrate your thoughts, reactions, and opinions as you retell the story. Another idea is to take time at the end of the essay to reflect upon what you learned and why it was important.

Essay Three: Share a brief fact about yourself that your classmates would find interesting, surprising, or noteworthy. (25 words)

The admissions committee has read your career goals, read about a pivotal experience, and likely has reviewed your resume and application fact sheet. Make sure what you describe in this Kelley School of Business essay didn’t come up in any of those demographic or background data sheets in your application. Also, choose something short and easy to explain in 25 words.

Perhaps you were a competitive swimmer in high school but didn’t pursue it in college. Or, your grandmother was from Sweden and taught you traditional cooking techniques that no one else in your life knows. Maybe you are heavily involved in a hobby that has impacted your life.

Are you struggling to come up with an unusual or surprising fact? This is a great question to poll friends and family about. Because your friends and family likely know the elements of your background and personality, this can be an effective way to develop a unique story. Those elements are more profound than your resume or application fact sheet.

Optional Essay: Is there anything else you think we should know as we evaluate your application? If you believe your essays and credentials represent you fairly, you shouldn’t feel obligated to answer this question. (300 words)

The last of the Kelley School of Business essays is open-ended. Such a question allows you to add almost any story or additional background data you would like. However, before you take full advantage of the extra space, make sure you are truly adding to your application. If you have done the work on a comprehensive resume, excellent recommendations, and finely-honed essays, you likely don’t need this space.

Finally, if there is anything to explain in your Kelley School of Business essays, use this space to do it. It could be a poor grade in a quantitative course in college, academic probation, or the lack of a recommendation from a current supervisor. In any case, make sure you are focused on explanations rather than excuses. Provide solid, recent evidence that you have done better since the event.

To talk to Stacy Blackman Consulting about how to approach the Kelley Business School essays, don’t hesitate to contact us! We offer multiple services to meet your MBA application needs, from our All-In Partnership to hourly help reviewing your MBA resume. Contact SBC today for a free 15-minute advising session to talk strategy with a Principal SBC consultant. Meanwhile, here’s a snapshot of the caliber of expertise on our SBC team .

Image credit: Flickr user StevenW . ( CC BY-SA 2.0 )

With deadlines around the corner, you may be interested in the world-famous SBC Flight Test . Once a full set of application materials for your initial school have been drafted, but not finalized, the application will be sent to a former admissions committee member for a one-time review, adcomm style. You’ll have the benefit of a true admissions committee review while still having the ability to tinker and change. You will receive written feedback within two business days after submitting.

IU Kelley MBA Deadlines for 2023-2024

3 things you may not know about online mbas.

Professor Profiles: IU Kelley School’s Greg Fisher

Iu kelley school launches new institute for business analytics, leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Learn About Our All-In Service

Meet the sbc consulting team.

(323) 934-3936 info@StacyBlackman.com

Latest Blog Post

Rescue plan for mba applicants who got dinged everywhere.

Today, we’re covering a touchy topic that no B-school applicant wants to contemplate. But rip off the Band-Aid we must. This one’s for the MBA hopefuls whose application journey has now come to an ... →

Skip to Content
Skip to Main Navigation
Skip to Search

Indiana University Bloomington Indiana University Bloomington IU Bloomington

Personal Statement

Resume and CV
Financial Aid
External Programs
Graduate Programs at IU
Resources & Events

Preparing for Graduate School

Prepare for Graduate School

Writing Your Personal Statement

There are two types of personal statements: those that require you to answer prompts and those that provide few or no directions. If not specified, your personal statement should be approximately 1.5 to 2 pages in length.

Before you begin writing your personal statement, take time to reflect on your past experiences, reasons for applying to graduate school, and what makes you stand out from the other applicants.

General Guidelines

Tell a story/concentrate on your opening paragraph, be specific, do some research and know your audience, avoid certain subjects and clichés, showcase your fit, formula for success, where you've been, where you're going.

Be sure to highlight how receiving this graduate degree factors into your long term goals.

Why this school

What's your narrative.

Answering the questions below will provide a strong foundation for writing your personal statement.

• What is missing from your application packet that you want the committee to know about you?

• Are there any gaps in your academic record that you should explain?

• Have you overcome any hardships or obstacles to get to this point?

Review request for direct admission to the Kelley School of Business

If you do not meet the criteria for automatic direct admission to Kelley, you must submit a review request by February 1 to be considered for direct admission. A review request is just that—you are requesting that the Kelley admissions team review your application to determine if your academic and personal experiences qualify you for direct admission.

Request review is your opportunity to demonstrate to the Kelley Admission committee you are sincerely interested in direct admission and how your academic and personal experiences have prepared you to thrive at Kelley.

Unsure why you didn’t qualify for automatic direct admission? One or more of the following apply:

You don’t meet the required GPA or test score.
You applied test optional.
You attended more than one high school.
You missed the November 1 application deadline.
Your IU admissions letter indicates “Pre-Business.”

How to submit a review request

Step 1: complete your application to iu.

Apply to Indiana University, beginning August 1, the fall of your senior year of high school. November 1 is the early action, non-binding deadline. Non-binding means that even if you’re accepted, you’re not required to enroll at IU Bloomington. If you apply after November 1, you will need to submit a review request after you complete the IU application.

Select one of our Kelley undergraduate business majors as your intended major on your IU Bloomington application. This selection isn't permanent—you will likely change your major as you move through the Kelley curriculum. For Common App applicants, you can choose one of 13 Kelley majors listed with "BSB" (bachelor of science in business). This includes “Business Exploratory BSB,” which enables you to explore all Kelley majors.

Step 2: Create your IU Computing account with your University ID number

You will receive an email with this ID number after you apply to IU Bloomington. Remember to check spam and junk folders. Note: It may take up to five business days before your account is active and you can submit a review request.

Step 3: Fill out a review request

The review request will autofill your GPA and test score (if applicable), and allow Kelley to access your transcripts. The review request application doesn't take long to complete. You will be asked to submit two essays limited to 250 words.

Please be aware the Kelley Admissions Committee is committed to providing a comprehensive review for all students. Therefore, due to the volume of applications, a notification decision may not be provided until April 14, 2024.

Refer to our Kelley direct admission and review request FAQ .

Social media

Facebook for the Kelley School of Business Full-Time MBA Program
Twitter for the Kelley School of Business
Linkedin for the Kelley School of Business Full-Time MBA Program
Blog for the Kelley School of Business Full-Time MBA Program
Instagram for the Kelley School of Business Full-Time MBA Program
Youtube for the Kelley School of Business Full-Time MBA Program
Vimeo for the Kelley School of Business Full-Time MBA Program
Pinterest for the Kelley School of Business Full-Time MBA Program

Additional resources

Common App essay examples that got applicants into top colleges

Composing essays for your college application is a challenging task. It is not enough to prepare a ‘good’ essay. College admissions committees review thousands upon thousands of college essays annually, making it crucial that your Common App essays stand out.

The good news is there are plenty of Common App essay examples available to get you started on your writing and provide you some much needed inspiration. Read on to learn about common application essays and check out the examples.

The “Why us?” App Essay

The “diversity” app essay, the “challenges” app essay, the “community” app essay, the “extra-curricular activities” app essay, the “personal statement” app essay.

The purpose of a “why did you choose this college” essay is to help you persuade admissions committees that you are a good match. The essay is a chance for you to introduce yourself and talk about your passions. It is also important to exhibit genuine enthusiasm for the institution.

Sample answer from Essays That Worked: “The only reason I fear going for lunch in a hotel is probably because I wouldn’t choose between fried chicken and roasted meat and so is my dilemma over my college major. The multifaceted whole brain approach at McCormick, however, grants me the perfect opportunity to pursue my interest in Computer Science whilst acquiring the appropriate skills in entrepreneurship to a one day startup as an innovator.

As a NU computer scientist, I particularly look forward to Software Development EECS 473 – NUvention: Web, through which I would not only learn intricacies of Software development, but have related studies in real time software development in relation to market requirements in CS+X that would form a base for a startup. That would also provide a bridge for me to join Prof Todd Warren at Farley Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation where I would specifically join the NUvention; Web + Media. Through this unparalleled program I would have the intimacy of working in a team with fellow wild cats towards an innovative business project. The results of which will be an introduction to the Northwestern Innovation and New Ventures Office (INVO) through which I look forward to gaining practical exposure in launching businesses to the general public.

Outside McCormick, I would be excited to pursue the Managerial analytics Certificate program at Kellogg to acquire intelligent business management skills, let off steam at SPARK exploring hacks while fostering entrepreneurial habits, and eventually joining preparations for the Benedictine Eagle Invite at the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion (SPAC) with the NU track club. I may not be the best of singers, but I do have intense phases of music obsessions and where better to let it off than taking non major classes at Bienen and joining one of the numerous Acapella groups as I await Armadillo day!”

Why does this essay work?

The essay refers to specific programs and events that are unique to the school. The author also connects his personal interests with the type of activities he would like to engage in. The focus is on a handful of initiatives the author would be most interested in.

A diversity essay highlights the applicant’s unique background, identity, culture, beliefs, or connections to a particular community. It underlines what sets the applicant apart. These essays are used by colleges to promote diversity on campus, enhance the learning environment, and identify candidates eligible for scholarships aimed at underrepresented groups.

Sample Answer from Boston College : “I’m angry and I’m tired of pretending otherwise. There have been too many riots, too many marches, too many people shouting into uncaring ears when Black people get treated the way we do. How many dead fathers, sons, mothers, and daughters have to move from the front page of the news to the bottom of the social media feed before we get recognized and listened to. I just want to be heard. I have given up on the idea of waking up in a world where I am not afraid, angry, and weary. Maybe that world is for my grandkids, or my great-grandkids, but not me.

My mother and my father, my aunts and uncles, they were all very active in the protests – often at the front of the line – and they did not come through unscathed. They had bruises and blood spilt, they had broken bones. I know they will return to that battlefield, to protest peacefully until they cannot maintain that rank any longer. From these noble people I received my sense of righteous anger. But I also got good advice on how to use it well.

They know that protests are one thing, but action is another, and my mind has been geared toward law school for some time now, because I wanted to bring about the major changes that are needed for our society to move on. So, in addition to protests, I have been taking pre-law courses, and I have acquired a part-time job in the law firm where my uncle works, and while it is a small, office job, I get to spend a lot of time with my uncle learning about how to bring positive change by fighting big and little battles. Of course, he is also showing me how to fight those battles.

Anger alone isn’t going to settle anything, which is why I believe in making a better world with my actions and rhetoric. But I am still frustrated and furious, and while I am trying to find a hopeful place to get to, I’ll repeat that I don’t think we’ll see the better world I want. Maybe our grandkids, but not us. Hold on to that, get angry, and join me in pushing forward for them.”

The applicant talks about their personal experience beyond a general push for diversity. This authenticity makes the essay stand out, as it provides a genuine insight into the applicant’s life and character.The essay clearly articulates the applicant’s motivation for pursuing law school as a means to enact social change. It shows a thoughtful progression from anger and frustration to actionable goals and aspirations, which is exactly what admissions committees look for — students who are motivated by their experiences to make a positive impact.

This type of essay requires you to choose an obstacle you have encountered, explain how it impacted you, and outline the steps you took to overcome it. Life during college and beyond can be unpredictable. Through this essay, the admissions committee wants to see that you are adaptable, resilient, and able to think critically to solve problems.

Sample Answer from CollegeVine: “You ruined my life!” After months of quiet anger, my brother finally confronted me. To my shame, I had been appallingly ignorant of his pain.

Despite being twins, Max and I are profoundly different. Having intellectual interests from a young age that, well, interested very few of my peers, I often felt out of step in comparison with my highly-social brother. Everything appeared to come effortlessly for Max and, while we share an extremely tight bond, his frequent time away with friends left me feeling more and more alone as we grew older.

When my parents learned about The Green Academy, we hoped it would be an opportunity for me to find not only an academically challenging environment, but also – perhaps more importantly – a community. This meant transferring the family from Drumfield to Kingston. And while there was concern about Max, we all believed that given his sociable nature, moving would be far less impactful on him than staying put might be on me.

As it turned out, Green Academy was everything I’d hoped for. I was ecstatic to discover a group of students with whom I shared interests and could truly engage. Preoccupied with new friends and a rigorous course load, I failed to notice that the tables had turned. Max, lost in the fray and grappling with how to make connections in his enormous new high school, had become withdrawn and lonely. It took me until Christmas time – and a massive argument – to recognize how difficult the transition had been for my brother, let alone that he blamed me for it.

Through my own journey of searching for academic peers, in addition to coming out as gay when I was 12, I had developed deep empathy for those who had trouble fitting in. It was a pain I knew well and could easily relate to. Yet after Max’s outburst, my first response was to protest that our parents – not I – had chosen to move us here. In my heart, though, I knew that regardless of who had made the decision, we ended up in Kingston for my benefit. I was ashamed that, while I saw myself as genuinely compassionate, I had been oblivious to the heartache of the person closest to me. I could no longer ignore it – and I didn’t want to.

We stayed up half the night talking, and the conversation took an unexpected turn. Max opened up and shared that it wasn’t just about the move. He told me how challenging school had always been for him, due to his dyslexia, and that the ever-present comparison to me had only deepened his pain.

We had been in parallel battles the whole time and, yet, I only saw that Max was in distress once he experienced problems with which I directly identified. I’d long thought Max had it so easy – all because he had friends. The truth was, he didn’t need to experience my personal brand of sorrow in order for me to relate – he had felt plenty of his own.

My failure to recognize Max’s suffering brought home for me the profound universality and diversity of personal struggle; everyone has insecurities, everyone has woes, and everyone – most certainly – has pain. I am acutely grateful for the conversations he and I shared around all of this, because I believe our relationship has been fundamentally strengthened by a deeper understanding of one another. Further, this experience has reinforced the value of constantly striving for deeper sensitivity to the hidden struggles of those around me. I won’t make the mistake again of assuming that the surface of someone’s life reflects their underlying story.”

For a ‘challenge’ essay, admissions committees look for evidence of resilience, problem-solving, and the ability to learn from difficult situations. This essay effectively addresses these criteria, presenting the writer as someone who has faced interpersonal challenges, reflected on their actions, and emerged more aware and compassionate.

The “Community” essay will prompt students to talk about a community to which they belong and what role they have played in that community. You can start by discussing a community you have previously been involved with and then outline how you intend to sustain your engagement with a similar community in college to give the admissions office an idea of what on-campus activities you would like to participate in.

Sample answer from Baylor University : “Since getting involved in helping the homeless, I learned that for a time one of my relatives was homeless. When you have a house it’s easy to take it for granted, but all it takes is some bad luck for you to lose it. This is why I feel it’s so important that we all try to help those who have no home to go to.

As hard as it was to motivate others to volunteer and help out with our fundraiser, it was worth it in the end. We raised over $1,000 for the hurricane victims. Now when we see news coverage of that terrible disaster at least we know that we have done our small part to help.

The reward for being a coach has nothing to do with winning games. The reward is seeing everyone working as a team and enjoying the game. Win or lose, as a coach you’re always proud after each game.”

Overall, this essay works because it skillfully combines personal motivation with community action, challenges faced during these endeavors, and reflections on what truly constitutes a reward. It not only showcases the applicant’s commitment to addressing community issues but also highlights valuable character traits such as empathy, leadership, and resilience.

The essay about your extracurricular activities aims to provide admissions officers with insight into your involvement in extracurriculars and how that has influenced and inspired you. Rather than listing the activities mentioned in your resume, you should delve into how the extracurricular activities have impacted and shaped you.

Sample answer from Admit Report : “As an impressionable six-year-old, I watched Meryl Streep-portrayed Miranda Priestly shape fashion history with a single word of disgust. I longed for my words to have such an impact.

Now, as an editor-in-chief myself, I oversee daily operations of The Hallway, my high school’s newspaper. Instead of shaping global fashion trends, I impact my community by ensuring everyone stays informed.

My place as editor-in-chief was solidified when, in March of last year, we published a breaking story. After a tip to our newspaper email address, a fellow reporter and I uncovered an academic dishonesty scandal. We conducted interviews, dug into school files, and reviewed old test keys to discover the cheating. My reporter wrote the story, and I edited it and put it on the front page. Our story became so big that it was republished in our city’s local newspaper.

Leading my team through this investigation taught me just how important journalism is. Even when people might be upset with what you write, what’s most important is the truth. People can’t make decisions if they’re uninformed about the facts. And reporters can’t investigate and write those stories without the support of a leader who’s willing to put in the work, too.

I doubt I’ll ever predict what we’ll be wearing next spring. But I know that my words will continue to have a deep impact on my community, and I can’t wait to find the next big story at The Catalyst.”

The applicant reflects on what they learned through their experience, especially the value of truth and the role of leadership in journalism.The essay concludes with a forward-looking statement, expressing eagerness to continue making an impact through journalism. This not only highlights the applicant’s passion for their extracurricular activity but also their intention to pursue this interest further, suggesting potential for future growth and contributions.

Through this essay, you can get the opportunity to show the college admissions committee who you are and why you deserve to be admitted to their school. The essay demonstrates the type of individual you are beyond your academic grades and test scores. It is a chance for you to stand out as an individual.

Sample answer from College Advisor : “Gymnastics has always been a part of my life and has shaped who I am today. Without gymnastics I would not have the same determined mindset, competitive nature, and appreciation of a team. If I were to neglect sharing this aspect of my life, my application would truly be incomplete.

When I was two years old, my parents enrolled me in the Parent-and-Me program at Countryside Gymnastics. At six, I became part of the pre-team program, Dynamos, and was placed in the compulsory team at age seven. As a compulsory, I struggled to be as good as my teammates. This struggle caused frustration which evolved into determination and a competitive nature. Throughout the rest of my compulsory years, I gradually improved but still felt as though I were stuck. I knew I had to “up my game.”

The optional levels, 7 and up, brought a new factor—fear. Even though this fear did hold me back at times, I did not let it keep me from achieving my goals. Gymnastics is also extremely tough on the body. Once I entered the optional level of gymnastics, I trained at least 20 hours a week and endured the aches and pains that came along with it. However, I did not let these pains defeat me. When I reached level 9, I began to experience severe back pain, which a spine specialist diagnosed as a subcutaneous lipoma. Although the physician highly recommended I stop training to avoid complications later in life, I was too committed to stop the sport. I let my desire push me through the pain, and I had a successful competition season, qualifying for the Region 8 Regional Competition in Jackson, Mississippi.

During summer training in 2013, I worked as hard as possible to reach level 10, with the back pain progressively worsening. Once my pain peaked, my coach told me it may be time to “hang it up.” I could either quit or repeat level 9 with minimal training. Ultimately, the choice was mine. To prove I was capable of reaching level 10 and to support my team, I continued to train on a vigorous schedule. At level 10, I am the highest level gymnast at Countryside Gymnastics and am determined to have an exceptional competition season.

This determination and competitiveness that pushes me to accomplish my goals in gymnastics also exists in my current scholastics—the health sciences, which will ultimately prepare me for my future in pediatric medicine. Without the desire to be the best I can be, I might not have achieved success throughout my high school years.”

This personal statement application essay effectively showcases the applicant’s character, resilience, and the transferability of skills learned through sports to academic and personal pursuits.It is also well-structured, with a clear narrative arc that engages the reader from the beginning to the end.

These essays are a vital component of the college application. It’s an opportunity for applicants to showcase their personality, experiences, and values in a way that grades and test scores cannot. The example essays can give you ideas on themes, topics, or approaches you might want to consider and help you understand what makes an essay effective in terms of structure, tone, and content.

Desktop and mobile screenshots of Achievable ACT

Discover more from Achievable Test Prep

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Indiana University Bloomington 2020-21 Supplemental Essay Guide

Regular Decision:

Indiana University Bloomington 2020-21 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. 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.

About CEA HQ

View all posts by CEA HQ »

Check out our Common App Essay Prompt Guide!

Contact us for information on rates and more!

I am a * Student Parent Potential Partner School Counselor Private College Counselor
Name * First Last
Phone Type Mobile Landline
Street Address
Address City State / Province / Region Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, Democratic Republic of the Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czechia Côte d'Ivoire Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Holy See Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island North Macedonia Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Réunion Saint Barthélemy Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Sweden Switzerland Syria Arab Republic Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania, the United Republic of Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Türkiye US Minor Outlying Islands Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Viet Nam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Åland Islands Country
Which best describes you (or your child)? High school senior High school junior College student College grad Other
How did you find CEA? Internet Search New York Times Guidance counselor/school Social Media YouTube Friend Special Event Delehey College Consulting Other
Common App and Coalition Essays
Supplemental Essays
University of California Essays
University of Texas Essays
Resume Review
Post-Grad Essays
Specialized Services
Waitlist Letters
Private School Essays
General College Counseling
School list with priorities noted:
Anything else we should know?
Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Agnes Scott College
Alvernia University
American University
Amherst College
Babson College
Bard College
Barnard College
Baylor University
Bennington College
Bentley University
Berry College
Bethany College
Bishop’s University
Boston College
Boston University (BU)
Bowdoin College
Brandeis University
Brown University
Bryn Mawr College
Bucknell University
Butler University
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
California Lutheran University
Capitol Technology University
Carleton College
Carnegie Mellon University
Catawba College
Centre College
Chapman University
Claremont McKenna College
Clark University
College of Mount Saint Vincent
College of William and Mary
College of Wooster
Colorado College
Colorado School of Mines
Columbia University
Cornell University
Culver-Stockton College
D'Youville University
Dartmouth College
Davidson College
Drexel University
Duke University
Earlham College
Elon University
Emerson College
Emory University
Flagler College
Fordham University
George Mason University
Georgetown University
Georgia State University
Georgia Tech
Gonzaga University
Harvard University
Harvey Mudd College
Haverford College
Hillsdale College
Hofstra University
Illinois Institute of Technology
Illinois Wesleyan University
Indiana University Bloomington
Ithaca College
Johns Hopkins University
Kalamazoo College
Lafayette College
Lehigh University
Lewis and Clark College
Linfield University
Loyola Marymount University (LMU)
Lynn University
Macalester College
Malone University
Manchester University
Marist College
Mary Baldwin University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Meredith College
Monmouth College
Moravian University
Morehouse College
Mount Holyoke College
New York University (NYU)
North Park University
Northwestern University
Occidental College
Oklahoma City University
Olin College of Engineering
Pepperdine University
Pitzer College
Pomona College
Princeton University
Providence College
Purdue University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rice University
Saint Elizabeth University
Santa Clara University
Sarah Lawrence College
Scripps College
Seattle Pacific University
Smith College
Soka University of America
Southern Methodist University
St. John’s College
Stanford University
Stonehill College
Swarthmore College
Syracuse University
Texas A&M University
Texas Christian University
The College of Idaho
The George Washington University
The New School
Trinity College
Tufts University
Tulane University
University of California
University of Central Florida (UCF)
University of Chicago
University of Cincinnati
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Florida
University of Georgia
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University of Maryland
University of Massachusetts Amherst
University of Miami
University of Michigan
University of Minnesota
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
University of Notre Dame
University of Oklahoma
University of Oregon
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh
University of Richmond
University of San Diego
University of San Francisco
University of Southern California (USC)
University of Texas at Austin
University of Tulsa
University of Vermont
University of Virginia (UVA)
University of Washington
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Vanderbilt University
Vassar College
Villanova University
Virginia Tech
Wake Forest University
Washington and Lee University
Washington University in St. Louis
Wellesley College
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
Yale University

Want free stuff?

We thought so. Sign up for free instructional videos, guides, worksheets and more!

One-On-One Advising

Common App Essay Prompt Guide

Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

YouTube Tutorials
Our Approach & Team
Undergraduate Testimonials
Postgraduate Testimonials
Where Our Students Get In
CEA Gives Back
Undergraduate Admissions
Graduate Admissions
Private School Admissions
International Student Admissions
Common App Essay Guide
Supplemental Essay Guides
Coalition App Guide
The CEA Podcast
Admissions Stats
Notification Trackers
Deadline Databases
College Essay Examples
Academy and Worksheets
Waitlist Guides
Get Started

IMAGES

College Admission Essay Template Collection
Admission essay (600 Words)
Admission Essay
Exceptionally Written Indiana University Application Essay Example
😍 Essay layout example. 25+ Essay Outline Templates. 2022-10-23
Masters Admission Essay How To Write

VIDEO

Important Questions For Exam Part.13
Spoken English Course Online || Call Us For Admission 9903626086 || Spoken English Master
How I Got Into Chicago Booth
MS University Admission Process ( MSU Baroda ) #msu #msuniversity #msubaroda #ourmsu
शिक्षक भर्ती नई नियमावली 2024
Gambat College of Nursing, Gambat Nursing Admission 2024 \\ NURSING ADMISSION 2024

COMMENTS

How to Write the Indiana University Bloomington Essay 2023-2024
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 ...
Freshman Applicants
If you are applying through Apply IU, you will need to submit the IU-specific essay. IU-specific essay: In 200-400 words, you'll be asked to 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 ...
Apply to IU Bloomington: How to Apply: Admissions: Indiana University
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. ... Office of Admissions Indiana University Bloomington 940 E. Seventh Street Bloomington, IN 47405-7108. Phone 812-855-0661. Fax 812-855-5102.
Indiana University Application Essay Guide: 2021-2022
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 Admission Essays
Indiana University Admission Essays. Essay examples. Essay topics. Filters . ... Nine Mile: College Admission Essay Sample. 704 Words | 2 Pages . 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 ...
Transfer Applicants
If you are applying through Apply IU, you will need to submit the IU-specific essay. IU specific-essay: In 200-400 words, you'll be asked to 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 ...
Indiana University Bloomington
Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don't feel obligated to do so.
How to Apply: Office of Admissions: Indiana University Bloomington
Campus safety and security reports. Indiana University's annual security reports, which contain policy statements as well as crime and fire statistics for Indiana University campuses, are available online. You may also request a physical copy by emailing IU Public Safety at [email protected]. Apply to Indiana University Bloomington! Tell us who you ...
Indiana University Undergraduate College Application Essays
Join Now to View Premium Content. GradeSaver provides access to 2356 study guide PDFs and quizzes, 11005 literature essays, 2763 sample college application essays, 926 lesson plans, and ad-free surfing in this premium content, "Members Only" section of the site! Membership includes a 10% discount on all editing orders.
Indiana University Bloomington 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Guide
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 ...
Freshman Students
Completed online application. Common Application essay or Apply IU 200-400 word IU-specific essay. Academic records. Demonstration of English proficiency. Financial documents. Application fee or waiver. SAT or ACT exam scores (optional) Letters of recommendation (optional)
Learn how to apply for Direct Admission: Admissions: IU School of
Inside of BAM, click "Opportunities" to the right of "My Applications". Search for "Direct Admit" and press enter. Select "Apply" on the IUB/IUFW/IUI-Direct Admit Nursing opportunity. Complete the essays and submit. You are done with the IU School of Nursing Direct Admit application. * The Direct Admit Nursing "opportunity ...
Office of Admissions: Indiana University Bloomington
There's no denying it: IU Bloomington is a great place to get an education. From world-class academics to one of the most beautiful college campuses in the nation, we have it all. And it's all here waiting for you. So dive in. Explore what it's like to be a Hoosier. Learn everything you need to know about the college search process or ...
Selective Scholarship Application
The Selective Scholarship Application (SSA) is an invitation-only application utilized by a number of departments across the Indiana University Bloomington campus. upon submitting their SSA.To be considered for invitation to the SSA, the student must submit their complete application for admission by the November 1st Early Action deadline.
How to Write the Indiana University Bloomington Essay 2023-2024
There is no need to worry — CollegeVine has prepared the following guide to help you tackle this essay. Indiana University Bloomington Application 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 ...
General Scholarship Application: Future Scholars: Office of
Complete the General Scholarship Application - listed as "General Application" in the IU Scholarships task. 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.
Tuesday Tips: Kelley School of Business Essays, Tips ...
The Kelley School of Business at Indiana University is a top-tier business school with an innovative program that cultivates strong recruiting relationships with companies. These Kelley School of Business essays focus on understanding you. From the moment you decide to attend Kelley, you will be focusing on your career and leadership development.
Personal Statement
Demonstrate through your personal statement that you and the program are a good match by providing examples and tying together your experiences. Formula for Success One popular way of formulating your personal statement includes these three components.
Kelley Direct Admission Review Request
Step 3: Fill out a review request. The review request will autofill your GPA and test score (if applicable), and allow Kelley to access your transcripts. The review request application doesn't take long to complete. You will be asked to submit two essays limited to 250 words. Please be aware the Kelley Admissions Committee is committed to ...
Common App essay examples that got applicants into top colleges
Achievable ACT - $129. Achievable's ACT course includes endless math quizzes, hand-crafted practice exams, and our easy-to-understand online textbook (including the Writing section) with proven strategies to hit your target score. View ACT prep course. This collection of Common App essay examples will provide you some much needed inspiration ...
Indiana University Bloomington 2020-21 Supplemental Essay Guide
Indiana University Bloomington 2020-21 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.

Applying to IU Bloomington

Is IU Bloomington the right fit for you?

More to consider

How to apply to IU Bloomington

Get a jump start on your essay

Start your application

Qualifying for direct admission

If you’ve already applied

Create your IU computing account

Other deadlines to watch

IU Bloomington Admissions resources and support

IU Bloomington admission counselors

Military and Veteran applicants

IU Bloomington cost and finances

Graduate applicants

IU Bloomington scholarships

Second degree or non-degree applicants

IU Bloomington Transfer Guide

IU Bloomington Admissions viewbook

International applicants

IU Bloomington Admissions is here to help

IU Bloomington Admissions

Credit Transfer Service

Life at IU Bloomington

Social media

Additional resources

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

Indiana University Application Essay Guide Quick Facts:

Does Indiana University Require Essays?

What is Indiana University’s Supplemental Essay?

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

Tell a story

Be specific

Show don’t tell

Indiana University Application Essay Draft Key Questions:

Additional Tips for Writing the Indiana University Application Essay

What is the Acceptance Rate for IU?

Indiana University Application Essay – Final Thoughts

Indiana University Admission Essays

Indiana University: Pursuing Academic and Personal Success

Indiana University: A Platform for Growth and Transformation

From Indiana to Japan: A Journey of Global Engagement

Cross-Cultural Reflections: Nepal and Beyond

Indiana University: My Transformative Cross-Cultural Experience

Nine Mile: College Admission Essay Sample

Fingerprints: College Admission Essay Sample

My Love for Wearing Costumes

A Keyboard in my Crib: College Admission Essay Sample

Indiana University Bloomington | Indiana

Want to see your chances of admission at Indiana University Bloomington | Indiana?

Indiana University Bloomington | Indiana’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Common App Personal Essay

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

Indiana University Undergraduate College Application Essays

Join Now to View Premium Content

College Application Essays accepted by Indiana University

Willow Tree Anonymous

A Keyboard in my Crib Anonymous

Finding Your Animal Totem Brad Boyle

My Life Jordan Williams

Home Away From Home Laith Nasfat Shehadeh

Hook, Line and thinker. Dan Schwarz

Fingerprints Paris Silverman

Dealing with Failure in the Floral Business Anonymous

From America with Russian Love Fiona Jenna Blumin

97% Allegra Mendonsa

A Tale of Two Teeth Anonymous

Costumes Emma Sapp

Only Time Will Tell Anonymous

Beauty Anonymous

More Than a Reflection Morgan Jankowski

Camper to Counselor Anonymous

Last Place...? Stacy Park

The Edge Jillian Konikow

Uninvent Your Camera Anonymous

Packet of Tissue Anonymous

Recent Questions about Indiana University

Freshman Students

Office of International Services

Indiana University application process for freshmen international applicants