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What test‑optional means at IU

Why IU Bloomington makes standardized test scores optional

The goal of test-optional admissions is to provide Ï㽶ÊÓƵs who do not feel that their standardized test scores accurately reflect their academic potential the opportunity to choose not to have those test scores considered as part of the admissions review.

Research indicates that for many Ï㽶ÊÓƵs, high school GPA paired with test scores provides the best prediction of academic success at Indiana University. However, for some Ï㽶ÊÓƵs, a standardized test score may not be as predictive of their success or tell the full story of their potential.

SAT and/or ACT scores are not required for transfer Ï㽶ÊÓƵs. However, transfer applicants may submit test scores if they would like to have them considered as part of their admissions review.

How IU evaluates Ï㽶ÊÓƵs without test scores

You will be given full admission consideration in the absence of test scores. We will continue to look at all factors of your application, with the greatest emphasis placed on your grades earned in academic coursework, as well as performance in honors, dual-credit, International Baccalaureate, and Advanced Placement courses; your essay; extracurricular activities; and other achievements.

We evaluate each application holistically and individually and do not have a formula for whether or not you should choose to have your test scores considered.

The information provided on the Class Profile page provides a summary* of the high school records and test scores of Ï㽶ÊÓƵs admitted for the fall cohort. This can help you decide whether or not to apply test-optional by gauging where your test score and GPA may fall.

*Please note: The ranges provided represent the middle 50 percent of admitted Ï㽶ÊÓƵs, meaning that 25 percent of admitted Ï㽶ÊÓƵs had scores below this range and 25 percent of admitted Ï㽶ÊÓƵs had scores above this range.

How to change your test-optional selection after you apply

We offer applicants the opportunity to change their test-optional selection after they apply. If you have submitted your application and would like to change your test-optional selection, log into your and navigate to the resources section to update your selection. 

Please note: We offer applicants the opportunity to update or change their test-optional selection. However, you should only update your test-optional selection if you have already submitted your application and need to change your selection regarding whether or not you want to have your test scores considered as a part of your admission review.

If you don't want to change the selection you made on your application, do not update your test-optional selection in your IU Portal. If you update your selection to have your test scores considered and have not submitted test scores, you will also need to self-report or send your official scores.

How to submit your test scores

If you are offered admission and have self-reported test scores in your application, you must have your official test scores sent from the testing agencies before you can enroll at IU. Your offer of admission and any awarded scholarships that referenced your self-reported scores are contingent on us receiving your official test scores before enrollment. Additionally, the scores we receive from the official testing agencies must match or be higher than the scores you self-reported during the application process.

When you have the testing agencies send your official scores, use the codes listed below for Indiana University Bloomington.

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

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.

Please note: Self-reporting your scores will not change your selection regarding whether or not you want to have your test scores considered as a part of your admission review. If you originally applied without test scores and would now like to have them considered, you will need to change your preference using the instructions in "How to change your test-optional selection after you apply."

How to let IU know you're applying without test scores

When you complete your application for admission, you will have the opportunity to select whether or not your test scores will be considered as a part of your admission review.

If you indicate on your application that you do not want your test scores considered on your application, your test scores will not be included as part of your admission review even if we receive scores from a testing agency or on your high school transcript.

Please note: We offer applicants the opportunity to change their test-optional selection after they apply. If you have submitted your application and would like to change your test-optional selection, log into your IU Portal and navigate to the resources section to update your selection.

How test‑optional affects merit-based scholarships

IU Bloomington is committed to making merit scholarship opportunities available to Ï㽶ÊÓƵs who qualify, whether they apply with or without test scores. 

All Ï㽶ÊÓƵs who submit a complete application for admission by the November 1 early action (non-binding) deadline will be considered for IU academic scholarships.

The assessment of a Ï㽶ÊÓƵ’s academic performance is based on a number of factors, including high school GPA, grades received in coursework required by the Office of Admissions, and rigor and performance in advanced courses.

Recipients of IU academic scholarships will be notified via the IU Portal by mid-February.

How test‑optional affects direct admission to preferred schools/colleges

Each academic school/college offering direct admission for new Ï㽶ÊÓƵs will consider test-optional Ï㽶ÊÓƵs.

Since each school/college has different direct admission requirements, we encourage you to review the Admission Paths page to explore how direct admission and advising are structured at IU Bloomington.