how to write indiana university supplemental essay

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

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

Indiana University Application Essay Guide Quick Facts:

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

Does Indiana University Require Essays?

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

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

What is Indiana University’s Supplemental Essay?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tell a story

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

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

Be specific

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

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

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

Show don’t tell

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

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

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

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

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

Indiana University Application Essay Draft Key Questions:

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

Additional Tips for Writing the Indiana University Application Essay

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

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

What is the Acceptance Rate for IU?

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

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

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

Indiana University Application Essay – Final Thoughts

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

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

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Indiana University Bloomington 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Guide

Early Action: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Feb 1

Indiana University Bloomington 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanation

The Requirements: 1 essay of 200-400 words.

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why

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

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

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

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The application process for future freshmen

We’re excited that you’re interested in attending IU Bloomington and are here to help you throughout the application and admissions process.

Use the following step-by-step instructions to learn what you need to do before you start your application , when you are ready to apply , and after you have submitted your application .

International applicants should visit the Office of International Services for information about applying.

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Check out the IU Admissions Viewbook and learn more about our majors, inspiring academic opportunities, and the IU family.

Ready to become a Hoosier?

There are two application options to choose from, but you should submit only one application for admission to IU Bloomington.

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

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Use the Common Application to apply to any of over 900 schools.

Watch our video to see how to apply

To make things as easy as possible, we’ve broken the application process into step-by-step instructions. Watch our video to learn the steps to apply to IU.

Before you apply

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

Know our deadlines

The Indiana University Bloomington early action (non-binding) deadline is November 1. This is also the deadline for highest admission and scholarship consideration. Your complete application for admission, including official transcript, essay, and SAT and/or ACT test scores ( if applicable *) must be submitted electronically by November 1 or postmarked on or before November 1 to be considered for the early action (non-binding) deadline. The regular decision deadline is February 1.

See all deadlines

*IU is test-optional. To learn more, please visit go.iu.edu/test-optional .

Review admission standards

Admission to IU is selective, and we consider factors that emphasize academic performance and preparation, such as the level and rigor of your coursework, the individual grades and cumulative GPA you have earned through these courses, your SAT and/or ACT scores ( if applicable ), and the additional insights offered through your application essay.

Review the information in this section to understand IU’s admission standards. You can also view the class profile to see stats on our most recent freshman class.

View the class profile

High school graduation

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

Additional information for homeschooled students

Academic preparation

Applicants should complete at least 34 credits of college-preparatory courses, including:

• 8 credits (semesters) of English , such as literature, grammar, or composition
• 7 credits (semesters) 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 precalculus, trigonometry, statistics, finite, or calculus or an alternative course demonstrating advanced math preparation. *NOTE: Discrete mathematics and quantitative reasoning are not approved alternative courses and will not meet the math requirements outlined above.
• 6 credits (semesters) of social sciences , including 2 credits of U.S. history; 2 credits of world history/civilization/geography; and 2 additional credits in government, economics, sociology, history, or similar topics
• 6 credits (semesters) of sciences , including at least 4 credits of laboratory sciences: biology, chemistry, or physics
• 4 credits (semesters) of world languages
• 3 or more credits (semesters) of additional college-preparatory courses ; additional mathematics credits are recommended for students intending to pursue a science degree and additional world language credits are recommended for all students

If your high school does not offer the courses needed to meet one or more of the course requirements noted above, alternative college-preparatory courses may be substituted for those that are not available. Contact your  IU admission counselor  to discuss course substitutions.

When available and appropriate, we encourage students to enroll in a challenging curriculum that includes dual credit,  Advanced Placement (AP) ,  International Baccalaureate (IB) , and/or Advance College Project (ACP) courses.

Grades in academic classes

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. If your school computes a weighted GPA and includes this GPA on your transcript, we will consider it as part of our review for both the admission and scholarship processes.

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

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

Standardized test scores

IU's  test-optional admissions policy  allows you to choose whether to have your SAT and/or ACT test scores considered as part of your application 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.

While you will decide whether your scores will be considered, resources and guidance are available through our office or your personal admission counselor .

We superscore, which means that if you choose to have test scores considered as part of your application review, we'll consider your best test scores. For the SAT, we’ll consider the highest Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing. For the ACT, we’ll combine the highest scores for each subtest from different exams for a new ACT Composite.

Other decision-making factors

As part of our holistic review process, we may consider supplemental information—when provided—such as leadership experience, extracurricular activities, community service, work experience, and counselor or teacher recommendations. Please note, however, that letters of recommendation are not required. If you do choose to submit them, we will accept one counselor recommendation and one teacher recommendation.

Self-reported race or ethnicity information will not be made available to individuals responsible for reviewing admission applications and/or making admission decisions.

Research majors

Before you apply, 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 don’t know what you want to major in, that’s okay! IU students who have not yet chosen a major are considered exploratory students. Indiana University promotes academic exploration and encourages students to spend time discovering the path that’s right for them. Exploratory students are supported by Advising & Major Exploration Services , where they receive expert advising to help them find their ideal major and fulfill the general requirements needed to certify into a degree-granting school or college.

Learn more about being an exploratory student

Learn about direct admission and entering your school

There are a few ways you could start your academic journey at IU, including direct admission. Direct admission at IU refers to admission to specific academic programs anad degree-granting schools. Learn more about direct admission and other ways to start at IU.

No matter which path you take when you start at IU, you will have academic and career advising at every step of your journey to help you reach your goals.

Learn about scholarships

Merit scholarships

IU academic scholarships are awarded based on the academic information you provide through your application for admission. The assessment of a student’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 (AP, IB, Honors, etc.).

For highest scholarship consideration, you must submit a complete application for admission, including official transcript, IU-specific essay, and self-reported or official test scores ( if applicable ) by November 1 .

Learn more about this scholarship deadline

Additional scholarships

You can also look for additional scholarship opportunities within your community and at your high school.

Get more information about scholarships

Review AP, IB, and other credit guides

IU awards AP and college credit that can help you get a head start on your degree program.

Read more about advanced placement, credit, and exemptions

Calculate any transfer credits

If you took a college class while you were in high school, you might be able to transfer that credit to IU Bloomington.

To be considered for credit at IU, the course you took in high school must be from a regionally accredited institution and must correspond to a course in our curriculum—in content and credit value. You must earn a grade of C or better in the course.

If you are admitted to IU, we will evaluate your transcript(s) and supply you with a detailed Credit Transfer Report showing how previous college coursework will transfer. You can access your Credit Transfer Report via One.IU . Please be aware that it may take four to six weeks to process and evaluate the transcript once it arrives in our office.

Learn more about our Credit Transfer Service

Find Jacobs School of Music requirements

If you’re interested in the Jacobs School of Music, you may apply using Apply IU or the Common Application. After submitting one of these applications, you must also complete the Jacobs School of Music supplemental application and submit an additional fee.

Please Note:  The deadline to submit the Jacobs School of Music supplemental application is December 1.

Learn more about Jacobs School of Music requirements

When you apply

Find out what to do right before—and right after—you apply.

Submit your complete application

Even though there are two options to choose from, you should submit only one application for admission to IU Bloomington.

You will need to submit the following materials to apply for admission:

• Apply IU Application
• Common Application
• 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 undergraduate at Indiana University. If you encountered any unusual circumstances, challenges, or obstacles in pursuit of your education, you may share those experiences and how you overcame them. Please note that this essay may be used for scholarship consideration. Find more information about completing your essay on our FAQ page .
• The $65 application fee. The application fee is non-refundable. If you experience any payment issues, please contact us at [email protected] or 812-855-0661 .
• Your high school transcript and full senior year schedule (not just fall courses), which must come directly from your high school or may be uploaded and submitted as part of your application.
• SAT and/or ACT scores ( if applicable ). Admission to IU is test-optional . If you took the ACT and/or SAT and would like to have your scores considered, you may share either official or self-reported scores during the application process. 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.

Make sure you allow pop-ups and enable third-party cookies to ensure that your application and fee payment will be submitted correctly. If you experience any payment issues, please contact us at [email protected] or 812-855-0661 .

Make sure you read the information on this page and our FAQ page before you get started.

Pay the application fee or request a waiver

When you submit your application, you must pay a $65 nonrefundable application fee.

We accept multiple different fee waiver forms. Please see the different options below. The application fee, or fee waiver request, must be submitted when completing your application.

• If you are submitting the Apply IU Application , you will need to submit a completed ACT , SAT , or NACAC fee waiver form that has been verified by your high school counselor.
• If you are submitting the Common Application , you will need to complete the fee waiver section on your profile and your counselor will need to verify your eligibility.

We will not process your application or make an admission decision until we receive a completed fee waiver or the non-refundable $65 application fee.

If you are a 21st Century Scholar or a Balfour Scholar, the application fee will be waived if you indicate you participate in one of these programs when you complete your application.

Send your test scores (if applicable)

IU's  test-optional admissions policy allows you to choose whether to have your SAT and/or ACT test scores considered as part of your application review.

If you choose to have your test scores considered, you may share either official or self-reported scores. If you choose to self-report your scores, you can do so on your application. You may also self-report additional scores after submitting your application. 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.

Request to have your high school transcript sent

To complete your application for admission, we require an official high school transcript and a full senior year schedule (not just fall courses). The transcript and full senior year schedule may be sent directly from your high school, or uploaded by your counselor as part of your application if you are applying with the Common Application. If your school sends transcripts electronically and the transcript vendor requires an email address for delivery, please use [email protected] . You can also have your transcript mailed to the following address:

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

Your offer of admission is contingent upon the successful completion of the academic coursework outlined in your transcript and/or admission application. We expect you to maintain your high level of academic performance. Please note that if you are admitted and choose IU, we will require a copy of your high school transcript with final grades and graduation date as soon as it is available.

Transcripts for college courses taken in high school

If you are enrolled in any college courses in high school, you’ll need to send those transcripts as well. You may be able to earn college credit to IU Bloomington. College transcripts may be mailed to the address above or sent electronically to [email protected] .

Learn more about transferring credits

If you applied by the November 1 early action (non-binding) deadline, you can expect a response by January 15 . If you applied by the February 1 regular decision deadline, you will receive a response by March 15 .

After you apply

Once you apply, you will be invited to your IU Portal where you can check your application status. Read below for instructions and to learn more about what you can do after you apply.

Check your application status and any needed materials

To check the status of your application, log in to your IU Portal. An email was sent to you once you started your application with login information. Please note: emails with login information will begin in mid-August. 

In the IU Portal, you'll see a Checklist of any items our office still needs to receive. Please be aware that after your items are received, it may take up to four weeks for them to be updated in your Checklist. Please be patient and check back frequently.

To check the status of your application and your Checklist

Go to your IU Portal.

Log in using the username and password you created.

If you have any outstanding items listed on your Checklist, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed. Please upload your items in the IU Portal or contact us if you have questions.

Create your IU computing account

Your university ID number will be listed in your IU Portal. Use your university ID number to create your IU computing account, which you will use for other important tasks during your admission process, including direct admission review requests. Please note: The computing account is different than your IU Portal account and the account you created to apply.

Steps to create your IU computing account:

• Open Create My First IU Account in One.IU .
• Read and agree to the Guidelines for Appropriate Usage.
• Enroll in the Passphrase Self-Service Reset System . If you forget your passphrase, this tool will let you reset it yourself without having to visit a UITS Support Center location in person.
• Save or record your account information in a secure place. You will need this information each time you log in to your IU computing account.
• It may take up to 24 hours before you can log in to some services.

What to do if you have forgotten your ID or other information:

• Forgot your 10-digit university ID number? If you are an ACP student, use the Information Recovery Form . All other students should first try the Student Self-Service University Lookup Form . If you still need assistance, please email the Office of Admissions at [email protected] . (In order to help you, we will request additional information.)
• Forgot your username? Contact the UITS Support Center .
• Forgot your passphrase? Reset it here .

Please note that if you have previously been enrolled in or participated in a program at any IU campus and were given a 10-digit university ID number and username, you will use the same university ID number and username to access (or set up) your IU computing account.

Self-report your scores

If you chose at the point of application to have your SAT and/or ACT test scores considered as part of your application review, you can self-report your scores by completing the form below.

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 application review. If you would like to update your test-optional selection, please review the instructions under "Change your test-optional selection."

Change your test-optional selection

If you want to update your selection of whether or not to have test scores included in your application review, please complete the form below.

PLEASE NOTE: Only complete this form if you have already submitted your application and need to  change your test-optional selection . If you don't want to change the test-optional selection you made on your application,  do not complete this form . If you opt to have your test scores considered and have not yet submitted test scores, you will also need to  self-report or send your official scores .

Make other changes to your application

To learn how to make changes to your application, visit the Make a Change to Your Application page . Please note that if you change your intended major, your application for admission will be reviewed again, even if you already received a decision.

Contact us with any questions

Cancel your application

If you’d like to cancel your application after you’ve applied, send a message using our contact form. Select "Application" as the topic, then choose "Cancellation" in the drop down menu and put your cancellation request in the comment box.

Just for Hoosier Link students

Hoosier Link is a guaranteed transfer admission program in cooperative partnership between Indiana University Bloomington and Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington.

The program allows a select group of Indiana residents who are high school graduates (and who have never attended a college institution full time) the opportunity to gain transfer admission to IU Bloomington upon reaching specific academic benchmarks.

Learn more about the Hoosier Link program

Admitted students

If you’re admitted to IU Bloomington, you’ll need to reserve your space by indicating your intent to enroll by May 1.

Reserve your space

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] .

• Contact us / Join the mailing list

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

Calculate for all schools

Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, does anyone have tips for writing indiana university’s supplemental essays.

Indiana U is one of my top choices and I want to nail their supplemental essays. Can anyone who's been through the process share some advice or things they wish they knew before they started writing?

I'd be happy to share some insights! When approaching Indiana University's supplemental essays, make sure to reflect on what aspects of IU excite you the most and how it aligns with your academic and career goals.

A common mistake is to write what you think admissions officers want to hear; instead, focus on being genuine and presenting your unique voice. For example, if you're interested in IU’s Kelley School of Business, delve into their programs that specifically pique your interest and describe how you plan to leverage these opportunities to reach your goals.

Additionally, showing that you've done your research by referencing specific courses, professors, or extracurriculars that IU offers can make your essay stand out. Lastly, remember to proofread your work and perhaps get feedback from teachers or peers who know you well to ensure that your personality shines through. Good luck with your essays!

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