Admission Requirements and Regulations

Click on any of the following links for information:

• Admission by Exception
• Additional Information for Transfer Students
• Admission Requirements—All Students
• Admission Requirements—Freshman
• Admission Requirements—International Students
• Admission Requirements—Transfer Students
• Application Procedures
• Continuing Student Taking Courses Outside ISU
• General Policy
• Non-Degree Students
• Readmission of Former Students

Indiana State University, in affirming its commitment to excellence, recognizes the value of a student population reflecting academic achievement, cultural diversity, and special talent. The University’s admissions policies allow for the individual consideration of each applicant and help service a student population with these characteristics.

The primary criterion for admission is evidence that a candidate is prepared to succeed in a degree program. Admission standards are stated in terms of traditional school and college grading systems. For applicants whose records include either a high proportion of nontraditional grades, or a subject pattern which departs markedly from that normally associated with university study, additional evidence of academic potential in support of their applications, such as entrance examinations, interviews, and letters of recommendation, may be requested. The admission of applicants who are older than the traditional college age will be determined individually, with special attention given to employment experience and motivation.

Individuals may seek exceptions to any of the requirements below by petitioning the Admissions Committee to consider additional factors that may indicate college potential. A limited number of students may be admitted on condition that they agree to follow a prescribed course of study and advisement.

To be considered for admission candidates must submit a completed admission application, a $25 non-refundable application processing fee, and have official transcripts sent directly from all secondary and post-secondary institutions (see the Required Transcripts section) to the Office of Admissions. Applications may be submitted electronically or downloaded from the Web site and sent to the Office of Admissions. In addition, applications can be requested from the Office of Admissions or obtained from a school guidance counselor. Visit the University’s Web site at http://www.indstate.edu and follow the links to the Office of Admissions page.

Admission to Academic Programs

Admission to the University does not guarantee admission to a given academic program or enrollment in specific courses. Applicants are asked to designate their intended major area of study on the application. The academic divisions of the University which may have additional admission requirements will notify applicants of these standards. See appropriate Catalog sections under academic departments and the professional colleges for further details regarding program admission criteria.

Application Closing Dates

Applications for freshman admission may be filed after the student has completed the junior year in high school. Transfer applicants may apply as early as one academic term in advance of their intended semester of enrollment.

Early application is encouraged for scholarship consideration.

* No student may be admitted for the fall term after August 15. Applicants for fall semester, whose files are incomplete as of August 15, will not be allowed to enroll until the subsequent term.

** No student may be admitted for the spring term after December 15. Applicants for spring semester, whose files are incomplete as of December 15, will not be allowed to enroll until the subsequent term.

Required Transcripts

Students must submit official transcripts from all institutions at which college course work has been attempted. Applicants for admission or readmission are required to disclose registration at any college or university and to submit official transcripts documenting that registration as a condition for admission or readmission. Failure to disclose attempted course work at other colleges or universities constitutes fraud upon the University.

Transfer students who have earned 24 or more transferable semester credits need not ordinarily submit a high school transcript. However, transfer students who have not completed foreign language study at their transfer institution, but did complete a minimum of two years of study of a single foreign language in high school (with a C average in all foreign language courses), should have their high school transcript sent to the Office of Admissions where the completion of the foreign language requirement will be recorded. To be official, all transcripts must be sent directly from the registrar’s office of the schools previously attended to the Office of Admissions at Indiana State University. Electronic transcripts can be issued from Indiana secondary schools utilizing the Commission of Higher Education sponsored Docufide Program. All such documents must be received by the above closing dates to ensure consideration.

Test Scores

Freshman applicants under 21 years of age and transfers who have completed fewer than 24 transferable semester credits  must submit scores for the SAT or the ACT. Test scores are used to obtain a measure of the individual’s academic aptitude, to assist in academic advising, and to assure proper course placement.

High School Curriculum

All Indiana high school graduates after 2001 must pass both the mathematics and English sections of ISTEP or receive an official waiver from their high school in order to gain admission to the University.

Indiana State University currently recommends the following high school course curriculum. Students who graduate from high school in 1998 or after are expected to complete the Indiana Core 40 curriculum (or equivalent for non-Indiana high school graduates) to qualify for unconditional admission. Indiana Core 40 includes the following:

1. Language Arts–eight credits in literature, composition, speech.
2. Mathematics–six to eight credits from: Algebra I and II, geometry, trigonometry, calculus.
3. Science–six credits in laboratory science divided as follows: two biology; two chemistry or physics; two advanced biology, chemistry, physics, or earth/space science.
4. Social Sciences–six credits as follows: two U.S. history; one U.S. government; one economics; one world history and/or geography; one additional course from above or other social studies areas.
5. Directed Electives–eight credits of additional courses in the above subject areas or courses in computer applications, fine arts, foreign languages, or a technical career area.
6. Physical Education–one credit (two semesters).
7. Health/Safety–one credit (one semester).
8. Electives–two to four more credits from any courses offered at the high school.

Academic Achievement

Freshmen candidates applying directly from high school are expected to complete a rigorous college preparatory curriculum (Core 40 curriculum for Indiana residents) and maintain a competitive grade point of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. (A limited number of students who do not meet these requirements may be admitted conditionally into the Academic Opportunity Program if they agree to participate in services offered through the Student Academic Services Center.)

Additional consideration will be given to standardized test scores, the rigor of the high school curriculum, grades earned in academic subjects, and other evidence of academic potential. Employment experience and motivation will be considered also for those who chose not to enter college immediately following high school.

Students completing GED diplomas are also given admission consideration based upon percentile rank, schooling completed, and additional standardized test scores.

New Student Orientation

Fall and spring semester freshman are required to attend the New Student Orientation Program held in June and early January of each year, respectively. Any freshman who fails to attend this program will not be allowed to register for classes before attending the “Fall Welcome” Program and completing a consultation with Student Financial Aid.

Transfer applicants normally are eligible for admission if:

1. They have earned a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (C average) in all college level studies and their high school records meet the freshman criteria listed above (NOTE: Applicants whose high school records do not satisfy freshman requirements may be considered for admission after earning at least 24 transferable semester credits from another regionally accredited collegiate institution); and
2. They are in good standing at their last accredited institution.

NOTE: Some programs require higher standards for admission. Students should consult the section of this Catalog that describes the academic program they wish to enter.

Transfer of Credit Evaluation

The academic dean of the college of the student’s intended major determines the transferability and applicability of transfer credits. Transfer credit will be re-evaluated if a transfer student changes his/her degree program.

Transferability

The following guidelines govern transfer of courses:

1. Only transfer credits earned in college-level courses (typically numbered 100 or higher) from a regionally accredited college or university will be assigned credit.
2. Only transfer courses in which a grade of C or higher was earned will be assigned credit; courses with a grade of C- or below will not be assigned credit.
3. A maximum of 94 transfer credits may be assigned toward a bachelor’s degree; a maximum of 47 transfer credits may be assigned toward an associate’s degree.
4. Transfer credits are assigned only for college-level courses.

Applicability

Application of transfer credits depends on the student’s choice of degree program. Transfer credit will be re-evaluated if transfer students change their degree program. Transfer credit may be assigned as course equivalency or as elective credit as described below:

1. Course equivalency means that a transfer course is equivalent to a specific Indiana State University course in the major, minor, or Foundational Studies Program by the appropriate department/academic unit. Some course equivalencies have been established through existing agreements between Indiana State University and other colleges and universities; other equivalencies will be determined on an individual basis. Visit the ISU on-line credit evaluation tool at http://www.indstate.edu/transfer/tool/.
2. Elective credit is assigned for courses that meet transfer requirements, but for which no equivalency is determined. Elective credit is usually applied toward total earned credits and may also apply to the major, minor, or Foundational Studies Program. The decision to apply transfer elective credit in a program is made by the appropriate academic unit.

Students who have been offered admission and have submitted official transcripts from regionally accredited colleges or universities to the Indiana State University Office of Admissions should review their Degree Audit Report after enrolling at Indiana State to identify the status of each course and the total number of credits transferred to Indiana State University. After reviewing the Degree Audit Report, students may request a reconsideration of their transfer credit evaluation from the academic dean’s office in the college of the student’s intended major. Students access the Degree Audit Report through myisu.indstate.edu

Articulated Programs

Indiana State University has established articulation agreements with several colleges and universities that allow students to complete a specific associate degree program at another institution and receive up to 94 credits toward a specific bachelors degree program at Indiana State University. Each articulation agreement will stipulate the Indiana State University courses needed to complete the bachelors degree program and any requirements or guidelines that govern a particular agreement (for example, course and cumulative grade point requirements that differ from the University’s general requirements). Students should review the articulation requirements presented by the appropriate Indiana State University college or by their chosen program at the institution from which they intend to transfer.

The Office of Registration and Records maintains current listings of articulated programs and course equivalencies between Indiana State University and other colleges and universities. Interested students should consult the Web site: http://web.indstate.edu/transfer/.

The DegreeLink Program

Students who have earned articulated associate of science (A.S.) degrees, associate of applied science (A.A.S.) degrees, or have accumulated credits from accredited collegiate institutions may be eligible to enroll in DegreeLink programs on the Indiana State University campus or through Distance Education. (See the DegreeLink Program description in this Catalog) or visit the DegreeLink Web site at http://www.indstate.edu/degreelink

Applicants whose academic records do not satisfy the requirements listed above may petition the Office of Admissions for special consideration. The petition provides an opportunity for students to describe factors, which may have led to inadequate academic achievement, and their educational goals and motivation. Applicants admitted by exception are placed on academic probation during their first semester of enrollment. If they are unable to achieve at least a 2.0 grade point average during their first semester at Indiana State University, they will be subject to academic dismissal (the minimum grade point average required of students on probation differs by number of earned credits; see Retention Standards elsewhere in this Catalog).

Because of the variety of educational systems throughout the world, there are broad admission requirements for international students. An evaluation is made of all credentials associated with the academic qualifications and intended field of study of the applicants.

International applicants are expected to demonstrate evidence of academic potential. In addition to evidence of academic potential, international students must demonstrate financial responsibility and English language proficiency. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), taken at a national or international test site, is normally required as an indication of proficiency. Students may also be admitted with residual TOEFL scores (through TOEFL testing on campus), or without TOEFL scores if they are able to demonstrate proficiency in English through other means, such as course work completed in an accredited American institution, or by completing the Interlink ESL Program available at the Indiana State University campus.

International students should apply early to be assured of timely completion of the admission process. They should contact the United States Consulate concerning the time required to process the education visa, and wait for official notice of admission before traveling to the United States for attendance at Indiana State University. Once admission has been granted and an I-20 visa issued, it is the responsibility of the applicant to make all the necessary arrangements for entrance into the United States and for residence in the State of Indiana throughout the duration of study at the University.

Requirements for Undergraduate Admissions

A complete application file contains the following:

1. The completed application
2. Application fee (U.S. $25 for undergraduate)
3. Affidavit of Financial Support
4. Original current bank statement
5. An official TOEFL report from Educational Testing Service
6. Credential evaluation of official transcripts. Visit www.indstate.edu/admissions for more information

Requirement for Admissions–Freshmen

1. Official transcripts of academic records.
2. Freshmen applicants must meet the graduation requirements in their home country for admission into the University. If this includes a qualifying examination, then this must be presented for consideration.
3. Certified secondary school records are to be submitted to the Office of Admissions along with a certified English translation of the records.
4. Freshmen applicants must have evidence of completion of an academic program similar to the college preparatory or Indiana Core 40 requirements including language, literature, science, social sciences, and mathematics.
5. Freshman applicants must submit a TOEFL report.
6. Proof of financial support.

Requirement for Admissions–Transfers

Transfer applicants must have:

1. A total of 24 transferable credits.
2. A 2.0 grade point average with the exception of the College of Education (2.5) and College of Business (2.25).
3. Good standing at their last or current institution.
4. Certified international records submitted to the Office of Admissions along with a certified English translation of the records.
5. Submit a TOEFL report.
6. Proof of financial support.

Requirement for Admissions–Special Conditions

1. The International English Language Testing System will be accepted in place of the TOEFL report.
2. Permanent residents who attended secondary school or college outside the United States must send their records to the Office of Admissions along with a certified English translation of the records.
3. Freshman students who have attended United States high schools for two or more years may submit SAT/ACT or TOEFL.
4. Transfer students with more than 24 credits at United States colleges must send their records to Indiana State University.

TOEFL

An official report of the TOEFL score from Educational Testing Services must be received by the Office of Admissions. Applicants from English-speaking nations whose first language is not English are required to submit the appropriate TOEFL score. Applicants must have a minimum of:

• Internet based test score of 61
• Computer based test score of 173
• Paper-based test score of 500

Business majors must submit a minimum of:

• Internet based test score of 80
• Computer based test score of 213
• Paper-based test score of 550

Intensive language training is available through the Interlink Language Center if TOEFL scores listed above are not met.

Financial Support

1. Applicants need to show financial support to cover educational expenses before admission is granted and the I-20 is issued.
2. I-20 verification is issued by the International Affairs Center.
3. All applicants should supply an affidavit of financial Support and original bank statement with current information.
4. Government sponsored applicants must provide an official or certified copy of the award, specifying validity for Indiana State University, listing the expenses and fees covered by the award, beginning and ending dates of study covered, the level/field of study, and the length of the award. The address for billing must also be included.
5. Those applicants who are academically eligible yet fail to prove adequate financial documentation will receive a letter explaining that admission is delayed until the University can be assured of the student’s financial support. Some applicants may be requested to deposit funds in an account with the Indiana State University Office of the Controller prior to admission.

Transfer of Credit for International Students

International students may request to transfer credits from a foreign or an American accredited collegiate institution. International student transcripts are reviewed by the International Affairs Center. The academic dean of the college of the student’s intended major determines the transferability and applicability of transfer credits. Transfer credit will be re-evaluated if transfer students change their degree program. Transfer credits are restricted to college-level courses from institutions accredited by the ministry of higher education in the home country and must meet a minimum standard grade deemed equivalent to a C or higher in the United States higher education system.

The total number of credits which may be applied from a foreign university is assessed in terms of the level of accreditation granted to the institution by the ministry of higher education in the country of origin. The total number of credits that may be applied to an Indiana State University baccalaureate degree cannot exceed 94.

Students transferring from institutions of higher education abroad with which Indiana State University has developed program articulations will receive transfer credit in accordance with the provisions of the articulated program agreement. 

Former Indiana State University students who have interrupted their studies for more than two calendar years must apply for readmission through the Office of Admissions. Applicants for readmission are required to disclose registration at any college or university and to submit official transcripts documenting that registration as a condition for readmission. Failure to disclose attempted course work at other colleges or universities constitutes fraud upon the University.

Unconditional Readmission. Students who have maintained at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average at the other institutions and left Indiana State University in good academic standing are eligible for unconditional readmission.

Readmission on Probation. Applications from students who were academically dismissed from Indiana State University will be reviewed in the Office of Admissions and by the academic dean of the college of the student’s intended major. Former degree-seeking students cannot enroll as non-degree students if they are on academic probation or have been academically dismissed. No student may be readmitted if academically dismissed three times. Applications from students who left ISU in good standing, but experienced academic difficulty at a different institution will also be reviewed by the academic dean of the college of the student’s intended major. Students readmitted on academic probation are expected to earn the required minimum grade point average in their first return term or are subject to academic dismissal.

Academic Renewal

Indiana State University provides Academic Renewal as an option to returning student applicants who have been out of school for a significant period of time and whose previous academic performance is not indicative of the academic work of which they are now capable. Academic Renewal recognizes that such students are often hampered by a previous, low grade point average, and it offers them the opportunity to use only those classes, taken after readmission, in the computation of their Indiana State University grade point average. The following conditions apply:

1. Five or more years must have passed between the student’s previous ISU enrollment and the current term of readmission and the student must not have earned a degree from ISU;
2. Academic Renewal is granted only after completion of a minimum of 12 credits with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher;
3. Academic Renewal can occur only once, and it is irreversible.
4. Students’ Indiana State University transcripts will indicate that Academic Renewal has been granted. All courses and grades will remain on the transcript.
5. If Academic Renewal is granted, students’ cumulative grade point average will be computed from courses taken since readmission. (To determine graduation with honors, however, classes before readmission will still be included in grade point average calculation.)
6. All academic requirements in place at the time of readmission must be met.
7. Students’ academic dean will review students’ previous Indiana State University transcripts and determine the applicability of Indiana State University courses that carry a grade of C or higher to the current degree program. These credits will count toward the students’ total earned credits but will not be calculated in students’ grade point average.
8. Students must complete at least 30 credits of Indiana State University course work after readmission to earn a degree.

To apply for Academic Renewal, students should consult their academic dean.

Continuing students who attempt additional course work at colleges or universities other than Indiana State are required to promptly submit official transcripts documenting those attempts. Failure to disclose attempted course work at other colleges or universities constitutes fraud upon the University.

The University welcomes those who wish to enroll without intending to pursue a degree program at ISU. While such individuals are expected to satisfy admission requirements, they are not ordinarily asked to provide academic credentials from high school or previous colleges.

Non-degree students must complete applications for non-degree study in the Office of Admissions before the beginning of each term of their intended enrollment. Non-degree students may complete registration on-line. Registration is determined upon a space available basis. The Office of Admissions may require high school or college transcripts from individuals who repeatedly enroll as non-degree students if continued enrollment suggests the pursuit of a degree program. Students are limited to no more than six semester credits for any given term while in non-degree status. Non-degree students are not eligible for federal financial aid consideration.

High School-University Agreement. Indiana State University provides qualified high school students an opportunity for advanced study and university credit in courses not available at their secondary schools. This opportunity is primarily for outstanding high school juniors and seniors who have exhausted courses available to them in high school.

Credits earned in non-degree status may later be applied to a degree program, but the University cannot guarantee their applicability until such students have been admitted to the University. Consequently, persons wishing to pursue degree programs as part-time students must complete a regular admission application and submit official transcripts from schools and colleges previously attended.