At IU Fort Wayne, we recognize that some students may excel with standardized testing, whereas others don’t. We also know that not everyone will have the resources required for a top-tier SAT or ACT score, not to mention that some students just haven't had the opportunity to take one of the exams due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Providing access and options is key to IU Fort Wayne's culture, as is our commitment to removing barriers to help you reach your dreams. That’s why when it comes to your admission, we want to see what you feel should best represent you as a future IU Fort Wayne student. When applying for freshman admission to IU Fort Wayne, you have the choice as to whether or not you should submit your SAT or ACT scores for review.
Minimum requirements for admission
Applying with test scores
You can apply to IU Fort Wayne and submit SAT or ACT scores to be considered in your admissions decision. Typically*, the admissions committee expects to see no lower than a 2.0 GPA and 840 on the SAT (16 on the ACT).
Applying without test scores
You can apply to IU Fort Wayne and without submitting SAT or ACT scores. Typically*, the admissions committee expects to see at least a 2.8 GPA with an Indiana Core 40 Diploma (or out-of-state equivalent). GPA down to 2.0 may be considered in certain circumstances with additional evidence of academic and social growth.
Indiana Core 40 Equivalent
English/language arts (8 credits)
Including a balance of literature, composition, and speech.
Mathematics (6 credits, in grades 9-12)
2 credits: Algebra I
2 credits: Geometry
2 credits: Algebra II
Or complete Integrated Math I, II, and II for 6 credits.
Science (6 credits)
2 credits: Biology I
2 credits: Chemistry I or Physics I or Integrated Chemistry-Physics
2 credits: Other Core 40 science class
Social Studies (6 credits)
2 credits: US History
1 credit: US Government
1 credit: Economics
2 credits: World History/Civilization or Geography/History of the World
Directed Electives (5 credits)
World Languages
Fine Arts
Career and Technical Education
Physical Education (2 credits)
Health and Wellness (1 credit)
Electives (6 credits)
College and career pathway sources recommended
Additional requirements for academic honors equivalent:
Earn 2 additional Core 40 math credits.
Earn 6-8 Core 40 world language credits(6 credits in one language or 4 credits each in two languages).
Earn 2 Core 40 fine arts credits.
Earn a grade of a “C” or better in courses that will count toward the diploma.
Have a grade point average of a “B” or better.
Complete, or receive a waiver for, one of the following:
Earn 4 credits in 2 or more AP courses and take corresponding AP exams
Earn 6 verifiable transcripted college credits in dual credit courses from the approved dual credit list.
Earn two of the following:
A minimum of 3 verifiable transcripted college credits from the approved dual credit list,
2 credits in AP courses and corresponding AP exams,
2 credits in IB standard level courses and corresponding IB exams.
Earn a composite score of 1250 or higher on the SAT and a minimum of 560 on math and 590 on the evidence based reading and writing section.
Earn an ACT composite score of 26 or higher and complete written section
Earn 4 credits in IB courses and take corresponding IB exams
* If you do not meet the GPA or test score requirements above, IU Fort Wayne does consider students with lower cumulative GPAs. When holistically reviewed, emphasis is placed on a your high school curriculum, the types of courses you have taken (including how you performed in those courses). You can make the decision on if you would like the standardized test scores used in consideration.
Scholarship consideration for incoming freshmen
Regardless of your test-submission status, you will be automatically considered for an IU Fort Wayne Excellence Award - an admission-based scholarship for new freshmen - based on your cumulative high school GPA. If you qualify for this award, you will be notified starting in December as part of your total aid package.
November 30 is IU Fort Wayne's deadline for maximum scholarship consideration.
In addition to scholarships based on your admission, you should also explore competitive awards to help fund your education. It's important to note that some awards may require you to submit SAT or ACT scores for consideration, even if you opted not to send them for your admission review. When applying for competitive awards, it's important to submit your scholarship application early. November 15is Indiana University's deadline for most competitive scholarship consideration.
Frequently asked questions about test-optional admission
Test-optional admission is a path offered by IU Fort Wayne that allows you whether or not to apply for admission with or without SAT or ACT scores. The purpose of this option is to give students who do not feel their academics are represented by their standardized test scores a path to IU Fort Wayne.
Additionally, given the cancellation of SAT and ACT dates due to the pandemic, this option provides students the opportunity for admission to IU Fort Wayne, without being penalized for circumstances out of their control.
As a high school student, you have two great resources available to help you determine which path is the best when it comes to your circumstances:
Talk to your counselor at your high school, they'll be able help guide your decision based on your academics and their invaluable experience helping students in your school who are asking the same questions.
Your IU Fort Wayne admissions counselorcan also help you weigh the pros and cons of each path, and what it might mean for your future as an IU Fort Wayne student
No. While SAT and ACT have long been a component of the admissions process, IU Fort Wayne has not denied admission to the University based on test scores alone.
If you choose test-inclusive admission to IU Fort Wayne, and and improve your SAT or ACT again at a later date, you can have your new scores sent to us. We'll then update your record with the new scores, as well as review you for any upgrades to your admission.
If you applied for fall 2021 and haven't been able to take the SAT or ACT, we have updated our process to allow you to apply test-optional and if you wish, have your scores considered later. If you would like to pursue this option, please complete the form below.
PLEASE NOTE:Only update your test-optional selection if you have already submitted your application and need tochange your selectionregarding 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 completethis form.
A complete application consists of the following, depending on which path you choose:
Applying with test scores:
An application for admission completed through theApply IUonline application
A high school transcript that includes your senior year class schedule, sent electronically from your high school
SAT or ACT scores, self-reported or sent electronically from the testing agency
A non-refundable $65 application fee
Applying without test scores:
An application for admission completed through theApply IUonline application
A high school transcript that includes your senior year class schedule, sent electronically from your high school
A non-refundable $65 application fee
If you apply for admission without test scores, IU Fort Wayne will still review your application for admission without taking your test scores into account.
No. IU Fort Wayne accepts and reviews the SAT and ACT equally. We recommend that you look at the differences of both tests and take the one that best suits your strengths.
Yes. If you decide to submit your SAT or ACT scores, IU Fort Wayne will take the result you receive from each component of the SAT or ACT and review them with your admission as a superscore.
Yes. Test-optional refers to the SAT and ACT exams, and those tests are not required for admission or for our international student merit-based scholarships. However, international students may need to provide proof of English proficiency, which could require the submission of TOEFL, IELTS, or DET test scores. If you do submit SAT or ACT scores, we will consider a SAT (Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing) score of 410 or an ACT (English) of 17 as proof of English proficiency. For further details, please visit international admissions on the Office of International Affairs website.