IU Northwest has adopted a test-optional admissions policy beginning with the 2021 terms. Students applying August 1, 2020 for undergraduate admission can choose at the point of application whether to have SAT or ACT test scores considered as part of the application. Which means you may decide whether you want to provide your SAT or ACT score as part of your application.
Not providing scores will not count against you when reviewing your application for admission. Instead, it gives you the ability to decide how to most accurately portray your academic strengths when applying to IU Northwest. We understand that standardized testing is not always the best indicator of students’ potential for college success because some students might not perform well on standardized tests but perform well in the classroom.
Review the information below to learn more and decide on the best path for you.
Some applicants may feel that their standardized test scores do not accurately reflect their academic potential. A test-optional admissions policy allows you to choose whether or not your SAT or ACT test scores will be considered as part of your admission review—letting you decide how best to tell your academic story.
In absence of a test score, we will continue to look at all factors of your application including grades earned in academic coursework; performance in dual credit courses, honors, International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement courses.
We do not have a formula for whether or not you should choose to have your test scores considered. However, we are happy to help you fully consider your options. Schedule a 30-minute call with an Admissions Counselor or email admit@iu.edu for someone to contact you.
Yes. There are several groups of students who will be required to provide SAT or ACT scores. Homeschooled students, students who have attended a school with non-traditional evaluation methods where traditional alpha or numerical grades are not assigned, and student athletes subject to NCAA eligibility standards will be required to submit a standardized test score.
International students also have separate requirements for English language proficiency. Visit the to learn more.
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 decide to submit before or after a decision, contact an Admissions Counselor at admit@iu.edu in the subject type: Test optional Decision. Tell us your new decision and submit scores directly from the testing agency.
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.
Note: Your scores will not negatively impact the admission decision.
IU Northwest commits to making scholarship opportunities available to students who qualify, whether they apply with or without test scores. Therefore, we encourage students to file a FAFSA and complete an online academic portfolio to earn micro scholarships through IU Northwest RaiseMe .
Each academic school/College is evaluating their criteria and process for direct admission. However, at this time students with at least a 3.0 GPA, high performance in dual credit courses, honors, International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement courses will be considered for Direct Admission.
