Categories of Admission

Freshman Students-Admission with Distinction

Each year, select applicants for the freshman class include students who have shown exceptional qualities of scholarship, leadership, and citizenship in their high schools. Students deemed worthy of special recognition are admitted "with distinction" to the University. As a general guideline, students admitted with distinction rank in the top five to seven percent of their high school class, achieve a high college preparatory grade point average, complete a challenging curriculum (e.g., Core 40 with Academic Honors), and achieve high scores on the SAT or ACT. Special certificates are mailed directly to the high school in the spring to be awarded to each student admitted with distinction.

Freshman Students-Regular (full-time) Admission

The first and most important area considered for full-time applicants is the assessment of high school classroom achievement. Careful analysis is given to the number of college prep courses the applicant has taken in high school and the grades achieved by the applicant in those courses. Other factors considered for full-time admission include class rank and test scores. Essays, letters of recommendation, and additional information reflecting motivation–while not required–also will be considered. In general, to be considered for full-time admission, students on a college prep curriculum (such as Core 40 or Core 40 with Academic Honors in Indiana) should rank in the upper half of their high school class, achieve aboveaverage grades in college prep courses, and score average to above average on a standardized test. Also, students attending high schools that do not rank or students who are homeschooled will be considered, with additional weight given to achievement in college prep courses and standardized test scores. Students admitted with regular admission status are eligible to enroll in up to 18 hours during their first semester.

In addition, all freshman applicants for full-time admission must take either the Scholastic Assessment Test or the American College Test. Consideration is given to test performance in assessing the candidate’s eligibility for enrollment in the degree programs offered at the University of Indianapolis. International students residing in a country with limited or no access to these standardized tests may have this requirement waived by the Office of Admissions (see International Student Admission section).

Transfer Students-Regular (full-time) Admission

To be eligible for full-time admission, transfer students must have achieved a good overall record and have earned at least a C average in previous college or university work, although individual cases based on exceptional merit may be evaluated by the Admissions Committee of the University. Candidates who have earned less than a C average or who have been on social probation may be considered on an individual basis if they have been out of school for one semester or more. In determining eligibility for enrollment, the University of Indianapolis evaluates the candidate’s high school and university records, related educational experiences, and performance on the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT).

The requirement for the ACT or SAT examinations may be waived if the transfer student has earned a total of 20 semester hours of credit with an overall grade average of C or higher from a regionally accredited college. For transfer nursing students, the SAT/ACT requirement may be waived only upon written request of the applicant and with approval of the Admissions Committee of the University and the School of Nursing.

Freshman and Transfer Students-Advised Admission

Applicants whose required credentials meet most but not all full-time admissions guidelines (as outlined above under Full-Time Admission) may be offered full-time admission on an advised basis. Students offered admission in this category are limited to no more than 12 to 15 credit hours during their initial enrollment and are required to live on campus for one year. This category of admission is intended to help students enroll initially in a credit-hour load appropriate to their preparation and ability and improve their chances for success. The actual credit-hour load is determined with the help of a faculty or key advisor at the time of registration. The credit-hour limit of 15 hours is designed to help students needing to take proficiency courses as part of the first semester academic schedule.

Freshman Students-Contingent Admission

Each year the University offers admission to a small number of applicants whose credentials meet minimum full-time admission guidelines (as outlined under Full-Time Admission) and who, after an in-depth assessment, demonstrate the potential to succeed. Students admitted contingently will be required to fulfill a variety of requirements designed to help them meet the demands of college and reach their academic potential. These requirements include:

Freshman and Transfer Students-Special Student (Part-Time) Admission

Special admission may be offered to students who initially are unable to meet established standards for fulltime admission categories and have been out of high school or college for a period of time. The SAT/ACT requirement may be waived for special admission. Students whose prior university record is below C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) may be required to submit SAT or ACT scores for special admission and normally are required to remain out of school for one semester prior to enrollment at the University of Indianapolis. Special students may take regular credit courses, although part-time load limits usually are imposed. By taking courses on a part-time basis, special students may establish their eligibility for regular admission and enrollment.

The Office of Admissions determines the maximum number of credit hours a special student may take for the first enrollment (e.g., four, six, or nine hours). Special students may take any number of credit hours up to the maximum number for which they were admitted.

After the first enrollment, the special student who has less than a 2.0 cumulative grade point average is under the same restrictions as the initial enrollment unless the student is academically ineligible. (See Academic Ineligibility under Academic Information and Policies.) If the special student has a 2.0 cumulative grade point average or better, then subsequent enrollments would be limited to a maximum of nine hours during Semester I or Semester II or six to seven hours during either summer session.

The special student who has a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above on at least twelve hours of University of Indianapolis coursework (including ENGL-101 English Composition) will be allowed to enroll subsequently on a full-time basis. Any special student wishing to request an exception to an admissions eligibility requirement may petition the Academic Petitions Committee. Petition forms are available in the Office of the Registrar.

Transient (Guest) Students

Persons who are pursuing a degree program at another accredited institution may enroll in courses at the University of Indianapolis. A transient student must be in good standing (not on academic or social probation) at the student's home institution.

Concurrent University and High School Enrollment

The University of Indianapolis offers opportunity for concurrent enrollment to high school students who wish to supplement and enrich their secondary school programs. Enrollment is permitted on a spaceavailable basis in regular day or evening courses at a cost of one-half the prevailing evening tuition rate. To be eligible to participate in the program, normally students must have completed the junior year in high school, rank in the top 25 percent of their secondary school class, and have the approval of their school principal or guidance counselor. Individual cases, however, may be evaluated by the Admissions Committee based on exceptional merit.

A concurrently enrolled student may enroll for a maximum of two courses (six or seven credit hours) in any single semester or term. Full credit is awarded for all courses satisfactorily completed according to the University’s established requirements and procedures. The University of Indianapolis retains the final right of approval for all aspects of the concurrent enrollment program. Should the student enroll following high school graduation, the grade earned in concurrent classes at the University of Indianapolis will be applied to his or her University grade point average.

Audit Enrollment

A student may be permitted to enroll for a class on an audit (noncredit) basis. An audit student must meet the prerequisites of the course in which enrollment is sought. While no official grade or academic credit is awarded for the audit experience, regular class attendance is expected. Students are subject to withdrawal for excessive absences.

Early Enrollment

Students who wish to begin a full-time program of University studies without first completing their high school graduation requirements may seek early enrollment at the University of Indianapolis on an individual basis. The student considering early enrollment should have a demonstrated record of exceptional academic achievement, a high level of maturity, and the approval of his or her secondary school officials. Questions regarding early enrollment should be directed to the Office of Admissions.

International Student Admission

International students typically should meet the same requirements for admission as other students; however, flexibility is incorporated purposely to allow for cultural and educational differences among the many countries represented by international applicants. As is the case for all students, strong emphasis is placed on strength of the academic record of secondary and, if applicable, previous college or university academic achievement.

International students residing in countries with limited or no access to the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) or ACT (American College Test) may have this requirement waived by the director of Admissions or designated admissions representative. Flexibility is permitted in assessing results on the SAT/ACT to allow for any cultural bias from the test. The SAT/ACT requirement will be waived for students who hold the General Certificate of Education (GCE), University of Cambridge Higher School Certificate, or a comparable school certificate, and who have passed at least five or six examinations (one must be in English) at the Ordinary Level (“O”) and two at the Advanced Level (“A”).

In addition, international students are required to submit proof of English proficiency. Students may demonstrate English proficiency by successfully passing the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or another approved examination. A TOEFL score of 500 paper-based (173 computer-based or 61 iBT) or higher is a minimal guideline for English proficiency. This examination requirement may be waived for students who have successfully completed substantial coursework in English-medium high schools or universities or for students who have satisfactorily completed approved English language programs such as Interglobal or ELS centers. For more information regarding English proficiency requirements at the University of Indianapolis, please contact the Office of Admissions.

Finally, financial documentation must be submitted by the applicant and/or sponsor in order for an I-20 to be issued (Indianapolis campus). For more information, applicants should contact the Office of Admissions.