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How to Write the Indiana University Bloomington Essay 2023-2024

Located in Bloomington, Indiana, Indiana University Bloomington — often known as IU — is a large public research university with a reputation of being known as a “ Public Ivy .” Offering a more affordable, yet intensive education, IU is a popular choice among applicants who are looking for a rigorous environment. The school is consistently ranked in the top 100 national universities.

With programs such as the Kelley School of Business, the School of Education, and the School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, IU provides students with a wide array of academic opportunity. Beyond coursework, however, the university also boasts an active social life, with a decent portion of its student body participating in Greek life.

IU’s supplemental essay is an important part of the college application process. There is no need to worry — CollegeVine has prepared the following guide to help you tackle this essay.

Indiana University Bloomington Supplemental Essay Prompt

Describe your academic and career plans and any special interests (e.g., 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 completing your education, share those experiences and how you overcame them. (200-400 words).

This prompt is essentially a “ Why This Major ?” and “ Why This College? ” essay combined. Readers are looking to understand which of IU’s programs and opportunities you will take advantage of to further your career. First, discuss your academic and career interests and goals; second, explain how Indiana University specifically would help you reach these aspirations.

The first part of this essay should ideally answer the question: What do you want to be when you grow up? This part of the essay should present a cohesive picture of your passion in a specific academic field. Start off with a personal anecdote that showcases your interest in a single course of study or future career.

Keep this introduction concise, yet vivid, grasping the reader’s attention. For example, you could begin with a description of performing the oboe in a dark, packed auditorium on a bright stage at the state symphony, or the immense pride and relief you feel after distributing the school newspaper you and your staff worked on for countless hours.

Next, detail your accomplishments and experience in this field — remember to show more than tell. Provide evidence of your interest through your actions during a research project or an extracurricular activity. For example, instead of saying “I like both science and art,” illustrate the year you spent researching the brain’s ability to store memories through Dali’s paintings, and how this caused you to view the process of recollection as more of an art rather than a hard science, leading to your desire to study both neuroscience and art history. Not only does this show your interest in both fields, it also implies you are curious and innovative.

This paragraph is also a chance to portray your ability to grow and conquer challenges in your given field. So, rather than writing “I won state for Mock Trial,” describe the struggles you overcame and the growth you experienced in your role as president of your school’s mock trial team. By weaving narration throughout the paragraph, you will be able to portray a more authentic and unique story.

Lastly, connect your aspirations to IU. Specificity is key here. Avoid being vague and general with sweeping statements like “Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business is perfect for me” or “As a student at IU, I could study abroad.” Vague statements demonstrate a lack of interest and lack of effort. Research and learn about the qualities and programs that make Indiana University unique and special to your needs. What are unique programs or extracurriculars at Indiana University, and what will they teach you? What is a quality of IU that is important to you? Avoid generic responses that could apply to any other university.

If you want to be an investment banker through Kelley, describe the focused skillset you will gain from the school’s investment banking workshop, or the network you will create from the small classes and tight-knit community of the Kelley Business Honors Program. An aspiring global correspondent could describe the IU’s worldly approach towards learning and interning in London through the Media School’s “Summer in London” program.

Your primary goal is to connect your accomplishments and aspirations with the opportunities that await you at IU; however, avoid listing every possible activity you could participate in and stay focused.

• Start with a personal, vivid anecdote conveying your interest in a single field.
• Share a narrative of you overcoming an obstacle in this field; provide evidence of your experience in this interest.
• Describe the essence or quality of a program or activity at IU that would help you grow in this area.

Where to Get Your IU Essay Edited

Do you want feedback on your IU essay? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools.  Find the right advisor for you  to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Applying to IU Bloomington

Find deadlines and resources for applying to IU’s largest campus in Bloomington, where you’ll find countless ways to make lifelong connections, pursue your passions, and work toward your goals.

Is IU Bloomington the right fit for you?

IU Bloomington is the heart of the Indiana University family, with our largest campus, our broadest range of degrees and majors, and our most quintessential college experience. Beyond IU Bloomington’s storybook campus and lively, Big Ten college atmosphere is a family-like community, with countless ways to find your place and ample resources and support for any challenge or goal.

IU Bloomington’s unmatched number of academic programs and learning opportunities make it possible to carve out your own unique path to a meaningful career, while genuinely caring and involved faculty and an extensive variety of welcoming student clubs and organizations make it easy to find your place in the larger Hoosier family.

And not to mention: More than half of IU Bloomington students earning a bachelor’s degree graduate without student debt.

More to consider

• 61% of 2022–23 bachelor’s degree recipients at IU Bloomington graduated without student debt.
• Students admitted to IU Bloomington have an average high school GPA of 3.90 (out of 4.0).
• 41% of 2023 freshmen went to high school outside Indiana, and 5% are from outside the U.S.
• All statistics are current as of 2023.

I feel like IU really does a good job of making sure you’re on the track to success by providing different tools, but there’s also enough leeway to have a personal life and to do all the things that you want to do and explore.

Simran Bhandarkar IU Bloomington student

How to apply to IU Bloomington

High school students can apply to IU Bloomington in one of two ways:

• The Apply IU application  
• The Common App (high school students only)

While all these application types are accepted, you should only submit one application. The materials needed and the review process are the same for all applications.

The early action deadline (non-binding) for fall applications is November 1.

The regular admission deadline for fall applications is February 1.

Get a jump start on your essay

All IU Bloomington applicants are required to submit an essay. If you apply using the Common Application, you can use any of the essay prompts provided in the application. If you apply using the Apply IU application, you will need to provide a 200- to 400-word essay using the following prompt:

Describe your academic and career plans and any special interests (e.g., 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 completing your education, share those experiences and how you overcame them.

Start your application

• Apply IU application
• Common App (high school students only)

Qualifying for direct admission

If you’ve indicated a major on your application, you may be offered direct admission to the school or college through which the major is offered. The eligibility requirements differ between schools and colleges.

Learn more about direct admission at IU Bloomington

If you’ve already applied

You’ll hear directly from IU Bloomington about whether or not you’ve been accepted. Here’s when you can expect to receive your decision:

• Early action (non-binding) fall applications: January 15
• Regular admission fall applications: March 15

Consideration for direct admission will be conducted at the point of the initial review for admission to the university. Eligible students will receive notification in their university admission decision. Academic programs that require additional steps or offer a review request/petition process will have unique processes and timelines for direct admission consideration. Students offered direct admission through these processes would receive a separate communication from the school/program.

Create your IU computing account

About two weeks after submitting your application, you should receive an email from IU with your university ID number and instructions for setting up your IU computing account.

With an ID number and IU computing account, you can:

• Check your application status
• Make changes to your submitted application

Other deadlines to watch

For first-year applicants:

• Spring semester admission: November 1
• Summer session admission: March 1

You’ll receive a decision in 4–8 weeks.

IU Bloomington Admissions resources and support

Find where to learn more about different IU Bloomington opportunities and application types.

IU Bloomington admission counselors

Find your counselor

Military and Veteran applicants

Learn how to apply

IU Bloomington cost and finances

Learn about paying for college

Graduate applicants

Visit the University Graduate School

IU Bloomington scholarships

Visit the Office of Scholarships

Second degree or non-degree applicants

Transfer applicants.

Learn how to transfer

IU Bloomington Transfer Guide

Get the info you need to transfer

IU Bloomington Admissions viewbook

Download our guide to IU Bloomington

International applicants

Visit the Office of International Services

I have always marched to the beat of my own drum. I don’t need to do something that is prescribed to me, and now I am able to customize my world. It was such a relief to discover that IU offers [the Individualized Major Program] and, to me, it’s a testament that I picked the right school.

JP Pritchard IU Bloomington student

IU Bloomington Admissions is here to help

Have questions? Reach out to your admission counselor , or contact:

Office of Admissions Indiana University Bloomington 940 E. Seventh Street Bloomington, IN 47405-7108

Phone 812-855-0661

Fax 812-855-5102

Email [email protected]

Electronic transcripts [email protected]

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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.

Download our booklet

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

Start your Apply IU Application

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

Start your Common Application

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.

For fall 2022, the middle 50 percent range for GPA for admitted freshmen was 3.72–4.00.

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 Advising & Major Exploration Services

Advising & Major Exploration Services (AMES) supports pre-business, pre-nursing, pre-social work, and exploratory students. As a pre-program student, you’ll work with AMES academic advisors to pursue the requirements for your intended program. As an exploratory student, you'll get expert guidance to help you explore majors and complete the general requirements needed to certify into a degree-granting major or school.

Learn more about AMES

Learn about direct admission to academic programs

Students who select a major on their application for admission may be eligible for direct admission to that academic program and degree-granting school.

All of IU Bloomington's twelve schools offer direct admission to academic programs. The eligibility requirements for direct admission are different for each school or college. To learn more about direct admission, including how to request review for direct admission, select the school(s) you are interested in:

• College of Arts + Sciences
• Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design
• Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies
• Jacobs School of Music
• Kelley School of Business
• Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering
• The Media School
• O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs
• School of Education
• School of Nursing
• School of Public Health
• School of Social Work

Students who are directly admitted to their academic program still have the opportunity to explore and add additional majors and minors, both within and outside of their school or college. They can even change their academic direction as their interests evolve. You will find your perfect combination!

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—including consideration for the IU Academic Scholarships and the Selective Scholarship Application (SSA)—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

To check your application status, you will need to create an IU computing account. Read below for instructions and to learn more about what you can do after you apply.

Create your IU computing account

Seven to ten business days after we receive your application, you should receive an email containing your university ID number. Use your university ID number to create your IU computing account, which you need to check the status of your application. Please note: The computing account is different than 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.

Check your application status and To Do List

Now that you’ve created your IU computing account, you’ll be able to check the status of your application and view your To Do List in One.IU .

Your To Do List will tell you when our office has received each of your application materials. Please be aware that after your items are received, it may take up to four weeks for them to be updated in your To Do List. Please be patient and check back frequently.

If you receive an email from us asking you to complete your application but you just sent the missing materials, assume that the email was sent before we received your materials or that they have not been processed yet.

To check the status of your application

• Go to Application Status in One.IU and click “Start.”
• Log in using your IU username and passphrase to see the status of your application.

To find your To Do List

• Go to To Do List in One.IU and click “Start.”
• Log in using your IU username and passphrase to see your To Do List.

If you have any outstanding items listed, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed. Please send all outstanding To Do List items to our office or contact us if you have questions.

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 June 1. Note: The deadline has been extended due to FAFSA processing delays.

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] .

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• See admission requirements
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• Learn about AP credit
• Check your status
• Correct your application

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• Learn about transfer credit

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• Learn how to enroll
• Declare your intent to enroll
• Set up your computing account
• Explore housing
• Learn about orientation

Indiana University Bloomington 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Guide

Early Action: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Feb 1

You Have: 

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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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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July 7, 2022

Indiana Kelley MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines [2022 – 2023]

These questions are a straightforward mix of professional and personal. The adcom wants assurance that you have a clear professional focus and a solid plan for making productive use of the Kelley MBA resources. Beyond that, they’re looking for engaging applicants who are willing to share their life experiences and understand what they can contribute. Strive for balance and coherence among the essays overall: use them to present different facets of your character while avoiding contradictory qualities (i.e., you can be a bold risk-taker in one and a tender-hearted soul in another, but not a bold risk-taker in one and overly cautious in another).

Indiana Kelley 2022-2023 MBA application essays

Kelley mba essay question #1.

Discuss your immediate post-MBA professional goals. How will your professional experience, when combined with a Kelley MBA degree, allow you to achieve these goals? Should the short-term goals you have identified not materialize, what alternate career paths might you consider? (500 words)

This question encourages you to present your goals in the context of your experience and to integrate your MBA plans with both. With only 500 words, be selective and strategic about what points from your career to discuss. Also, the question specifies short-term goals. While it would be fine to add a sentence or so about longer-term goals or overall career vision, keep your goals discussion focused on the same time frame the question focuses on: immediately post-MBA. This question is asking for linkages among your experience, your short-term goals, and your anticipated MBA experience, so make an essay plan or outline that forms an integrated message out of these elements.

In answering the last point, continue the linkage approach: the alternatives you identify should build on your experience in some way and be consistent with your expressed career interests. Show that you are adaptable and strategic, informed about the options, and resourceful in your thinking.

Kelley MBA essay question #2

Please respond to  one  of the following short essay prompts.  (300 words max) a. My greatest memory is… b. I’m most afraid of… c. My greatest challenge has been… d. I’m most proud of…

Consider which question will give you the best avenue to both (a) round out your profile and (b) showcase an interesting and relevant aspect of your life and/or experience.

Once you decide on a topic and question , write this short essay in mini-story format. Sometimes the story itself will convey the message and/or insight, sometimes you may want to add a concluding sentence with this information. And be sensitive to the tone and presentation of the question – it really is asking for something engaging, meaningful, and lively.

Kelley MBA essay question #3

Share a brief fact about yourself that your classmates would find interesting, surprising, or noteworthy. (25 words max)

Your topic selection here should balance the topic in essay 2 and reflect another aspect of you. Also, if you choose an older story above, make this one more recent. (It’s fine to have them both be recent, but not great to have them both from far in the past.)

Kelley MBA essay question #4 (Optional)

Is there anything else that you think we should know as we evaluate your application? If you believe your essays and credentials represent you fairly, you shouldn’t feel obligated to answer this question. (300 words max)

This question first and foremost invites you to explain anything that needs explaining (e.g., gap in employment, choice of recommender if not a direct supervisor, etc.). As far as unnecessary points, that last phrase is a polite warning that anything extra must be pretty darn important.

For expert guidance with your Indiana Kelley MBA application, check out Accepted’s MBA Application Packages , which include comprehensive guidance from an experienced admissions consultant. We’ve helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to top MBA programs and look forward to helping you too!

Indiana Kelley at a glance

Kelley MBA average GMAT score: 679

Kelley MBA average GPA: 3.33

Kelley MBA acceptance rate: 31.5%

U.S. News  ranked Indiana Kelley #22 in 2023

Check out the Business School Selectivity Index for more stats.

Indiana Kelley 2022-2023 MBA application deadlines

Source: Indiana Kelley website

Related Resources:

• Why MBA? , a guide to writing the goals essay
• 9 Secrets to Telling an Attention-Grabbing Story
• Applying for Your MBA Through The Consortium: Best Deal in Town

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Indiana Kelley School of Business MBA Essay Guide 2023-2024: Strategies for Success

Indiana / Kelley MBA

The journey toward an advanced degree in business administration often leads aspiring individuals to consider the Indiana University Kelley School of Business for its prestigious MBA program. Renowned for its rigorous curriculum, esteemed faculty, and comprehensive resources, the Kelley MBA experience offers a transformative educational journey for career-driven individuals.

Introduction to Indiana / Kelley MBA

What is the Kelley MBA Program?

The Indiana University Kelley MBA program is an esteemed educational pathway renowned for its excellence in nurturing future business leaders. Designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of business management, strategic thinking, and leadership skills, this program stands as a beacon for those seeking an advanced degree in business administration.

Kelley’s approach to education goes beyond traditional classroom learning. It integrates experiential learning opportunities, real-world projects, and a diverse student body, fostering a dynamic environment conducive to innovation and growth. With a curriculum tailored to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving business landscape, the Kelley MBA program emphasizes adaptability, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making – key attributes essential for success in today’s competitive global markets.

Overview of Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business

Founded in 1920, the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University has garnered a stellar reputation for its commitment to academic excellence and shaping future business leaders. The faculty comprises distinguished scholars, industry experts, and experienced professionals dedicated to providing a holistic learning experience. Coupled with cutting-edge research centers, global partnerships, and a strong alumni network, the Kelley School of Business offers a transformative educational journey that extends beyond the confines of a traditional classroom.

Admission Requirements

Academic prerequisites

Prospective students aiming for admission to the Kelley MBA program need to fulfill specific academic criteria, including a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and satisfactory GMAT/GRE scores.

Work experience;

While not mandatory, substantial professional experience is highly valued in the application process, demonstrating an applicant’s readiness for the rigors of the program.

Application process;

The application process includes submitting;

• Transcripts
• Recommendation letters
• Essay 
• Interviews.

Lets dive into the MBA essay analysis for Indiana / Kelley 2023-2024;

Discuss your  immediate  post-MBA professional goals. How will your professional experience, when combined with a Kelley MBA degree, allow you to achieve these goals? Should the short-term goals you have identified not materialize, what alternate career paths might you consider? (500 words)

Here’s an analysis to help you structure your response effectively:

• Understanding the Prompt : The essay prompt requires you to outline your short-term professional goals after completing your MBA from Kelley. This includes discussing how your current professional experience aligns with these goals and how obtaining a Kelley MBA will facilitate your journey toward achieving these objectives.
• Articulating Short-Term Goals : Start by clearly stating your immediate career aspirations post-MBA. Be specific and realistic about the role, industry, and skills you aim to develop. Highlight your passion and reasons for targeting these particular goals.
• Connection to Professional Experience and Kelley MBA : Demonstrate a link between your past experiences and the skills/knowledge you’ve gained with your future objectives. Explain how the Kelley MBA program will complement your existing skill set, filling any gaps and equipping you with the tools needed to succeed in your chosen field.
• Kelley’s Influence on Achieving Goals : Discuss specific resources, courses, professors, or unique opportunities offered by Kelley that will help you achieve your short-term goals. Showcase your understanding of the program and how it aligns with your career ambitions.
• Alternate Career Paths : While outlining your primary goals is crucial, acknowledging the possibility of unforeseen circumstances or changes in your career path shows adaptability and foresight. Briefly mention alternate career options or industries you might consider if your primary goals don’t materialize and explain how your Kelley MBA would be beneficial in these scenarios.
• Structure and Clarity : Maintain a clear and concise structure throughout the essay. Use a logical flow, dividing your content into sections such as introduction, short-term goals, how Kelley fits into your plans, and potential alternate paths.
• Word Limit and Editing : With a 500-word limit, be mindful of being succinct while conveying all necessary information. Edit your essay thoroughly to ensure clarity, coherence, and adherence to the word count.

Remember, the essay is a chance to showcase your aspirations, your understanding of the program, and your ability to plan strategically for your future. Tailor your response to reflect your unique experiences and goals while effectively addressing all aspects of the prompt.

Please respond to one of the following short essay prompts. (300 words)

• My greatest memory is…
• I’m most afraid of…
• My greatest challenge has been…
• I’m most proud of…

This essay prompt from the Kelley MBA application offers four distinct options for you to choose from, each probing into different aspects of your life, experiences, fears, and accomplishments. Let’s break down each prompt to help you understand what the admission committee might be looking for in your response:

• My greatest memory is…  This prompt invites you to reflect on a specific moment or experience that holds significant personal value to you. It could be an event, a realization, an achievement, or a memorable encounter that has had a profound impact on your life, values, or perspective. The key here is to vividly describe the memory and explain its significance in shaping who you are today.
• I’m most afraid of…  This prompt delves into your fears and concerns. Admissions committees are interested in understanding your self-awareness and how you approach and deal with challenges. Your response should not only articulate your fear but also offer insights into why it affects you and potentially how you strive to overcome or manage it.
• My greatest challenge has been…  This prompt asks you to discuss a significant obstacle or difficulty you’ve faced. It could be a professional setback, personal struggle, or any other challenge that tested your resilience, problem-solving skills, or determination. Emphasize how you confronted the challenge, what you learned from it, and how it influenced your personal or professional growth.
• I’m most proud of…  Here, the focus is on your accomplishments and achievements. This could range from a specific project, a personal achievement, an initiative you spearheaded, or any instance where you feel a strong sense of pride. Showcase the significance of this accomplishment and its impact on your development or the community around you.

When responding to any of these prompts, ensure that your essay is concise, clear, and effectively conveys the depth and importance of the chosen topic within the limited word count of 300 words. Additionally, align your response with the values and characteristics valued by the Kelley MBA program, demonstrating traits like resilience, self-awareness, leadership, and personal growth.

Remember, the goal of this essay is not just to narrate an incident but to provide insights into your character, values, and how you approach challenges and accomplishments. Craft your response thoughtfully to make a compelling case for your candidacy.

Share a brief fact about yourself that your classmates would find interesting, surprising, or noteworthy. (25 words)

The essay prompt from the Kelley MBA application requests a brief fact that showcases an interesting, surprising, or noteworthy aspect of your life. This prompt allows you to reveal a unique facet of your personality or experiences. Here are some steps to consider while approaching this essay topic:

• Authenticity and Uniqueness : Select a fact that genuinely represents your character, values, or experiences. Think about an aspect of your life that distinguishes you from others.
• Relevance to Cohort : Consider how this fact might interest your future classmates. It could be an experience, hobby, accomplishment, or a unique perspective that could foster connections or conversations within the MBA cohort.
• Conciseness : Remember the word limit (25 words). Craft your response to be concise, impactful, and to the point. Every word matters, so make them count.
• Impact and Memorability : Aim to share something that leaves a lasting impression. It could be a surprising talent, a transformative experience, or an achievement that demonstrates your character or skills.
• Positive Tone : Ensure your fact reflects positively on your character or offers an insightful perspective without being boastful or overbearing.

To give you an idea, here are a few examples to answer for the Kelley MBA 2023-2024 application:

• “I’ve summited five of the world’s tallest peaks, fostering resilience and leadership amidst extreme challenges.”
• “As an avid underwater photographer, I’ve captured the beauty of marine life across 20 countries.”
• “Being fluent in five languages has enriched my cross-cultural understanding and ability to connect with diverse perspectives.”

Choose a fact that is genuine to you and allows you to showcase a unique aspect of your personality or experiences that you believe would interest and intrigue your future Kelley MBA classmates. Tailor your response to be concise yet impactful within the word limit provided.

Optional Essay

Is there anything else that you think we should know as we evaluate your application? If you believe your credentials and essays represent you fairly, you shouldn’t feel obligated to answer this question. (300 words)

The “Optional Essay” in the Kelley MBA application is an opportunity to provide additional information that you feel is crucial for the admissions committee to know, beyond what is covered in your credentials and other essays. While it’s optional and not mandatory to respond to this prompt, it can be advantageous in several ways.

Here’s a breakdown and some considerations for this essay prompt:

• Assess Necessity : Begin by evaluating whether there are crucial aspects of your profile, experiences, or achievements that haven’t been adequately covered in your resume, academic transcripts, or other essays.
• Explain Gaps or Weaknesses : If there are gaps in your academic or professional history, or if there are weaknesses in your application, this is an opportunity to explain them. Be concise and focus on constructive explanations.
• Highlight Achievements or Growth : Use this space to emphasize significant achievements, personal growth, or unique experiences that add value to your candidacy but might not fit into the other essays.
• Address Specific Situations : If there were particular challenges or hardships you faced that significantly impacted your academic or professional journey, you can briefly touch upon these here.
• Conciseness and Clarity : Given the 300-word limit, be succinct and clear in your writing. Focus on the most relevant points and ensure that your message is easily understandable.
• Stay Positive and Focused : Maintain a positive tone and avoid making excuses or complaining about circumstances. Instead, emphasize resilience, lessons learned, and how challenges have contributed to your growth.
• Relevance is Key : Ensure that the information you include aligns with the overall narrative you’ve built throughout your application. It should complement your story and reinforce why you are a strong candidate for the Kelley MBA program.

Remember, the key to this essay is to provide information that adds value to your application and gives the admissions committee a more holistic view of who you are as a candidate. Use it wisely to enhance your application, rather than repeating what they already know from other parts of your submission.

Curriculum and Specializations

• Core courses

The curriculum encompasses foundational business courses covering areas such as finance, marketing, operations, and strategy. The program also allows customization through a wide array of elective courses.

• Electives and concentrations

Students can tailor their education by selecting from various concentrations like finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and more, aligning with their career aspirations.

• Dual-degree options

Kelley offers opportunities for dual-degree programs, enabling students to combine their MBA with other professional degrees, enhancing their skill set and career prospects.

Faculty and Resources

Notable faculty members

Kelley boasts a distinguished faculty comprising experts in various business disciplines, providing students with unparalleled insights and mentorship.

Research opportunities and centers

The school fosters an environment conducive to research, housing numerous centers and institutes focusing on different aspects of business, allowing students to engage in impactful research initiatives.

The MBA program provides robust career services, offering guidance in career planning, resume building, networking opportunities, and connecting students with top employers. 

Campus Life and Student Experience

Extracurricular activities

Students actively engage in diverse extracurricular activities, including clubs, events, and community initiatives, fostering a well-rounded educational experience.

Networking events and clubs

Kelley offers a plethora of networking events, allowing students to interact with industry leaders, alumni, and peers, expanding their professional circle.

Career Prospects and Post-MBA Opportunities

Job placement rates and statistics

Kelley’s strong placement rates underscore its commitment to facilitating successful career outcomes for graduates, with opportunities spanning various industries and sectors.  The average salary for Kelley MBA 2023 stands at 165,000USD.

Industry connections and partnerships

The school’s robust industry connections and partnerships offer students access to internships, projects, and recruitment opportunities with leading corporations.

Entrepreneurial opportunities

Kelley encourages an entrepreneurial mindset, providing resources and support for students interested in launching their ventures or joining startups.

Cost and Financial Aid

Tuition fees and expenses

While the cost of the program is a significant consideration, the school offers various financial aid options, scholarships, and fellowships to support students in pursuing their MBA.

Scholarships and financial assistance

Kelley provides merit-based scholarships and assistantships to deserving candidates, making the program accessible to a diverse pool of talented individuals.

Return on investment

The tangible and intangible benefits gained from the Kelley MBA program contribute to a substantial return on investment in terms of career advancement and personal growth.

In summary, the Indiana University Kelley MBA program serves as a gateway to a world of opportunities, empowering students with the knowledge, skills, and networks required to thrive in the dynamic realm of business. The holistic approach to education, emphasis on experiential learning, and commitment to nurturing well-rounded professionals make Kelley a distinguished choice for individuals aspiring to make a meaningful impact in the business world.

Expanded FAQs

• What makes Indiana / Kelley MBA unique? The uniqueness of the Kelley MBA lies in its innovative approach to education. The program not only imparts theoretical knowledge but also emphasizes hands-on learning through real-world projects, case studies, and experiential opportunities. Additionally, the strong emphasis on personal development, leadership skills, and ethical business practices distinguishes Kelley from other MBA programs, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to navigate complex business challenges.
• How does the program support career growth? Kelley’s career services are comprehensive and personalized. The program offers career coaching, workshops, networking events, and access to a vast alumni network and corporate connections. Moreover, the curriculum’s practical orientation ensures that students develop the skills and experiences sought after by employers, enhancing their career prospects and growth opportunities.
• Can international students apply? Absolutely, international students are encouraged to apply and contribute to the rich diversity of perspectives within the Kelley MBA program. Indiana University welcomes students from various cultural backgrounds, fostering a global learning environment that enriches the overall academic experience.
• Are there part-time or online MBA options available? Yes, Kelley offers flexible learning options such as part-time and online MBA programs to accommodate the diverse needs of students. These programs maintain the same rigorous curriculum and access to resources, allowing students to pursue their MBA while balancing other commitments.
• What distinguishes Kelley School of Business from other MBA programs? Kelley’s distinctiveness stems from its collaborative culture, emphasis on teamwork, and commitment to experiential learning. Additionally, the school’s strong connections with industry leaders, opportunities for global exposure, and robust career support services set it apart, ensuring that graduates are prepared to excel in today’s competitive business landscape.

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Indiana Kelley MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines [2022 – 2023]

These questions are a straightforward mix of professional and personal. The adcom wants assurance that you have a clear professional focus and a solid plan for making productive use of the  Kelley MBA  resources. Beyond that, they’re looking for engaging applicants who are willing to share their life experiences and understand what they can contribute. Strive for balance and coherence among the essays overall: use them to present different facets of your character while avoiding contradictory qualities (i.e., you can be a bold risk-taker in one and a tender-hearted soul in another, but not a bold risk-taker in one and overly cautious in another).

Indiana Kelley 2022-2023 MBA application essays

Kelley mba essay question #1.

Discuss your immediate post-MBA professional goals. How will your professional experience, when combined with a Kelley MBA degree, allow you to achieve these goals? Should the short-term goals you have identified not materialize, what alternate career paths might you consider?  (500 words)

This question encourages you to  present your goals  in the context of your experience and to integrate your MBA plans with both. With only 500 words, be selective and strategic about what points from your career to discuss. Also, the question specifies short-term goals. While it would be fine to add a sentence or so about longer-term goals or overall career vision, keep your goals discussion focused on the same time frame the question focuses on: immediately post-MBA. This question is asking for linkages among your experience, your short-term goals, and your anticipated MBA experience, so make an essay plan or outline that forms an integrated message out of these elements.

In answering the last point, continue the linkage approach: the alternatives you identify should build on your experience in some way and be consistent with your expressed career interests. Show that you are adaptable and strategic, informed about the options, and resourceful in your thinking.

Kelley MBA essay question #2

Please respond to  one  of the following short essay prompts.  (300 words max) a. My greatest memory is… b. I’m most afraid of… c. My greatest challenge has been… d. I’m most proud of…

Consider which question will give you the best avenue to  both  (a) round out your profile and (b) showcase an interesting and relevant aspect of your life and/or experience.

Once you  decide on a topic and question , write this short essay in mini-story format. Sometimes the story itself will convey the message and/or insight, sometimes you may want to add a concluding sentence with this information. And be sensitive to the tone and presentation of the question – it really is asking for something engaging, meaningful, and lively.

Kelley MBA essay question #3

Share a brief fact about yourself that your classmates would find interesting, surprising, or noteworthy.  (25 words max)

Your topic selection here should balance the topic in essay 2 and reflect another aspect of you. Also, if you choose an older story above, make this one more recent. (It’s fine to have them both be recent, but not great to have them both from far in the past.)

Kelley MBA essay question #4 (Optional)

Is there anything else that you think we should know as we evaluate your application? If you believe your essays and credentials represent you fairly, you shouldn’t feel obligated to answer this question.  (300 words max)

This question first and foremost invites you to explain anything that needs explaining (e.g., gap in employment, choice of recommender if not a direct supervisor, etc.). As far as unnecessary points, that last phrase is a polite warning that anything extra must be pretty darn important.

For expert guidance with your Indiana Kelley MBA application, check out Accepted’s  MBA Application Packages , which include comprehensive guidance from an experienced admissions consultant. We’ve helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to top MBA programs and look forward to helping you too!

Indiana Kelley at a glance

Kelley MBA average GMAT score: 679

Kelley MBA average GPA: 3.33

Kelley MBA acceptance rate: 31.5%

U.S. News  ranked Indiana Kelley #22 in 2023

Check out the Business School Selectivity Index for more stats.

Indiana Kelley 2022-2023 MBA application deadlines

Source:  Indiana Kelley website

Stay on top of MBA deadlines with the  MBA Admissions Calendar !

[ Click here  to add the calendar to your Google calendar; or  here  to add the calendar to another app.]

***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with individual programs to verify the essay questions, instructions and deadlines.***

Cindy Tokumitsu has advised hundreds of successful applicants, helping them gain acceptance to top MBA and EMBA programs in her 20 years with Accepted. She would love to help you too.  Want Cindy to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!

Related Resources:

• Why MBA? , a guide to writing the goals essay
• 9 Secrets to Telling an Attention-Grabbing Story
• Applying for Your MBA Through The Consortium: Best Deal in Town

This article originally appeared on blog.accepted.com

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Published in MBA , Accepted.com , Admission Consultants , Applications and Blog

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Kelley School of Business Essays for 2023-2024

Are you targeting IU Kelley School for your MBA degree? Then take a look at the Kelley School of Business essays and deadlines for the 2023-2024 application cycle. Reapplicants will note that they remain unchanged from the previous season.

Kelley School of Business Essays

Discuss your immediate post-MBA professional goals. How will your professional experience, when combined with a Kelley MBA degree, allow you to achieve these goals? Should the short-term goals you have identified not materialize, what alternate career paths might you consider? (500 words)

Please respond to one of the following short essay prompts. (300 words)

• My greatest memory is…
• I’m most afraid of…
• My greatest challenge has been…
• I’m most proud of…

Essay Three:

Share a brief fact about yourself that your classmates would find interesting, surprising, or noteworthy. (25 words)

Optional Essay:

Is there anything else you think we should know as we evaluate your application? If you believe your essays and credentials represent you fairly, you shouldn’t feel obligated to answer this question. (300 words)

For more information on applying, please visit the Kelley School  admissions site .  If you need guidance on your Kelley School of Business essays or wish to discuss your MBA plans, reach out for a complimentary analysis  of your candidacy. We’re here to help!

Image courtesy of IT Communications Office (CC BY 2.0)

With deadlines around the corner, you may be interested in the world-famous SBC Flight Test . Once a full set of application materials for your initial school have been drafted, but not finalized, the application will be sent to a former admissions committee member for a one-time review, adcomm style. You’ll have the benefit of a true admissions committee review while still having the ability to tinker and change.  You will receive written feedback within two business days after submitting.

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IU Kelley MBA Deadlines for 2023-2024

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Office of Scholarships

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Selective Scholarship Application

What is the selective scholarship application (ssa).

The Selective Scholarship Application (SSA) is an invitation-only application utilized by a number of departments across the Indiana University Bloomington campus. upon submitting their SSA. To be considered for invitation to the SSA, the student must submit their complete application for admission by the November 1st Early Action deadline.

Upon submitting their SSA, the student's application will be reviewed for select departmental scholarship opportunities by the department that invited the student. Listed below are the participating departments on the Bloomington campus:

• College of Arts + Sciences
• Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design
• Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies
• Kelley School of Business
• Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering Scholarship Programs
• O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs
• The Media School

FAQs about the Selective Scholarship Application (SSA)

We know the process of submitting multiple applications at one time can get confusing, so we have gathered some common questions and with answers to help you navigate the SSA from start to finish. 

What is the SSA?

The Selective Scholarship Application is an invitation-only application shared by a number of schools and programs at Indiana University Bloomington to award selective scholarship opportunities to incoming students. Incoming students must have a complete application for admission on file by November 1st in order to be considered for an invitation to complete the SSA. 

How do I access and submit the SSA?

How to access and complete your SSA:

• Create your IU computing account . You will need your 10-digit university ID number provided in your admission email to create this account. Please note that it may take up to 24 hours to activate your account. Do not log in using your guest account.
• Complete the General (Scholarship) Application in the IU Scholarships task in One.IU. The General Application is used to determine eligibility for many scholarships at IU.. It includes a series of questions and one essay, which should take 60–90 minutes to complete. Log in using your IU computing account (IU credentials), then fill out the application and click "Finish and Submit." Please ensure that you answer all questions thoroughly.
• Complete the Selective Scholarship Application in the IU Scholarships task.  Once you have submitted the General Application, you should select "IU Bloomington SSA", fill out the application, then click "Finish and Submit." You must submit the General Application before you can complete your SSA.

Do I need to have my IU computing account before submitting the SSA?

Yes. To access both the General Scholarship Application and SSA, you must first create your IU computing account . 

Please note that you must also submit your General Scholarship Application before you will be able to access and submit your IU Bloomington SSA in the IU Scholarships task in One.IU .

Do I have to be admitted before being considered for SSA eligibility?

Yes. You must be admitted to Indiana University Bloomington before you will be considered for eligibility to apply for scholarships through the SSA. We do not provide SSA materials to students who have not yet been assigned the SSA.

What is the deadline for submitting the SSA?

The Selective Scholarship Application (SSA) has a submission deadline of February 1st at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. This is a hard deadline, so late submissions will not be accepted. 

Who will review my SSA?

If you are selected by a participating school and/or program, you will receive an official invitation to submit the SSA from the Office of Scholarships. The school and/or program you have been invited by and that will be reviewing your application will be listed in this invitation.

How do I upload my file(s) to my SSA?

To submit files to your SSA, you must follow these instructions: 

• Your file must be in either a .pdf or .docx form.
• Commas, apostrophes, and non-alphanumeric characters outside of a-z, A-Z, and 0-9

If your files's name contains any prohibited characters, or it is not in an accepted form, your document will be rejected for uploading. Once you have ensured that your file meets the requirements above, you will be able to upload your file and submit your application.

Can I use the same essay used in my admission application for my SSA essay?

Can i receive invitation to the ssa if i apply test-optional.

Yes. Many of the schools and programs utilizing the SSA plan to offer potential direct admission and scholarship opportunities to students who apply test-optional. For any additional questions or information on SSA invitation and/or selection criteria, students should contact the participating department directly.

I was not invited to the SSA, but my test scores have improved. Can SSA invitation be reconsidered?

All students who meet the November 1 early action (non-binding) deadline will continue to be assessed for additional SSA opportunities based on updated test scores through January 15, at which time all SSA eligibility review stops to ensure adequate time for SSA completion.

Will my SSA be updated with my new higher test scores that I submitted to the Office of Admissions?

Your SSA will contain the most recent admission application information we have on file for you. If you submit updated test scores, your SSA will be updated to reflect the new scores. Once you submit your SSA, your application will continue to update with new test scores; however, we cannot guarantee that the reviewing department will consider any information that is updated after you submit your SSA.

Who do I contact for technical support?

For questions or technical issues related to the SSA, please email the Office of Scholarships at  [email protected] . P lease include your full name, University ID, and a brief description of what technical issue you are experiencing.

*Your 10-digit University ID number can be found in your Admission notification letter and begins with 000 or 200.

Want to be invited to complete the SSA? Students must submit their complete application for admission to IU Bloomington no later than November 1st to be considered for invitation.

Description of the video:

[Upbeat music plays]

[Video: The iconic IU Sample Gates are shown, with landscaped beds or red and white flowers in front. People walk both towards campus and away from the Sample Gates. The IU trident appears over the top of the video image]

[Words appear: What is the Selective Scholarship Application (SSA)?]

[Video: Cut to aerial footage of the IU Fine Arts Plaza with Showalter Fountain shown at center and the IU Auditorium in the background. Students are grouped around the area attending an outdoor event]

Voiceover: The Selective Scholarship Application, or SSA,

[Video: The screen turns white, then red as the video Zooms out to show an image of a laptop computer. The letters SSA appear with a typing indicator on the laptop screen]

Voiceover: is a straightforward application that is used to determine scholarship awards

[Video: The laptop moves to the left. An arrow appears pointing from the laptop to an image of a money sign in a circle over a diploma before disappearing]

Voiceover: offered by specific schools and academic programs at IU.

[Video: The images zoom backwards and disappear. An outline of 3 people’s heads and shoulder appears on the red screen. The IU trident appears on their shirts.]

[Words appear: Admitted students]

Voiceover: Admitted students who meet certain qualifications are invited to complete the SSA.

[Video: The images and words blur and disappear.]

[Words appear: 3 steps]

The SSA doesn't take long to complete in three simple steps.

[Words disappear]

[Words appear: 1 Create your IU computing account]

Voiceover: 1: Create your IU computing account in One.IU.

[Video: The words slide up and a screenshot of the One.IU task “Create My First IU Account” appears below. Cascading white and red bars wipe diagonally from up left to down right. The words and icon disappear. The screen turns red.]

[Words appear: 2 Complete the General Application]

Voiceover: 2: Complete the general application in the IU Scholarships task in One.IU.

[Video: The words slide up and a screenshot of the One.IU task “IU Scholarships: Blackbaud Award Management” appears below.]

Voiceover: Bonus: The general application is also used to find other IU scholarships you might be eligible for.

[Video: Cascading white and red bars wipe diagonally up from down left to up right. The words and icon disappear. The screen turns read]

[Words appear: 3 Submit the IU Bloomington SSA Essay. The words slide up and the laptop computer image appears below. The letters SSA and a typing indicator appear on the laptop screen]

Voiceover: 3: Submit the IU Bloomington SSA essay in the IU Scholarships task in One.IU.

[Video: Cascading circles appear in white and red. The words and icon disappear. The screen turns red. An image of a checklist on a clipboard appears]

Voiceover: Some scholarships require additional materials.

[Vide: A hand holding a pen appears on screen and the video zooms in slightly on the checklist]

Voiceover: Be sure to check your invitation to see if you need to submit anything else.

[Video: White and red bars wipe across screen from right to left. The screen turns red. A white outline of an analog clock appears. The hour and minute hands swipe around the clock]

Voiceover: And that's it.

[Video: The clock blurs and disappears. An image of a dollar sign in a circle behind a diploma appears. White sparkles appear intermittently around it]

Voiceover: It only takes a little time to complete, and then you will be considered for IU scholarships.

[Video: The dollar sign and diploma fly off screen to the right. A calendar icon and clock outline fly on screen from the left and land at center]

Voiceover: The deadline for the SSA is February 1st,

[Words appear: February 1]

Voiceover: but you should complete it as early as possible.

[Video: The words and icon blur and disappear.]

[Words appear: Learn more at scholarships dot Indiana dot e d u]

Voiceover: Learn more about the SSA and other scholarship opportunities on the IU Office of Scholarships website.

[Video: The words break up into letters. Each letter changes size and moves in a different direction before disappearing. The IU trident appears on a white tab at the top of the screen]

[Words appear: Office of Scholarships scholarships dot Indiana dot e d u]

[End of video]

[End of transcript]

We’re here to guide you

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IU Kelley Petition Tracker 2024

Review requests open September 12th. Parents/students applying under review request, post questions & comments here.

Has anyone seen what the review request essay prompts are? The review request landing page says “You will be asked to submit two essays limited to 250 words.”

Does anybody know if we have to apply to the IU Portal or CommonApp to get our University ID number in order to review request?

The IU Portal has a 400 word supplement, while CommonApp section for IU doesn’t ask for any supplement, so what should I do because the Kelley Review Request Website says you must apply to IU and then get the university ID number in order to review request.

Thanks and let me know, Akshat

Yes, you have to submit your IU app first. Then, the Kelley petition and related essay will be accessible in your portal.

If you don’t meet the Kelley direct admit criteria, complete that as soon as it’s available in your portal…do not wait for IU admission first. If you do meet the Kelley direct admit criteria, no need to complete the petition and essay.

Everyone who gets into Kelley automatically or on review is “direct admit.” Students are automatically admitted if they meet the stated GPA/SAT. Others apply for direct admit to Kelley via the review petition. It is no longer apply and get in line for Kelley in September in case it fills up. It is apply by November 1.

Can you post a screenshot of your IU Portal (with confidential information blackened out?) We don’t see any supplemental essay or a link for a Review Request.

Thank you and good luck!

Does anyone know what it means if we don’t see any link for a review request in the IU Portal even though we have a university ID number? The application was made through the IU Portal and it included one essay (not sure if it is the main essay or the supplemental one).

Thanks guys, makes sense. Do any of you guys have an idea of how competitive petitions are if your SAT score is really close to the DA criteria. My GPA 3.99 (Weighted) and I have a 1340 SAT Score.

It’s competitive. Make sure to make the Nov 1 deadline.

If your petition isn’t granted, you can go the standard admission route after freshman year (assuming you are accepted to IU).

Someone posted this recently in the 2023 Tracker thread. Can anybody verify if these are the 2024 prompts?

Prompt #1 - What has been your most significant achievement in the last three years? Prompt #2 - Please discuss how your lived experience impacts your unique ability to contribute to the Kelley School of Business. OR What is an issue that captivates you? How will you use a Kelley School of Business education to solve a problem related to this issue?

All in under 250 words. There is also “Please inform us of other circumstances of which we should be aware as we consider your request. This is not a space for another or continuation of your answers above. (optional)”

Those are the correct prompts. But to clarify (I misread the above), prompt #1 is required, and prompt #2 , also required, is your choice of “please discuss…” or “what is an issue”…

Each answer is 250 words (again, I misread it as 250 total).

My son has Weighted GPA: 3.96 and ACT: 33 with decent ECs. Does he qualify for Direct Admit to Kelly?. Seems Kelly looks for min 3.7 GPA and 32 ACT. I guess he qualifies but want to confirm. Thanks.

He qualifies as long as the transcripts have weighted GPA.

Thank you, both!

Anyone on this thread know when standard (IU, not Kelley) acceptances will go out? There’s speculation on the other thread that it may be later than typical and they may notify IU acceptance and direct admit at the same time. I’ve got a non Kelley kid and am wondering when she might hear on IU.

Guys does anyone know when I get my university ID number so I can review request? I just submitted my Indiana University application tonight. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

My son got an email with his ID number 5 days after submitting.

About a week

Good to know! He applied on commonapp right?

Thanks so much!

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Celebrating 25 years of excellence

How we continue to push the boundaries of what an online MBA can be.

We turn talented students into the finest professionals

Ranked #8 in the United States, the Kelley Undergraduate Program is setting the standard for business education. With eight business disciplines ranked in the top 10, every Kelley student—regardless of major—receives an exceptional educational experience.

#8 Overall Best Undergraduate Business Program

#3 Marketing #4 Accounting #4 Entrepreneurship #5 Management #7 Management Information Systems #9 Production/Operations Management #10 Analytics #10 Finance #15 International Business U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges 2024

Top 20 MBA Top ROI

With the Kelley MBA, ROI means opportunity

• Transformative professional development. It starts before classes begin with Me, Inc. and continues through our Career Foundation Academies. In two years, you'll gain the skills and polish to launch a successful career in any city—or country (thanks to our renowned career services team, our MBA grads work at top companies all over the world).
• Powerful network. Leverage 133,000+ Kelley alumni—business leaders who can connect you to opportunities throughout your career.

Position yourself for greater career advancement

MS in Management

As part of the inaugural class, you’ll develop practical skills in leadership and strategy for a variety of career paths.

MS in Accounting with Data and Analytics

Pair analytical skills with accounting to get on the fast track to leadership roles.

MS in Finance

Discover the power of complementing your undergraduate degree with finance.

MS in Information Systems

Lead business transformation with cutting-edge technology skills.

Leaders in entrepreneurial education

Kelley is home to one of the finest entrepreneurship programs in the world. Just this year, the world’s leading entrepreneurship organization awarded Kelley with its prestigious USASBE Model Entrepreneurship Program Award— which recognizes “bold and innovative programs making an impact.”

Most influential Black executives

Six alumni of the Indiana University Kelley School of Business are among Savoy magazine’s 2022 Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America.

Savoy’s prestigious list showcases African American men and women who have been recognized for their executive and business leadership in national and global-leading corporations.

Read the story

Kinsey-Kelley Center for Gender Equity in Business

Our partnership with IU’s renowned Kinsey Institute addresses long-standing gender inequity issues in the workplace. Our goal? To advance gender equity in business and to promote safe and healthy working environments free from sexual misconduct, harassment, and discrimination.

Kelley News

Kelley School moves into the Top 10 worldwide in ranking of research activity

The faculty research output from the Kelley School was more than any other school in the Big Ten. The school also was ranked ninth among North American business schools and second among public programs.

Kelley professor finds diversity of experience among board members leads to innovation

Research from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business found that diverse educational, industrial and organizational experiences among managers and board members leads to R&D innovation creating economic and social value.

Kelley School of Business among top schools for management research

The Kelley School was ranked eighth nationally in the latest TAMUGA Ranking of Management Department Research Productivity, which tracks faculty research contributions to eight of the most-influential scholarly journals in the discipline of management.

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