Q: I have applied for the Fall 2020 and am now hearing that I could have applied/want to apply as test-optional. How do I apply as test-optional now?
A: The change is policy to allow test-optional admission is for 2021 applicants. For Fall 2020, IUPUI will continue to holistically consider all aspects of a student’s academic portfolio, including test scores sent directly to IUPUI from the testing agency.
Q: How does a student indicate whether or not they would like to apply as test-optional?
A: Students will indicate on their application to IUPUI, IUPUC, or IU Fort Wayne their intent to apply as a test-optional student. It is recommended that the decision to apply test-optional is carefully considered, as it cannot be changed once the application is submitted
Q: Do students have a better chance of being admitted if they provide test scores?
A: No, students do not have a better chance of being admitted if they provide test scores. Admissions to IUPUI, IUPUC, and IU Fort Wayne is holistic and is dependent on a range of academic factors. If submitted, test scores are one of many factors considered.
Q: Are test scores required for admissions-based scholarships? Is more money available if test scores are submitted?
A: Like admission to IUPUI, admission-based scholarship consideration is holistic and based on several academic factors. For the 2021 term admissions consideration, test scores are not required for freshman admissions-based scholarship consideration. Additionally, more money is not available if test scores are submitted.
Q: Why does one particular IU campus require test scores but another does not?
A: The IU Board of Trustees approved a policy change for Indiana University as a whole that provides each IU campus the option to adopt a test-optional admissions policy. Check with the other IU campuses for their decision as the policy change approved by the IU Board of Trustees is not a mandate for each campus to adopt a test-optional policy.
Q: Does going test-optional mean IUPUI, IUPUC, and IU Fort Wayne are now open-admission schools?
A: No. Admission to IUPUI, IUPUC, IU Fort Wayne remains selective and is based on a range of factors. In the past, test scores were a required factor. Now, students can choose whether or not they want their test scores to be one of the factors used in making their admissions decision.
Q: If a student chooses a test-optional application review and is initially denied admissions, can they submit test scores and be reconsidered?
A: No, if a student indicates that they are applying as a test-optional student, test scores will not be used for further consideration.
Q: If a student chooses a test-optional application review and is admitted but does not receive an admission-based scholarship, can test scores be submitted for admission-based scholarship reconsideration?
A: No, if a student indicates that they are applying as a test-optional student, test scores will not be used for further admission-based scholarship consideration.
Q: Are IUPUI, IUPUC, and IU Fort Wayne going test-optional in response to a decline in enrollment?
A: No, our adoption of a test-optional policy is not related to enrollment trends. We chose to adopt a test-optional policy to expand access to higher education. Research shows that for many students, high school GPA provides the best prediction of academic success, and that for some students, standardized test scores may not show all that a student is capable of or tell the full of story of his or her potential.
Q: What is the difference between self-reported test scores and test-optional?
A: Self-reported test scores refers to the practice of using test score reported by the student on their application for admissions purpose as opposed to requiring test scores be sent directly from the testing agency. Test-optional refers to the policy of allowing students to decide whether or not they want their standardized test scores to be a factor in their admission decision.
