<p>I just applied online and i was wondering why the University of Iowa online application is so easy. They don't ask for essays, clubs, work experience. Do they basically just go off GPA and ACT? Also, is there a chance I could get into the Honors Program with a 32 GPA and a 4.15 weighted GPA with lots of APs. </p>
<p>If anyone else has nay questions about applying to University of Iowa, I can try to answer them too!</p>
<p>Iowa’s current admissions requirement, based on RAI (i.e., yes GPA and ACT only) is an experiment in simplification. Don’t fight it - consider it the most painless, reasonable application you fill out. It’s a gift.</p>
<p>Iowa is a large public university and doesn’t see much point bogging down applicants with all the requirements of private schools and even some Big Ten schools like UW. Their approach is more like, hey, are you bright? Do you want to come here? Then, we want you. It’s hard to argue with their approach. UW fancies theirs to be a “holistic” approach. Are they really reading those 10,000 applications that closely? I doubt it.</p>
<p>To answer your question about Honors, yes, you’ll be admitted. You are also a candidate for the Presidential/Old Gold scholarships, which require separate application. There’s your chance to write your essay.</p>
<p>Yeah, I suppose that’s true. It’s a simple approach and it really made me chill out about all the other colleges I’m applying to because this was so quick. Alright cool, luckily I have plenty of time to do the Scholarship essay because its only due December 9th. Yeah, coincidentally I am also applying to UW-Madison, which of course has two essays and a letter of recommendation. FUN. </p>
<p>Thanks for the speedy response!</p>
<p>A couple small additions – RAI also factors in class rank (if available), plus # of college prep classes taken. Also, a more detailed special review, including optional essays (and I believe recommendations…not sure) is available to those who think they may not be admitted using the RAI calculation. </p>
<p>I just wanted to clarify this for others who may come along later and read this thread. I agree with Beast’s comments, that Iowa’s approach is no-nonsense. Iowa has a straight-forward and serious, yet caring and appropriately supportive approach to education and to the students.</p>
<p>RWE is exactly right. I oversimplified the definition of RAI.</p>