<p>So, I know today is the first day to apply online for Fall 2012 at IU. That's my top choice. As it stands, I have a 3.0 unweighted gpa, a 1770 SAT and a 27 ACT. I've only taken those once. However, I go to the top school in Indiana, take all IB classes, and I am a diploma candidate for the IB Program. I know IU will recognize my school and curriculum level, but I'm worried that my gpa is going to distract from the level of difficulty of the curriculum at my school.
I also want to apply early to guarantee a decent dorm and everything if I get accepted, so I'd rather not wait until second semester to apply.
If it matters, I want to major in Apparel Merchandising. I'm not sure if this is a part of one of the separate schools or not, but if it is, should I apply for direct admission even though I'm worried about admission in general. And if I do, and I don't get in to the school, wouldn't still be possibly admitted to IU with an undeclared major?
If anyone can answer any of these questions, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!</p>
<p>Does your high school do weighted gpas?</p>
<p>Yes, they do, but I’m not sure what mine is. I would assume somewhere around 3.4-3.5.</p>
<p>You really can’t do anything about your high school record, and your ACT score is pretty strong for IU, so I would just apply as early as possible. Maybe do the optional essay, but I think, if you are coming from a school like Carmel, Munster, etc., they will have a good understanding of how tough the competition is there and will give you some brownie points for that. Plus, if you come from an affluent area with a good school, that will help also. </p>
<p>IU goes by the highest reported gpa, so make sure your counselor reports that score. If you are from a good high school, I am sure the counselors know that already. With your 27 ACT and a weighted gpa over 3.4 or so, I don’t think they would turn you down. But is is very important to apply early if you have marginal stats (although yours do not seem low). The admissions counselors at IU have a lot of people to give permission to enroll at IU-- something like 25,000 a year-- so the earlier you apply, all other things being equal, the more likely you will be accepted.</p>
<p>Concerning direct admission, no one applies for direct admission. If your stats are in range, the admissions office will forward your stats and other info to the school for assessment for direct admission in the major you indicate on your application, but that probably won’t happen with your stats. You will just be in the University Division at IU, along with most other freshmen, during your first year at IU. But do indicate your intended major on your application. You can always change your major later, pretty much as many times as you want.</p>
<p>As the parent of a rising senior from Indiana, I can just add what my son learned when he spoke with the admissions rep for our area. He is in somewhat similar situation as you, taking most rigorous courses but a lower than average GPA. The IU rep reminded him that the average unweighted GPA is a 3.6, so a lower GPA must be counterbalanced by the most rigorous curriculum and stronger testing. Sounds like your coursework helps you balance out the GPA and the testing is in the middle range – doesn’t help you, maybe doesn’t hurt. An early application will probably help and, as others have noted, if you are coming from a well-known high school, that will help put your stats in perspective. A good letter from your guidance counselor would be a good idea, plus you might ask your counselor whether a statement explaining anything on your transcript would help or if you just go with the straight, simple application. </p>
<p>As we have all learned, Bloomington can be more of a reach than any in-state residents expected several years ago. Good luck, it is very tough on good students who may have had a bumpier ride to senior year but still are on track for a successful college experience.</p>
<p>The Apparel Merchandising program is part of the College of Arts and Sciences. It’s possible to be a direct admit into the college but designating your major as apparel merchandising on your application is not going to affect your admission into IU. Most freshmen start off as UD students, anyway. </p>
<p>I think that if you do apply as early as possible, IU will take your rigorous courseload and your test scores into account and it can help offset your GPA. Also, be sure to submit your ACT score rather than your SAT score because when you take conversions into account, your ACT score is a bit higher.</p>