Academic requirements
Iowa State is test-optional for first-year applicants. Students may choose whether they wish to self-report their ACT/SAT scores when they apply for admission.
Applicants who choose to self-report their test scores
Regent Admission Index
These applicants will be considered for admission based upon their Regent Admission Index (RAI) score. Below is the mathematical formula for calculating students RAI score:
RAI Formula
|
ACT composite (or converted SAT) score x 3 |
+ |
Cumulative GPA x 30 |
+ |
Number of years of high school core courses x 5 |
|
RAI (Regent Admission Index) |
Note: For purposes of calculating the RAI, SAT scores will be converted to ACT composite equivalents; high school GPA is expressed on a 4-point scale; and number of high school courses completed in the core subject areas is expressed in terms of years or fractions of years of study.
Applicants who achieve at least a 245 RAI score and who meet the minimum high school course requirements will automatically be offered admission. Applicants who achieve less than a 245 RAI score and who meet the minimum high school course requirements may also be offered admission, but their applications will be reviewed on an individual basis.
Calculate your Regent Admission Index
Alternative Admission Index
For applicants who choose not to report an ACT or SAT score, admission will be based on high school grade point average and high school core course requirements. Applicants who achieve an Alternative Admission Index score of 176 or higher and meet the minimum high school course requirements will automatically be offered admission.
Students who submit ACT/SAT scores but do not meet the minimum RAI requirement will also be considered for admission under the Alternative Admission Index.
Minimum high school course requirements
Students who wish to enter Iowa State University directly from high school must also meet the minimum high school course requirements for admission as indicated below: