First Year Applicants

First Year Applicants

Students who have not attended college or university after graduating from high school and wish to earn a first bachelor’s degree are first-year students. Students who took dual-enrolled college coursework while still in high school are also considered first-year students.

How to Apply

1: Complete the Application for Admission

  • The easiest way is the Online Application. Paper application available by calling 574-520-4839.
  • Priority Application Dates for:
    Fall Semester: August 1
    Spring semester: December 15.

Applications received after these dates may be deferred to the following semester.

2: Submit Your Official Transcripts

In order to make an admission decision, IU South Bend needs an official record of the classes you have taken in high school and the grades you have earned. For most students, this information is recorded on a transcript which should be sent directly from the high school to IU South Bend.

You can submit your official transcripts in the following ways:

  • Through an official electronic delivery system, such as Parchment or National Clearinghouse (your guidance counselor will help you understand your options)
  • By mail to IU South Bend Admissions, 1700 Mishawaka Ave, South Bend IN 46617
  • Drop it off in person in a sealed envelope

Students who are home-schooled should submit a transcript signed and prepared by a parent or legal guardian.

Students who have completed a TASC, HiSET, or GED exam may submit those exam results in place of a high school transcript.

Academic records from outside the U.S., such as exam results, mark sheets, and diploma certificates which are not sent directly from the issuing institution must be accompanied by an English translation and an affidavit of document authenticity.

3: Decide Whether to Include SAT or ACT Scores

You may opt whether you would like to include SAT or ACT test scores as part of your application file. If you decide to include your test scores, you may self-report them on the application or submit them at a later date using the Test-Optional Self Reporting Form. You can learn more about Test Optional Admission here.

If you are over the age of 21, we do not need a test option response; no scores are required.

4: Receive Notice of Admission Decision

Most students will be notified about an admission decision by email and/or post within two weeks of IU South Bend receiving a completed application and all supporting documents.

Programs with Special Admissions Requirements

If you are interested in applying to one of the following programs, separate and/or additional information may be required:

  • Bachelor of Applied Science
    Students must complete an Associate of Applied Science in order to transfer into this program. Call Karla Forsythe at 574-520-4346 or write kamforsy@iusb.edu to learn more.
  • Dental Hygiene
    Contact Dental Education at (574) 520-4158 or visit https://healthscience.iusb.edu/dental/index.html for additional admission requirements.
  • General Studies
    Students must have completed at least 30 credits in order to become eligible for this degree program. Additional admission requirements are listed on the General Studies site: https://clas.iusb.edu/general-studies/index.html.
  • Music
    Prospective music majors must pass an audition with the School of the Arts. The audition may serve as a scholarship hearing for Music Talent Scholarships. For more information, contact the School of the Arts at (574) 520-4134 or visit https://arts.iusb.edu/academic-departments/music/index.html.
  • Music Education
    Prospective Music Education majors must pass an audition with the School of the Arts. For more information, contact the School of the Arts at (574) 520-4134 or visit https://arts.iusb.edu/academic-departments/music/index.html.
  • Nursing
    Admission into the School of Nursing is competitive. Those seeking to complete the Rn to BSN program must posess an unencumbered RN license. Please contact the School of Nursing at (574) 520-4571 or visit https://healthscience.iusb.edu/nursing/index.html for additional admission requirements.
  • Radiography and Medical ImagingTechnology
    Contact the Radiography Program at (574) 520-4134 or visit https://healthscience.iusb.edu/radiography/index.html for additional admission requirements for both of the these programs.

Transfer credit you earned in high school or by examination

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