Moreover, selective colleges have ulterior motives for relying on standardized admissions tests that have nothing to do with academic considerations and everything to do with their bottom lines. The more high-scoring students they admit, the higher their "selectivity" ratings in the college-ranking guides that help determine how many applicants knock on their doors each year.

And not only is sifting through applications based on test scores a lot cheaper than hiring enough people to consider each candidate carefully, but relying on such scores helps skew the process in favor of wealthier applicants, who will not need financial assistance and are likely to donate generously down the road.

If young people find that artificially inflating their test scores isn't enough to get them into a choice college, they always have the option of having someone bribe their way in with a big donation.

Selective colleges are so happy to have their palms greased in such a manner that some make little effort to hide how much they lower the bar for applicants connected to generous alumni and other contributors. To improve their odds of having favors done for them by people in positions of power, many selective higher-education institutions also admit mediocre applicants at the request of state and federal officials.

Admission Standards





Each application is considered on an individual basis. The factors considered include
but are not limited to an evaluation of the following items:





Academic Achievement





Strong Academic Preparation





For country-specific information regarding credential requrements, refer to the
International
Credential Requirements section.



• Freshmen applicants should have completed their secondary education and should have
  obtained their high school diploma or school-leaving certificate. Strong candidates
  have an equivalent 3.0 GPA on the US 4.0 scale. Colorado State will review all secondary
  course work for academic rigor and trends in academic performance. All applicants
  should demonstrate completion of a strong academic curriculum including courses
  such as: language, mathematics, social science, natural science, and liberal and
  fine arts. Freshman applicants from vocational/technical secondary schools not meeting
  course work requirements may not be strong candidates for admission.

Eligibility Index Calculation










The Calculation



The Eligibility index is calculated by either:



• Multiply your GPA by 800 and add your total SAT I score.
• Multiply your GPA by 200.
• Multiply your ACT by 10.
• Add the two together.











Residents






If you are a California high school graduate (or a resident of California for tuition purposes)
you need a minimum index of 2900 using the SAT I or 694 using the ACT.






If you are a resident and your GPA is 3.00 or above you will automatically meet Sacramento State’s
admissions criteria. However, you are still required to submit your SAT I or ACT scores since these scores are
used for advisement and placement in your Math and English courses.













Non-Residents






If you did not graduate from a California high school or are not a resident of California for
tuition purposes you need a minimum index of 3502 using the SAT I or 842 using the ACT.






If you are a non-resident and your GPA is 3.61 or
above you will automatically meet Sacramento State’s
admissions criteria. However, you are still required to submit your SAT I or ACT scores since these scores are
used for advisement and placement in your Math and English courses.

First-Year Students




















We know that the thought of going to college can be both exciting and very overwhelming. Our goal is to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible.




The Application Process




We require four items to complete your application:




• Application: Apply Now electronically or submit a paper application.
• Official high school transcript
• Official SAT or ACT scores*
• $35.00 application fee
• Letter(s) of Recommendation
• Personal Essay (Essay Prompt: Is there something you would like to tell us about yourself?)




*SAT/ACT scores are not required for students who graduated more than 2 years ago




Average Student Profile




As a public university, we are able to maintain both high-quality and access as factors that shape the student body at IUP. From our Robert E. Cook Honors College to our regional campuses (IUP at Punxsutawney and IUP at Northpointe), IUP provides a variety of support services to enable all students to excel academically.




For the 2007-08 entering class:




Average SAT Score: 1000 (Mathematics and Critical Reading sections only;we do not use the Writing section)




Average Cumulative High School GPA: 3.0

International Application




Undergraduate - Freshman





ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS  |  INSTRUCTIONS  |  DEADLINES



The international -- freshman application is for the applicant who is:



::  Seeking an undergraduate degree

::  Not a U.S. citizen (or U.S. permanent resident)

::  Has no prior enrollment at a U.S. college or university







  ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS




Due to the variety of educational systems throughout the world, applications are reviewed
individually by Indiana State University. Consideration is given to academic potential, English language proficiency,
and other evidence that the applicant has the potential for success in university studies.







  REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS




Submit application materials to the Office of Admissions (at right). Applicants normally receive a response within three weeks of all
application materials, including:






1. Completed application
2. Application fee: $25.00 (U.S.) non-refundable
3. Official transcripts
4. Affidavit of financial support
5. Original current bank statement
6. Official TOEFL scores (unless exempt)

5.   Official TOEFL scores



The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is normally required as indication
of English language proficiency. For exceptions, see TOEFL exemptions.





Applicants who are not exempt must submit official TOEFL scores that satisfy the
following requirements to the Office of Admissions, Indiana State University.




• Business majors: A minimum iBT score of 80; a minimum CBT score of 213;
  or a minimum paper-based test score of 550
  
   
  
• All other majors: A minimum iBT score of 61; a minimum CBT score of 173;
  or a minimum paper-based score of 500
  



Intensive language training is available through the Interlink Language Center, if the
applicant's TOEFL score is lower than the requirements listed above.

While alternative English language proficiency measurements may be considered, the
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS (International English Language
Testing System) exams are preferred.




To be considered for clear admission, applicants must present strong
academic preparation and a:





• minimum score of 197 on the CBT, 71 on the IBT, or 525 on the paper-based test OR
• minimum score of 6 on IELTS
  
  
• minimum TOEFL score of 130 on the CBT, 45 on the IBT, or 450 on the paper-based
  exam OR
• minimum IELTS exam score of 5







Note: Enrollment in the Intensive English
Program is required of all conditionally admitted students. Until the Intensive
English Program is completed or a clear TOEFL or IELTS score is achieved, enrollment
in regular University academic courses is at the discretion of the IEP.

English
proficiency

You
must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) to
demonstrate a basic proficiency in the English language. The minimum
acceptable
TOEFL score is 520 with a score of 50 in each of the subtests.
If you qualify academically but fail to meet the minimum English
proficiency
requirement, you may wish to contact WSU's Intensive American Language
Center (IALC) at 509-335-6675 or write to: IALC; WSU; McAllister
Hall, Room 116; P.O. Box 643751, Pullman, WA 99164-3251 or http://IALC.wsu.edu.
If
you complete level 5 of IALC with a "B" average and meet
all other eligibility requirements, you will be considered for admission.




Exemptions



• The
  TOEFL requirement will be waived if you have attended a U.S. high
  school for at least 3 years or if you have earned at least 80
  quarter (54 semester) hours of transferable credits (at the time
  of application) with grades averaging 2.50 (or above) from a regionally
  accredited USA college or university.

Typical Entering Freshman Profile



• GPA: 3.2-3.8
• ACT Composite: 22-26
• SAT Combined (critical reading and math ONLY): 1020-1220




Please note: This is the mid-50th percentile range of entering freshmen in Fall 2007, which means that some students were admitted with higher credentials and some with lower.

Personal Essay Topic Ideas




The University has a compelling interest in promoting a diverse student body because of the educational benefits that flow from such diversity. Your personal essay allows you to express yourself and share the unique experiences and attributes you will bring to Colorado State. You may choose your own topic or address one or more of the following: 



• Obstacles or challenges you have overcome in your personal and/or academic life.
• An experience or event that has shaped who you are and who you want to become, that has allowed you to demonstrate leadership, and/or that illustrates service to others (family, school, community).
• Unique educational experiences (e.g., homeschool, early graduate, overseas study, non-traditional student, etc.).
• Why Colorado State is a good match and/or why you have chosen your particular major or career goal.
• Any additional information you think is important.