Iowa State University
Ames, IA, USA

Admissions

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Key Admission Stats

Institution Type
Public
  • Coed

Need Blind

This school does not consider an applicant’s financial situation when deciding admission

Level of Institution
4 Year
Campus Setting
Small city
0
100
91%
Acceptance Rate
20,357
Students Applied
81%
Transfer Acceptance Rate
1383
Transfer Students Admitted

Admissions Requirements

SAT
Item is not checked
No
ACT
Item is not checked
No
SAT Subject Tests
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Yes
AP Course Credit
Item is checked
Yes
Dual Enrollment
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Yes
Transcript
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Yes

Important Deadlines

Application TypeApplication DeadlineReply Deadline
Fall Regular DecisionMarch 1August 24
Rolling Admissions

The college has rolling admissions, which means applications are accepted any time throughout the year.

Test Optional
Item is checked
Yes
Application Fee
$40
Fee waivers available
Rolling Admissions
Item is checked
Yes

Admitted Student Stats

In-State Students
60%
Out-Of-State Students
38%
US States Represented
54
Countries Represented
86
63%
Submitting ACT
13%
Submitting SAT
Average ACT Composite: 25
0
36
Average SAT Composite: 1220
0
1600
SAT Percentiles

Math
25th
543
75th
680
Reading
25th
540
75th
650
3.70
Average GPA
Students Enrolled By GPA

3.75+
52%
3.50 - 3.74
20%
3.25 - 3.49
14%
3.00 - 3.24
8%
2.50 - 2.99
6%
Students Enrolled By Class Rank

Top 10%
20
Top 25%
44
Top 50%
79
Students Enrolled By Household Income

< $30k
270
$30k - $48k
225
$48k - $75k
359
$75k - $110k
407
$110k+
707

Admissions Resources

Admissions: visit page
Admissions Email: [email protected]
Admissions Telephone: 800-262-3810
For International Student Services: visit page
For Students with Disabilities: visit page
For Veteran Services: visit page

What Students Are Saying

Keep an open mind. when you're meeting so many different people with so many different likes and dislikes be sure to maintain an open mind. When I first decided to come to Iowa state a friend of mine told me to consider doing formal recruitment for the Greek community. I had never really considered myself a sorority type of girl, but my friend told me that by doing formal recruitment it would be a great way to meet people. And not only did I meet some of my best friends, but I also joined a house and I couldn't be happier with my decision. So, in conclusion my tip is to not be afraid to branch out of you're comfort zone, because you're sure to meet some really great people and maybe even some lifelong friends.
Jennifer from Shoreview, MN
The campus is gorgeous, and feels more like a state park than a college. Definitely go to a football game if you get a chance, but stay away from Welch Avenue afterward. Jimmy John's, Jeff's Pizza, and The Fighting Burrito are located a few feet from campus, have delicious food, good prices, make deliveries, and are all open until around 3 AM. Take your parents to Hickory Park when they visit, you'll be glad you did. First year roommate assignments are usually random, so be prepared. Cyride, the bus system, makes it easy to get anywhere in Ames. The guy to girl ratio is unfavorable for men, but every female in that count is hot enough to be a model. Girls, you'll find every type of man you could imagine, and then some. Take the time to meet some of the international students. There are a lot of them, and you can learn a lot from them. The career fairs are huge and bring big opportunities. Always be in attendance.
Nick from River Falls, WI
1. Send in your application as soon as humanly possible ;)

2. Apply for outside scholarships as well as scholarships within Iowa State.

3. Complete your FAFSA as soon as possible.

4. Get involved on campus through volunteering, clubs and leadership activities

5. Take advantage of all the free things on campus like the gym. After all of the great food in the dining halls, you're going to need a way to work off those extra calories during the winter.

6. Try the Honors Program! You won't regret it :)
Kalynn from Davenport, IA
Be prepared to study! It's not going to be easy, but it will be worth it!
Hannah from Ames, IA
Get involved! Whether it's joining clubs, sororities/fraternities, intramurals, or just going out with friends. The first few months are important in finding the people who can help you through everything that college life throws at you.
Emily from Maplewood, MN
One thing I would have to tell prospective students is that they will never get bored at ISU! There are uncountable opportunities! Whether looking for clubs, volunteering, greek life, or just someone to study with there is always someone about doing something.

Don't be afraid of big lecture halls! There maybe a few hundred students in each class but if you have a question, raise your hand and the professor will answer it. If you don't get a chance to during class most professors stay after class to answer questions and also have office hours and you can email them too! Most professors also put up their powerpoint slides online so you can access them as well.
Grace from Vermont
If you are going to attend Iowa State I have a few very helpful tips for you. First, make sure you keep your grades up and stay very involved with extracurricular activities so that you can get some scholarships and so you can continue those activities in college. Second, really get involved as soon as you step on campus because if you don't not only will you be bored, but as many as your advisors will tell you it will be harder for you to get internships and job positions in the future. Thirdly, take advantage of your advisors. So far I have had nothing short of great advisors that are willing to sit down and discuss what I'm interested in and what would be better for me to take with my major and interests etc. Lastly, make sure you are organized with your time for studying, organizations, and friends.
Nathan from Stewartville, MN
Definitely go and visit the campus in the spring or fall time because it's absolutely beautiful! Be prepared for an amazing 4 or 5 years of your life. The only issue I have with Iowa State is registering for classes and having the class times I want fill up so you could easily be stuck with 8ams.
Monica from Naperville, IL
Make sure you apply early! The application opens up in July,make sure you accept your offer of admission and correctly put in data directly from transcript. Also housing fills up quick if you want to live in a specific dorm submit your housing contract ASAP. Like most likely if you submit before January you should be able to live in the place you want.
Student from Saint Louis,MO
Be prepared for rain almost 100% of your time here even if it looks sunny on the moment the next could be pouring.
Itzel from Fresno, CA