University of Iowa Admission Requirements

If you are considering the University of Iowa as a place of study the admission requirements , know that you are on the right page and you have a great chance of getting in! You wonder why, right? It is because the institution has an 84% acceptance rate, as of 2020. Of course, this is in accordance with you meeting the admission requirements provided by the institution. I know, I know. To meet the requirements, you have to know them right? Well, I am glad you found yourself here, as you will be put through the requirements and GPA you should possess.

University of Iowa Admission Requirements

Before moving forward, you need to know your Regent Admission Index (RAI) and have ACT or SAT scores. As these will be the bases of the admission requirements. For international students, due to the difference in school curriculums around the world, regard is given for non-US transcripts.

The general requirements for consideration are listed as follows:

  1. An RAI of 245-255
  2. 25.7 ACT score or 1230 SAT score
  3. High school GPA of 3.33 and above

You are probably wondering what an RAI is. It is the summation of 3x ACT composite score (or SAT equivalent), 30x cumulative GPA and 5x number of years of high school courses completed in the core subject areas. The core courses (College Preparatory Program) which account for the RAI include English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and World Languages.

Admission Requirements and GPA

Very important to note is that all colleges in University of Iowa have their individual admission requirements in regard to high school core courses. The colleges in question are Liberal Arts and Science, Business, Public Health, Pharmacy, Medicine, Education, Engineering and Nursing. The minimum RAI ranges from 245-255. 

Next consideration is your ACT or SAT score. As of 2022, the University of Iowa has put a waiver on SATs. If you do not have it, that is fine, however, if you do, filling it in your application will not be a bad idea (especially if your scores are high). Without any of these scores on your application, requirements may be made for additional academic documents, transcripts or a personal statement. If after sending in your application, you decide to update your scores, there is a chance to. Do that with no reservations, as it will not negatively influence your admission opportunity. This is according to Fall 2022 admission requirements. 

With regards to scholarships, should you have test scores 25.7 ACT or 1230 SAT and above, your chances are higher at your application being considered than without the scores. 

Your high school GPA is a major prerequisite. In a 4.0 scale, the requirement is 3.76 and above, implying grades should be in the range of As and Bs. 

However, all eight colleges have their specific admission requirements. All of which are given below.

College of Liberal Arts and Science

The College of Liberal Arts and Science is the central undergraduate college at the institution. The college works with other colleges in the University of Iowa. For instance, the Carver College of Medicine and College of Pharmacy insist on you starting from the College of Liberal Arts and Science for two years before entering them. 

The high school course requirements include: 4years of English, 

  2years of World Languages, 

  3years of Natural Sciences, 

  3years of Social Studies, 

  2years of Algebra, 

  1year of Geometry

These with an RAI score of 245 for residents and 255 for non-residents. The ACT and SAT scores remain as stated above. 

College of Engineering

The high school course requirements for this Lowa university admission include the same as that for College of Liberal Arts and Science with the difference of 2years Social Studies and 1year Higher Mathematics. Your RAI score should be 265 or higher with a high school GPA of 3.33 or higher. If you were homeschooled, your GPA, ACT or SAT and courses taken in high school will be considered. 

College of Nursing

The University of Iowa College of Nursing is ranked as one of the best in the United States of America, therefore admissions are competitive. The high school course requirements are the same as that of Liberal Arts and Science. With an ACT score of 28 and above or SAT score of 1300 and above. High school GPA required is 3.80 and above.

College of Public Health

An RAI score of 265 or higher is required with a GPA of 3.33 and above. The high school course requirements are the same as the College of Liberal Arts and Science. 

College of Education

The RAI score and high school course requirements are the same as College of Liberal Arts and Science, with a GPA of 3.00 and above.

College of Pharmacy

You should meet the requirement to get into the College of Liberal Arts and Science. Other requirements include ACT score of 25, SAT score of 1200 and a high school GPA of 3.8.

Carver College of Medicine

Here you are expected to first apply for College of Liberal Arts and Science as Pre-clinical Laboratory science, pre-radiation science or pre-nuclear medicine technology.

Tippie College of Business

Your high school course requirements are the same as the College of Liberal Arts and Science. However, you need an ACT score of 26, SAT score of 1230 and a GPA of 3.60

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, should you see the University of Iowa as a prospective institution of study, the above requirements will be necessary for you to meet for admission. I wish you success through your application!

Frequently Asked Questions 

  1. Does the University of Iowa prefer ACT to SAT?

The institution does not have a preference. You can submit either an ACT or SAT score.

  1. What is my chance of getting into the institution?

That should be roughly 84%, as this is the admission rate based on applications.

  1. What is the required SAT score?

1230 and above, depending on the colleges.

  1. What is the required ACT score?

25 and above, depending on colleges applied to.

  1. What is the required high school GPA?

3.0 and above, as the colleges require.