Freshmen
It’s not a fluke that unique starts with UNI.
We believe in your unique potential because we believe there’s really no one like you. UNI gives you the freedom to define who you want to become and discover where you want to go. We explore all the possible ways to help you get there in four years. And it starts day one at UNI.
Let’s get the first question out of the way. Am I a freshman? If you’re in high school or you’ve graduated but never attended college (even if you earned college credits while in high school), you’re a freshman. What does it mean to be a freshman? It means you’re on your way to awesome things. Plus, it’s a cool (16th century) term that means “newcomer.” Here’s hoping you’ll be one at UNI.
1
Submit your application.
You will need to create a university account, known as a CatID, or login using your existing one to get started. Be sure to keep track of your CatID and password which allows you to track the status of your application.
2
Share your unofficial transcript.
You can choose to upload your unofficial transcript directly within the application or by emailing it to us at admissions@uni.edu.
Note: You will need to request your official transcript be sent to us from your high school prior to your enrollment at the university.
3
Pay $40 application fee.
An application fee waiver is available for qualified/eligible students.
Application fee is non-refundable.
Apply using Regent Admission Index
- Admission is based on the Regent Admission Index (RAI) score.
- Self report GPA, core courses and ACT (or converted SAT/CLT) scores*
- See HS coursework requirements below
- UNI's ACT Code is 1322
- UNI's SAT Code is 6307
*Official transcript/test scores must be submitted prior to enrollment.
Apply as test-optional
- Admission is based on a committee review of your high school GPA and core class selections*
- No test scores required
- See HS coursework requirements below
*Official transcript must be submitted prior to enrollment.
No matter which way you decide to apply, students who wish to enter UNI directly from high school must also meet these minimum high school course requirements for admission.
- English - 4 years
May include one year of Speech, Communications and/or Journalism.
- Mathematics - 3 years
Must include equivalent of Algebra, Geometry and Algebra II
- Science - 3 years
General Science, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science and Physics are acceptable. Laboratory experience is highly recommended.
- Social Studies - 3 years
Anthropology, Economics, Geography, Government, History, Psychology and Sociology are acceptable.
- Electives - 2 years
Additional courses from subject areas identified above are acceptable. May include world/foreign language* and/or fine arts**.
*Two years of one world/foreign language in high school with a C- or above in the last course meets the university graduation requirement. The university highly recommends that students fulfill this requirement while in high school.
**Fine arts courses count toward meeting the 15 minimum core course requirements, but are not counted in the RAI calculation.- World Language Requirement
UNI does not require a world/foreign language for admission to the University. However. to meet university graduation requirements, students must demonstrate a level of competence in a world language (classical or modern) equivalent to the second semester at the college level. One year of world language in high school is considered to be equivalent to one semester of foreign language at the university.
Two years of one world language in high school with a C- or above in the last course meets the university graduation requirement. The university highly recommends that students fulfill this requirement while in high school.
Things to Know
When Applying
Complete all the information requested on the application. See that all questions are answered to avoid unnecessary correspondence and delay in considering your request for admission.
Your legal name should always be used. If your high school or college records may appear under another name, give this name also.
You have two options to submit your unofficial transcript. You can either upload it directly within the UNI Application or choose to email it to admissionsprocessing@uni.edu.
After Admission
Transcripts
You’re required to send your official final, high school transcript and any college transcripts (if you’ve taken college credit) to the Office of Admissions prior to enrollment.
For a transcript to be considered official, it must be sent directly from the institution. Transcripts can be sent by email or mail, in a sealed envelope, to our mailing address.
Office of Admissions
002 Gilchrist Hall
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA, 50614-0018
admissionsprocessing@uni.edu
Find more information, visit our transcript webpage.
Test scores
If your official test scores are not included on your official HS transcript, you’ll need to contact the testing agency to send the scores to UNI.
UNI’s ACT code is 1322 and SAT Code is 6307.
Accommodations
Applicants with physical or mental disabilities, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, who wish to request accommodations should contact the Student Accessibility Services at 319-273-2677.
Frequently Asked Questions
Application
- Should I apply as a freshmen or as a transfer student?
If you are in high school and never attended college (but may have taken college coursework), you should apply as a freshmen applicants.
If you have completed high school and enrolled in college, even for one term or less, you must apply as a transfer applicant. Transfer applicants with 24 or fewer transferrable credits must also meet the admissions requirements for students entering directly from high school.
- What are the high school requirements for admission?
The requirements for freshmen vary depending on how a student chooses to apply (with test scores or as test-optional). No matter how a student applies, they must complete the minimum high school coursework requirements to be admitted and enrolled at UNI.
- What are the transfer requirements for admissions?
The criteria for admission to UNI as a transfer student is evaluated on your cumulative grade point average (GPA) from your previous institution. For admission, you must have (or exceed) the GPA required for the number of transferrable credit hours you have as noted below:
1-24 transferrable credit hours you will need a 2.25+ college GPA and meet high school admissions requirements.
24-59 transferrable credit hours you will need a 2.25+ college GPA.
60+ transferrable credit hours, you will need a 2.0 college GPA.- When can I apply?
UNI's application for admission opens July 1 each year. Students who will be or are senior status can apply anytime after this date. If you are a transfer student, it is recommended you apply one year before when you intend to enroll at UNI.
- Does UNI have a priority consideration deadline for admission?
No, UNI operates on a rolling admissions basis. Admission of applicants for fall semester begins in July of the preceding year. Admission for other terms begins approximately 12 months prior to the beginning of the term. Admission offers are issued for a specific term and are valid only for the term specified.
- How long does it take to apply?
On average, it takes 15-20 minutes for students to complete the application.
- When will I receive my admission decision?
Once UNI has received all required information, students generally are admitted within 2-3 days of application. We will send decisions through email first, followed by the official admit packet, which usually arrives by mail two to three weeks after admission.
- Am I eligible for an application fee waiver?
To be eligible for a fee waiver, you must meet one of the criteria and complete the form, both found at this "Waive Application Fee" page.
RAI Score Admission
- What is an RAI Score?
High school students applying to UNI with a self-reported test scores are considered for admission based upon their Regent Admission Index (RAI) score.
To qualify for automatic admission as freshmen, students must achieve a Regent Admission Index (RAI) score of at least 245. Students who achieve a score less than 245 will be considered for admission on an individual basis. The RAI combines factors that predict success: ACT or SAT test score, high school cumulative grade-point average and the number of completed high school core courses.
- What is the RAI Formula?
ACT composite x 3
+ 30 x cumulative GPA
+ 5 x number of years of high school core courses
= RAI scoreNote: For purposes of calculating the RAI, ACT composite score has a top value of 36 (SAT scores will be converted to ACT composite equivalent); 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. ACT superscores are not used in the RAI.
Test Optional Admission
- What exactly does test-optional mean?
UNI will review your application without test scores, with admissibility determined by a committee evaluated of your GPA and course selections provided within your application.
- How do I apply as test-optional?
Applying as test-optional is no different than applying with test scores. You will simply not report any test scores within that section of your application. Minimum coursework requirements are the same.
- Are scholarships available for test-optional students?
There are scholarships available for test-optional applicants. Students do have the option to submit test scores after they’ve been admitted to be considered for additional scholarships.
- How do I submit scores after applying
Providing a test score maximizes your opportunity for scholarships at UNI and allows for more accurate course placement. If you choose a test-optional review because you haven’t had the opportunity to take or retake the ACT or SAT yet, know you can still choose to submit a test score after you've applied. There’s three ways you can do this:
Send scores directly from testing agency (UNI’s ACT code is 1322).
Self report your score to UNI.
Send your score through your high school transcript (check with your school to ensure the scores are included).
- Is a test score required for merit-based scholarships?
Students who apply test-optional will be automatically considered for UNI’s admissions-based merit scholarships based on a holistic review of all other information provided with their application.
- How should I decide wether to submit test scores?
This is entirely your decision. To best guide you, if you believe your test scores are indicative of your academic achievement, we suggest you include them. However, if you have a strong academic record demonstrated by above-average grades in challenging courses, but do not feel your test results are a good reflection of your academic performance, you can choose not to submit them.
If you have a higher test score than when initially admitted, you may submit the new score for scholarship consideration.- Will test scores be required for honors programs?
No, but the criteria varies based on whether or not you apply with test scores. See the Program Requirements page for the full list of requirements for our University Honors Program.
HiSET/GED Students
- What are the admission requirements for HiSET applicants?
To qualify for automatic admission to the University of Northern Iowa, students must earn a minimum total score of 75 on the HiSET. Students who do not meet this minimum requirement will be considered on an individual basis.
- What are the admission requirements for GED applicants?
To qualify for automatic admission to the University of Northern Iowa, students who have taken the GED must have received a score of 170 or higher on each of the four content areas. Students who do not meet this minimum requirement will be considered on an individual basis.
An official score report of an equivalency diploma (for both a GED and HiSET) is required and can be requested from the state Department of Education website.
Additional Resources
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