university of iowa admission essay

Iowa Admissions

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When Should I Apply?

As we get closer to August and the start of the next school year, one of the most common questions we see from students is “when can/should I apply?”. With so many different application open dates, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or confused.

So, when should you apply to the University of Iowa?

The simple answer is the fall of your senior year .

Now for the long answer: the University of Iowa doesn’t have an official “open date” for our application. We make admissions decisions on a rolling basis beginning late August, which means we provide decisions as they’re ready as opposed to waiting for a set date. For example, if you apply on August 1, you may have to wait until the end of the month or September for your decision. However, if you apply in October, your decision could be available in just a couple of weeks.

One thing to note here is that Iowa accepts applications through our own application as well as the Common Application . Both the University of Iowa application and the Common Application open August 1.

Is there an advantage to applying early?

Yes, and no. Beginning in 2021, Iowa implemented a November 1 Early Action deadline. This is not a binding agreement, but rather the date to maximize opportunities for college and/or department scholarships, honors program applications, housing applications, and other institutional deadlines. Basically, if you apply by November 1, you’ll be in the best position to be a Hawkeye!

Beyond making sure you have your application in prior to our deadlines (which vary based on department, interest, etc.), there is no benefit to applying the first day possible.

We encourage you to take your time and put your best foot forward on your application!

One other thing to remember: all three public Iowa universities use the Regent Admission Index (RAI) to inform admissions decisions*. The RAI is a formula to gauge whether you are admissible to the university. Learn more about the RAI here .

Still have questions? Our admissions counselors are always available to provide answers, insight, and guidance as you apply to college.

We’re so excited you’re considering being a Hawkeye!

*The RAI is subject to change as decided by the Board of Regents

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IOWA UPDATE

Iowa update.

Information for High School and Community College Educators

University of Iowa now available on the Common Application

Starting this fall, the University of Iowa will be an option for students applying for college through the Common Application.

The University of Iowa will now provide four options for students to apply: the Common Application, the Coalition Application, the Iowa Public Universities Application Portal, and our traditional institutional application.  The Office of Admissions does not prefer one method of application over another and hopes that this additional application option will facilitate an easier application process for students.

Here are a few specific details about applying to the University of Iowa via the Common Application:

• Essays and Letters of Recommendation will not be required for students applying to Iowa via the Common Application just as they are not required through our institutional application.
• Students will self-report GPA, number of core course units completed and ACT/SAT test scores within the Common Application. The Courses and Grades section will not be used to submit this information.
• The Common Application requires school officials to upload a grade report for all students applying through the application. On the traditional institutional application, the University of Iowa does not typically ask for a grade report prior to a student’s decision to enroll. Admission decisions at Iowa are made using self-reported information provided by the student at the time of application.

The Common App allows students to have access to more than 800 colleges and universities from 49 U.S. states and 19 countries. One-third of the more than one million Common App applicants are the first in their family to pursue a college degree.

By becoming a Common App member, the University of Iowa will increase college access and help simplify the financial aid process for prospective students as the Common App provides applicants the opportunity to enter financial aid information into the application, streamlining the process for need-based fee waivers.

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University of Iowa Requirements for Admission

What are University of Iowa's admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

• GPA requirements
• Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
• Application requirements

In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into University of Iowa and build a strong application.

School location: Iowa City, IA

Admissions Rate: 82.6%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at University of Iowa is 82.6% . For every 100 applicants, 83 are admitted.

This means the school is lightly selective . The school will have their expected requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores. If you meet their requirements, you're almost certain to get an offer of admission. But if you don't meet University of Iowa's requirements, you'll be one of the unlucky few people who gets rejected.

We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies . We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools , from state colleges to the Ivy League.

We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools.

Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.

University of Iowa GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 3.81

The average GPA at University of Iowa is 3.81 .

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.

With a GPA of 3.81, University of Iowa requires you to be near the top of your class , and well above average. Your transcript should show mostly A's. Ideally, you will also have taken several AP or IB classes to show that you can handle academics at a college level.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

University of Iowa SAT Requirements

Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school's average score.

Average SAT: 1235

The average SAT score composite at University of Iowa is a 1235 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes University of Iowa Competitive for SAT test scores.

University of Iowa SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1140, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1330. In other words, a 1140 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1330 will move you up to above average .

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SAT Score Choice Policy

The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.

University of Iowa has the Score Choice policy of "Highest Sitting."

This means that you can choose which SAT tests you want to send to the school. Of all the scores they receive, your application readers will consider the SAT score from your single highest test date (the sum of math, reading, and writing).

This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and University of Iowa only considers your highest score on a single test date, you can take the SAT as many times as you want, then submit your strongest score. Your application readers will only see that one score.

Therefore, if your SAT score is currently below a 1140, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it . You don't have much to lose, and you can potentially raise your score and significantly boost your chances of getting in.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

University of Iowa ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, University of Iowa likely doesn't have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.

Average ACT: 26

The average ACT score at University of Iowa is 26. This score makes University of Iowa Moderately Competitive for ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 22, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 29.

ACT Score Sending Policy

If you're taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.

Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.

This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 22 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you're happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.

ACT Superscore Policy

By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.

We weren't able to find the school's exact ACT policy, which most likely means that it does not Superscore. Regardless, you can choose your single best ACT score to send in to University of Iowa, so you should prep until you reach our recommended target ACT score of 22.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and ACT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

University of Iowa considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

Final Admissions Verdict

Because this school is lightly selective, you have a great shot at getting in, as long as you don't fall well below average . Aim for a 1140 SAT or a 22 ACT or higher, and you'll almost certainly get an offer of admission. As long as you meet the rest of the application requirements below, you'll be a shoo-in.

But if you score below our recommended target score, you may be one of the very few unlucky people to get rejected.

Admissions Calculator

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are. Pick your test: SAT ACT

• 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
• 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
• 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
• 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
• 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in

How would your chances improve with a better score?

Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?

At PrepScholar, we've created the leading online SAT/ACT prep program . We guarantee an improvement of 160 SAT points or 4 ACT points on your score, or your money back.

Here's a summary of why we're so much more effective than other prep programs:

• PrepScholar customizes your prep to your strengths and weaknesses . You don't waste time working on areas you already know, so you get more results in less time.
• We guide you through your program step-by-step so that you're never confused about what you should be studying. Focus all your time learning, not worrying about what to learn.
• Our team is made of national SAT/ACT experts . PrepScholar's founders are Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers . You'll be studying using the strategies that actually worked for them.
• We've gotten tremendous results with thousands of students across the country. Read about our score results and reviews from our happy customers .

There's a lot more to PrepScholar that makes it the best SAT/ACT prep program. Click to learn more about our program , or sign up for our 5-day free trial to check out PrepScholar for yourself:

Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We'll cover the exact requirements of University of Iowa here.

Application Requirements Overview

• Common Application Not accepted
• Electronic Application Available
• Essay or Personal Statement
• Letters of Recommendation
• Interview Not required
• Application Fee $40
• Fee Waiver Available? Available
• Other Notes Minimum Regent Admission Index (RAI) requirement of 245 for residents, 255 for nonresidents required for freshmen

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT Required
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
• SAT Subject Tests
• Scores Due in Office May 1

Coursework Requirements

• Subject Required Years
• Foreign Language 2
• Social Studies 3

Deadlines and Early Admissions

• Offered? Deadline Notification
• Yes May 1 August 1
• Yes November 1

Admissions Office Information

• Address: 101 Iowa City, IA 52242-1316
• Phone: (319) 335-3500
• Fax: (319) 335-1535
• Email: [email protected]

Our Expert's Notes

We did more detailed research into this school's admissions process and found the following information:

You will apply to Liberal Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering, Nursing, Education, Pharmacy, or Medicine colleges. Application requirements vary by program. For more info on specific colleges, see this page. For the Liberal Arts and Sciences college, you must meet the minimum high school course requirements and have a Regent Admission Index of at least 245 for Iowa residents and 255 for out-of-state students. (For more on RAI and how to calculate yours, see this page. )

There are various scholarships available. Most are considered automatically, but for the Presidential Scholarship you need at least a 30 ACT (or a combined SAT Critical Reading and Math score of 1330) AND a 3.80 grade-point average (GPA) on a 4.00 scale, as well as a separate application. More on scholarships here.

• a GPA of 3.8 or higher and ACT composite of 27 or higher,
• ORa GPA of 3.7 or higher and ACT composite of 30 or higher
• a GPA of 3.8 or higher and ACT composite of 30 or higher.

If you don't meet those minimums but want to be considered, you can submit an appeal consisting of a personal statement, letter of recommendation, and your transcript, by May 1. Learn more about honors here.

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in University of Iowa, you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. We've divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to University of Iowa.

Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than University of Iowa. If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

If you're competitive for University of Iowa, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for University of Iowa, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If University of Iowa is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.

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University of Iowa

Cost & scholarships.

• Essay prompt

Your chances

Acceptance rate, acceptance rate breakdown, applicant breakdown, average net cost after aid.

Published costs and averages can be misleading: they don’t fully account for your family’s finances (for financial aid) or your academic profile (for scholarships).

Want to see your personalized net cost after financial aid and scholarships?

Applications

How to apply, tests typically submitted, enrolled breakdown by gender, race & ethnicity diversity, special academic offering, study abroad, credit for ap exams, offers graduate degree, academic and career counseling, similar schools.

Honors at Iowa

Essay writing tips.

Answer the question.

This may seem like an obvious one, but we sometimes receive responses to questions we have not asked. This should be a new essay you have written about your self specifically in response to our prompt.

Do not reuse common application or scholarship essays you have already written - it should be evident that you wrote a new essay in response to the question we have asked.

Use the space you are given.

We ask for a maximum of 750 words, but have not specified a minimum. While we see great essays at a variety of lengths, students who reach less than two thirds of the maximum words typically have not engaged with the essay prompt in a way that helps us get to know them (or that answers the question ). 

Remember that we want to get to know you.

Most of our applicants will have good grades and scores, so we rely on your essay to get a sense of who you are. This is how you stand out. In reviewing your essay before submission, ask yourself 'could this essay be written only by myself or could it have been written by anyone?' We are not looking for anything in particular when we read your application except getting to know you as a person. Be genuine. The essay should reflect what you want to write, not what you think we want to hear.

No really, what makes this essay unique is you.

Self-reflection is a large component of the Honors Program. We will be looking for some reflection in your essay. This has the dual benefit of making the essay truly, uniquely yours. Another cannot author your self-reflection. 

Stay away from absolutes.

Avoid words like "always", "never", and "no one/everyone." They can kill an otherwise sound argument and potentially divert the reader’s focus from the topic at hand to finding the exceptions, often weakening important and well-informed points.

Do not conclude by pandering.

Your conclusion does not need an explicit statement along the lines of "And this is why I'm looking forward to all the opportunities in the honors program" or "And that's why I'm excited to be a Hawkeye". It's great that you're excited to join our community, but we take your engagement with the application, as it's written (i.e. follow the instructions), as your statement of interest.

Enjoy it! (No, really!)

Believe it or not, we do not ask for an essay just to make you write. We hope the essay can be an outlet for you to explore your own mind. Don't worry about proving anything to us, other than the fact that you are human - There is no right answer! Dig deep and have fun.

Lastly, proofread!

Revise! When you think you are done, revise once more!

College of Nursing

Standard Admission: Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Prelicensure

The next deadline for Standard Admission is February 27, 2025 for study beginning in January 2026. Eligible students will have access to the College of Nursing Supplemental Application on the Admission Profile on or after December 1, 2024. 

If you have questions, please email [email protected]

STANDARD ADMISSION FOR THE PRE-LICENSURE BSN

The College of Nursing recognizes that not all students have completed the requirements for direct admission out of high school and that there are many students who change their majors or pursue a second degree in nursing. The college is committed to offering an equal number of seats to students who follow this pathway. This program is competitive. Students must meet the minimum criteria noted below to be considered for admission to the pre-licensure undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Please note that meeting the requirements does not guarantee admission. Each application is holistically reviewed by faculty. Admission will be offered conditionally pending completion of all requirements.

Students who enroll at the University of Iowa as Nursing Interest students, or transfer students earn admission to the College of Nursing via the Standard Admission process. These students must complete designated prerequisites and apply for admission to the college after or while completing the final prerequisites for the nursing major.

The College of Nursing will admit a cohort of up to 84 students who begin the nursing major each spring semester. Students who choose the University of Iowa directly out of high school will have five semesters to complete prerequisite courses. These students should anticipate a minimum 4.5-year plan of study.

Eligibility Application Process Application Deadlines Admission TOEFL Requirements Transfer Students

Eligibility for standard admission to the college of nursing, eligibility requirements for all standard admission applicants starting study in spring 2026 (apply in spring 2025) and later:, student must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative gpa;, student must be on track to complete a minimum of 48 s.h. at the end of application semester;, student must have completed the following natural science* prerequisites (or comparable courses) with a grade of “c” (2.0) or higher: .

• CHEM:1070 Gen Chem I 
• CHEM:1080 Gen Chem II 
• BIOL:1141 Human Bio: Health Professions 
• ACB:3110 Principles of Human Anatomy 
• HHP:1300 Fundamentals of Physiology 
• MICR:3164 Microbiology for Health Professions 
• HHP:2310 Nutrition & Health 

*All natural sciences must have been completed within 10 years of matriculation (enrollment) in the nursing major. 

Completion of at least one of the following social science prerequisites (or comparable courses) with a grade of “C” (2.0) or higher: 

• PSY:1001 Elementary Psychology 
• NURS:1030 Human Development & Behavior 
• SOC:1010 Intro to Sociology OR SOC:1030 Contemporary Social Problems 

Students must complete ALL prerequisites and degree requirements except nursing courses prior to enrollment/matriculation in the nursing major. A comprehensive list of prerequisites can be found here . These include:

General education courses (1 of each) in:.

• Literary, Visual and Performing Arts (LVPA)
• International and Global Issues (IGI)
• Values & Culture (VC) or Diversity & Inclusion (DI) – Note - Diversity & Inclusion courses are only available at the University of Iowa

Other courses:

• STAT:1020 Elementary Statistics and Inference
• RHET:1030 Rhetoric
• NURS:3111 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Health Professions

All high school requirements must be completed; deficiencies in high school can be satisfied with collegiate course work.

World language requirement must be completed. applicants for whom english is not the first language please see toefl information below.  , current university of iowa students should verify all requirements are met by reviewing their degree audit., application process.

Current University of Iowa students should fill out the Change of College application located in MyUI . These students should work closely with their academic advisor to ensure they are on target for meeting all of the eligibility and admission requirements.

New transfer students should fill out the transfer application to the University of Iowa and select the College of Nursing. Click on the Transfer Admission Application to begin. Note that we only accept Standard Admission applications for the spring semester.

The Change of College and New Transfer application will open each cycle on December 1 .

All complete Standard Admission applications will be reviewed by the faculty admission committee. Admission is competitive, thus meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

APPLICATION COMPONENTS FOR STANDARD ADMISSION

The Nursing application includes several essay questions and an opportunity to share about your activities, and work and/or volunteer experiences.

The essay questions are a very important part of your application. We recommend you prepare responses in a separate document (using Microsoft Word or a similar program) and paste them into the supplemental application. Preparing your response in a separate document will allow you to check your spelling and save your responses should you want to refer to them at a later date. Each essay question has a 1,500-character limit. A space is considered a character.

The Nursing application includes an opportunity to share about your activities and work and/or volunteer experiences. Applicants are encouraged to share several activities they have been involved in within the past five years with the faculty review committee as this information is an equally important part of the faculty review process.

As you respond to the essays and share activities, work, or volunteering experiences, be sure to articulate how these opportunities have developed you as a person and how this contributes to your ability to be a nurse in the future.

In addition to the written application for Standard Admission, eligible students will be required to complete an interview with members of the Admissions Committee. Invitations to schedule an interview will be sent to students after the deadline for the written application.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

The application deadline is February 27 (typically during a student’s second year).

In order for an application to be reviewed, students must meet all of the eligibility criteria and submit official transcripts. Transcripts must be received at the University of Iowa Office of Admissions by February 27 .

Please have official transcripts mailed to:

     Enrollment Management     2900 University Capitol Centre     201 S. Clinton St.     Iowa City, IA 52242 Electronic transcripts can be sent to [email protected] ; however, for transcripts to be considered official, they must be sent directly from the student’s school.

Students are typically notified of admission decisions in early summer.

FACTORS CONSIDERED FOR ADMISSION

The following factors are considered by the admissions committee while reviewing applications. This list is not all inclusive. It is in alphabetical order and does not designate order of importance:

• Academic Preparation, including GPA
• Advanced Placement/Honors/Dual Enrollment Credit
• Demonstrated commitment of service to others
• Contribution to the College of Nursing commitment to diversity and inclusion
• Essay responses
• Experience that develops qualities that contribute to becoming a nurse
• Experience in caregiving
• Military service
• Understanding of Professional Nursing Practice

POSSIBLE FALL START In the rare event that seats become available in a fall-start cohort, the College of Nursing will consider offering a fall start to students who have applied and been selected for admission for Standard Admissions for the spring session and who meet the following criteria:

• Meet all published admissions standards, including a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
• Have a minimum of 90 s.h. earned toward a degree, or have already earned a non-nursing undergraduate bachelor’s degree
• Have completed all prerequisites, including DEI for Health Professions, general education coursework, world language, and the physics requirement by June 1 of the application period

If you meet these criteria, please contact your academic advisor for guidance in developing an appropriate plan of study.

TOEFL REQUIREMENT FOR ADMISSION TO THE COLLEGE OF NURSING

International students seeking admission into the College of Nursing for either Direct Admission or Standard Admission must meet the requirements listed for that pathway. International students who are citizens of a country in which English is not the official language also are required to complete the following:

• For students (early admission or transfer) who are new to the University of Iowa and admitted directly to the College of Nursing as a pre-licensure BSN student, a score of 100 on the iBT TOEFL is required.
• University of Iowa students who are interested in studying nursing at Iowa, but have not yet earned admission to the College of Nursing must present a minimum iBT of 80 with no subscore lower than 17, and complete the English Proficiency Evaluation (unless they have a TOEFL score of 100 or higher on the iBT). Students may be required to complete English as a Second Language course work if specified as a result of the English Proficiency Evaluation. If such course work is required, it must be completed prior to the start of the nursing major.
• Exemptions may be granted for persons who have completed a bachelor’s degree (or higher) at an accredited university in the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada (excluding French Quebec), Africa (English speaking), Australia, or New Zealand.

TRANSFER STUDENTS

PLANNING FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS Students who are completing pre-requisites for the pre-licensure BSN program at a different college/university should begin with a transcript evaluation. This information from this free service will be invaluable to you as you prepare to meet the requirements for time of application and time of matriculation (enrollment) in our program should you be selected for admission.

Transcript Evaluation:

• Collect transcripts from all institutions where you have completed collegiate coursework. Scan the documents so that they can be attached to an email (pdf preferred). For a transcript evaluation, we do not need to see official transcripts. When you apply for admission, official transcripts will be required.
• Send an email to [email protected] and attach all transcripts. Please write "Transcript Evaluation Request" and your name in the subject line.
• In the text of the email, please note whether you completed one year of physics in high school, the number of years of which world (foreign) language that you completed in high school, and the list names of all institutions where you have completed collegiate coursework.
• An evaluation will be completed and returned to you electronically. 

Finding Comparable Courses: To search and identify comparable courses at another institution, please utilize our transfer equivalency database, which is available at  myui.uiowa.edu/my-ui/courses/transfer   Or see our College of Nursing Transfer Guides for course equivalencies at select Iowa and Illinois community colleges.

Questions? Please contact the college's advising staff in the Felton Student Success Center in the College of Nursing at 319-335-8216 or [email protected]

College of Law

Juris Doctor (JD) Apply

Why apply to iowa law.

Iowa Law is an ideal place to study law: small enough that your professors will know you well, yet large enough to be nationally renowned and a launchpad for opportunity. We have a reputation for producing lawyers who are highly skilled and successful—and who display an exemplary level of professionalism.  With an Iowa Law degree, you’ll be more than an advocate or attorney: you’ll be a trusted counselor at law for your clients, your colleagues, and your community.

Welcome to Iowa Law

Explore our digital viewbook to learn more about the JD program, stats, and the people of Iowa Law.

Explore your interests

The Writing Law School

Experiential Learning

Standards of admission.

Iowa Law reads every application for admission in its entirety to determine an applicant’s suitability for admission. Two criteria of primary importance are the Cumulative Undergraduate Grade Point Average, and performance on the standardized test (most commonly the LSAT). Iowa Law recognizes that these numbers do not always accurately reflect an applicant’s potential. Iowa Law assesses an applicant’s ability to succeed in the study of law, to develop skills as a leader, and to enrich the learning experience of fellow students by using a “numbers-plus” practice to evaluate an applicant’s suitability for admission.  Grades and test scores are not disregarded; they are considered along with other non-quantifiable factors that provide a complete picture of an applicant’s overall potential for the study and practice of law.

Additional factors that the Enrollment Management Committee may take into consideration include:  special academic or professional abilities not reflected in the undergraduate GPA; factors affecting academic performance; extracurricular activities; school-year work commitments; post-baccalaureate academic success, including graduate study; public service commitments; law-related employment experience; leadership experience; overcoming adversity; and any other relevant information concerning potential for law study brought to the attention of the Enrollment Management Committee that relates to either qualifications or academic potential. 

Iowa Law admissions works on a rolling admissions process, which means that applications are reviewed and considered throughout the year. Early applications are encouraged and can be submitted as early as September 1. Application review begins in November and generally decisions are completed three to six weeks after an application has been received. It is not uncommon for some applications to remain under review for more than six weeks or for applicants to be placed on a waitlist in the late spring and throughout the summer.

Important information for international applicants regarding current U.S. work eligibility requirement:

Obtaining work in the United States is challenging. When reviewing applications, the College of Law considers whether an applicant is authorized to work in the U.S. or has already been admitted to the bar in a U.S. state. The lack of work authorization makes it unlikely that an applicant will be admitted.

Non-U.S. citizens must provide documentation of work eligibility with their application. Student visas, such as F-1 and J-1, do not provide work eligibility.

While the College of Law carefully reviews all applications, any applicant without work authorization is required to provide an explanation describing the reasons that the College of Law should admit the applicant despite the risk that the applicant will not be able to obtain work authorization.

Application Process for JD Applicants

1. register for credential assembly service (cas, lsac).

The College of Law participates in the  Credential Assembly Services (CAS)  and requires its prospective students to register for this service through the  Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) . LSAC exists to serve both the law schools and the candidates for admission.

2. Take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

Applicants to The College of Law are required to take a standardized test for admission consideration.  The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is the examination that most applicants take.  It is also the test that is preferred by the Enrollment Management Committee.  This test is offered at numerous times during the year and is sponsored by LSAC.  The LSAT should be taken no later than February of the year for which the applicant is seeking admission and enrollment; testing earlier is recommended. Scores which are older than five years are not accepted.  Applications to take the LSAT may be accessed at LSAC .  The submission of the LSAT allows the applicant to be considered for both admission and scholarship support.

Applicants who are strong undergraduate students at the University of Iowa undergraduate program may apply to The College of Law by way of the Kinnick Law Program .  Kinnick applicants are allowed to take the GRE, GMAT, ACT or SAT in lieu of the LSAT.  However, applicants who choose to take these examinations, instead of the LSAT, will have more limited access to scholarship assistance.

The College of Law allows applicants who are not participating in the Kinnick Law Program to apply with a GRE score.  However, applicants who choose to take the GRE instead of the LSAT will have more limited access to scholarship assistance and possibly may not be eligible for any scholarship assistance.

3. Submit Letters of Recommendation

The College of Law requires applicants to submit at least two letters of recommendation. Recommendations from professors or others who can comment on your critical thinking, writing skills, and potential for success in law school are particularly welcome. The College participates in the letter of  recommendation service offered by LSAC as part of the CAS subscription .

4. Submit Transcripts

For the  CAS report , applicants are responsible for submitting an official transcript to  LSAC  from each college or university they have attended. In addition, every applicant who accepts admission to Iowa Law must file official transcripts showing conferral of a degree with the University's Office of Admissions.

5. Complete Personal Statement

The submission of a Personal Statement is required for all applicants to Iowa Law.  The Personal Statement is used by the Enrollment Management Committee to assess why the applicant needs a law degree.  The Personal Statement may also be used by the applicant to describe strengths in an application that may not be shown by way of a Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score, a Cumulative Undergraduate Grade Point Average (CUGPA) or Letters of Recommendation.  

Our personal statement writing prompts are:

– Why do you want to study law?

– Why do you want to study at The University of Iowa College of Law?

– What has been your most significant accomplishment?

– How would you contribute to our law school community and the legal profession?

– Describe any life experiences that would indicate unusual drive, determination, motivation, or leadership characteristics.

6. Review Character and Fitness Qualifications

In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the  National Conference of Bar Examiners .

7. Apply Online

Apply online through your LSAC.org account.

Important Dates

• September 1: applications for admission open for the following fall
• October 1: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens for the next academic year
• November: recommended last LSAT test for best scholarship opportunities
• January: recommended last LSAT test for admission
• January 15: r ecommended last application submission date for scholarship opportunities
• April 1: $250 first deposit deadline for students accepted before March 15
• May 1: application deadline
• June 1: $250 second deposit deadline
• Mid-August: mandatory orientation program for new students (Dates listed on the Academic Calendar )
• Late August: opening of classes (Dates listed on the Academic Calendar )

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the timing of my application matter.

The timing of your application may make a difference. The College of Law has a rolling admissions process. Although the final deadline is not until May 1, we recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible. You may submit an application even if you have not yet taken the LSAT. Historically, the Admissions Committee  begins reviewing completed application files by December.

We encourage you to submit your application no later than January 15 for the following reasons:

-- There is still room in entering class

-- It allows time to resolve logistical issues

-- Gives you more time to consider your options

-- Scholarship money will likely be available

When is an application considered complete?

Please keep in mind that your application file is considered complete only after we have received all of the following: your application, your official CAS report (with transcripts and LSAT scores), résumé and your letters of recommendation. It may take a few days to process your application after we receive it.

What is the application fee?

In an effort to make the JD application process as easy as possible, we have waived the application fee this year for the three-year program.

Does other graduate work I've completed count towards my JD?

The Admissions Committee does take graduate work into account. Please note that the GPA that we will consider will be your undergraduate GPA. However, the committee does review graduate transcripts and weighs those courses and grades in the comprehensive review.

Previous graduate work will not count towards credits that lead to earning a JD. Graduate credits are only applicable to students in the  Advanced Standing JD Program  who have already earned their law degree from another country.

What is the selection process like?

All files are reviewed by our Admissions Committee. A percentage  of the first-year class is admitted primarily on the basis of the LSAT and GPA. The rest of the class is admitted on the basis of criteria in addition to those numbers in accord with our "numbers-plus" admissions policy.

How do I accept an offer of admission to Iowa Law?

If you wish to accept the offer and hold your place in the class, you must submit a $250 nonrefundable deposit  by the date set forth in your offer letter. Applicants accepted into the Fall class must pay a second non-refundable deposit of $150 by June 1. These payments are credited toward tuition and fees for those who enroll.

Are you able to defer admissions?

Under extraordinary circumstances, we may grant a request to defer. The request must be in writing, and must include the reasons for the request. Approvals to defer are left to the discretion of the Admissions Committee Chairperson and the Assistant Dean of Enrollment Management, and are granted under only extreme circumstances. If granted, an applicant can defer for one year only. Requests to defer should be sent to the Admissions Office.

What are the english requirements?

English requirements can be found here . 

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The University of Iowa

Student Life

Tuition & Aid

Iowa Admissions

The University of Iowa is moderately difficult to get into. The acceptance rate at The University of Iowa is 86%. Out of 22,395 applications received in 2023, 19,304 students were offered admission.

If you are thinking about applying to The University of Iowa, the deadline for Fall 2024 admissions is 5/1 and the fee for the application is $40.

Students who apply to The University of Iowa for fall should receive an admissions decision no later than August 1 .

The University of Iowa Admissions Stats at a Glance

Here's an overiew of some of The University of Iowa's admissions stats.

The University of Iowa Application Deadlines

These are the application deadlines for The University of Iowa.

Considering Applying Early to The University of Iowa?

The University of Iowa may or may not offer early admission, however the school has not provided any application information. Check with The University of Iowa directly for more information about early applications.

➡️ Find a list of some top colleges that admit significantly more applicants during early decision or early action than during regular admission.

More on The University of Iowa Admissions

How to get into the university of iowa.

Getting into Iowa is moderately difficult .

In 2022, Iowa accepted 86% of all applicants , approximately 19,304 from the 22,395 applicants.

Schools that are moderately difficult to get into, like Iowa, accept fewer than 85% of all applicants. At least 75% of all admitted students have GPAs in the top 50% of their high school class and scored over 1010 on the SAT or over 18 on the ACT.

Transferring to The University of Iowa

For more information on transferring to The University of Iowa, contact the school directly.

For Students Waitlisted to The University of Iowa

In 2022, The University of Iowa waitlisted 252 students and 252 accepted a place on the waitlist. Of those, 62 eventually were offered a spot.

What Does The University of Iowa Look For in an Applicant?

Colleges consider a range of factors when determining who to admit for their next incoming class. Each college decides which factors are are most important when choose which applicants to admit, and which to deny. When assembling your list of schools to apply to, you may want to consider your strengths and any possible weaknesses in your application, and apply to colleges that prioritize the areas where you're strong.

Admissions Factors at The University of Iowa

Curious about the factors that are considered by The University of Iowa during the admissions process? Take a look at the list below to see which factors are most important during the admissions process.

Make sure to check with The University of Iowa for more information on admission factors.

The University of Iowa 2022-2023 Application Requirements

To apply to The University of Iowa, all applicants must submit the following items. Check in with The University of Iowa's admissions department to confirm all application materials and requirements.

GPA and Testing

What gpa do i need to get into the university of iowa.

Students admitted to The University of Iowa have an average unweighted GPA of 3.8.

Out of all students that were admitted, 37.69% submitted a class rank. At The University of Iowa 33% of students ranked in the top 10% of their graduating class in high school, 63.91% were in the top 25% and 92.31% were in the top 50%.

GPAs of Admitted Students

At The University of Iowa, student GPAs fall in the following ranges.

This chart depicts the percentage of all enrolled, degree-seeking, first-time, first year (freshmen) students who had high school grade point average within the given ranges.

Note: Some schools choose not release this information. If you have any questions regarding missing numbers, be sure to reach out to The University of Iowa directly.

Your high school grade point average (GPA) is a number that reflects your high school academic performance. A weighted GPA or an unweighted GPA are the two possible GPA scores considered by colleges.

An unweighted GPA is an average of your scores from each class on a four-point scale. Unweighted GPAs range from 4.0 to under 1.0. A weighted GPA considers your average grade and the difficulty of your classes. A weighted GPA boosts your average by adding extra points for honors or Advanced Placement courses.

Standardized Test Scores

The University of Iowa is a test optional school. Test optional schools allow students to choose if they want to submit ACT or SAT scores with their applications or not.

In 2022, 18% of The University of Iowa's first-year students submitted their SAT scores with their application. 65% of admitted applicants sent ACT scores.

What is a Good SAT Score for The University of Iowa?

To be competitive with other The University of Iowa applicants, you should aim to score between 1140 and 1330 (or higher!) on the SAT. At The University of Iowa 25% of admitted students scored higher than 1330 and 25% of scored lower than 1140, but the majority of students scored somewhere in between these two numbers.The mean composite SAT score for a The University of Iowa student is 1235.

On the SAT Math Section , 25% of The University of Iowa students scored 670 or higher and 75% of students scored 570 or higher. On the SAT Critical Reading section (formerly called the Verbal section), 25% of The University of Iowa students scored 680 or higher, and 75% scored a 570 or higher.

To be most competitive at The University of Iowa, you should strive to earn between 22 and 29 on the ACT.

An ACT score of 29 means you fall in the 75th percentile for The University of Iowa's admitted students. One out of every four students scored above a 29, and three out of four students scored lower than 29 on the ACT.

A 22 on the ACT is the 25th percentile for The University of Iowa students. Only one out of every four students scored below 22.

More Information on Transferring to The University of Iowa

For transfer students wishing to start in the fall, the deadline to apply is July 15 . Transfer applications are processed on a on a rolling basis as they are received.

Transfer students can enroll in The University of Iowa during the following terms:

• Fall Term

• Spring Term

• Summer Term

The University of Iowa Admissions FAQs

Can I defer my acceptance to The University of Iowa?

✅ Yes, admitted students can defer their admission to The University of Iowa.

Does The University of Iowa accept transfer credits?

✅ The University of Iowa accepts eligible transfer credits from accredited institutions. The University of Iowa accepts:

• CLEP subject tests • DSST/DANTES

Does The University of Iowa accept Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) credits?

✅ The University of Iowa accepts International Baccalaureate credits (IB) credits.

Do I have to submit test scores to The University of Iowa?

❌ No, The University of Iowa is test optional, so you can choose whether to include your test scores. If your scores are higher than the school's average, you probably want to include them. If your scores are average or below average, you may want not want to include them in your application.

What is The University of Iowa's acceptance rate?

✅ The acceptance rate for The University of Iowa is 86%.

What is the early decision acceptance rate at The University of Iowa?

🟨 The University of Iowa may or may not offer early decision. The school has not provided any information on early decision including ED acceptance rates.

Want To Learn More About The University of Iowa?

To learn more about The University of Iowa, choose from the options below:

Connect with other students, parents, and admissions professionals to learn more about about The University of Iowa in the College Confidential forums

Explore other colleges in Iowa or use the college admissions predictor to calculate your chances of getting into some of the top colleges and universities in the U.S.

Iowa Admissions Requirements

Admission Difficulty

Somewhat Selective

How hard is it to get into Iowa? Iowa is a somewhat selective institution. The Iowa acceptance rate is 86%. This means that the institution accepts 86 out of every 100 applicants.

Iowa Application Deadline

First-Year Applications are Due

Transfer Applications are Due

The deadline for Fall first-year applications to Iowa is May 1.

The deadline for Fall transfer applications to Iowa is Jul 15.

Check the school website for more information about deadlines for specific programs or special admissions programs

Iowa SAT Scores

Composite SAT Range

1140 - 1330

Math SAT Range

Reading SAT Range

Estimated Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

Estimated Chance

1330 and Above

1140 to 1330

1140 and Less

SAT Scores Needed to Get Accepted

The median SAT score for Iowa students is 1235. Applicants with SAT scores of 1330 and above have a good chance of being admitted to Iowa, while applicants with SAT scores between 1140 to 1330 have an average chance of admittance, and prospective students with an SAT score below 1140 have a low chance of being offered a spot at Iowa.

Avg. High School GPA (non-weighted)

GPA Needed to Get Accepted

At Iowa, the average unweighted high-school GPA for admitted students is 3.81. This is the average, which means that some applicants submit GPAs lower than this and some applicants submit GPAs above this level. If your GPA falls below the average, strong test scores or other qualifications may help you make you a more competitive applicant.

Data Source: IPEDs and Peterson's Databases © 2022 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved

Quick Facts

Total Enrollment

Campus Setting

Acceptance Rate

Tuition and Fees

Out-of-State

Fall Freshmen Application Deadline

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College of Education

Teacher Education Program

The Teacher Education Program (TEP) administers the elementary and secondary education programs with initial licensure. 

Explore Teaching

For more information on available programs, licensure, classroom experience and student teaching information please visit:

Be A Teacher

TEP Admissions and Application

Elementary education.

The Elementary Education program will prepare you to be an outstanding K-6 teacher who will truly realize the capabilities of every learner in your future classroom.

Admission requirements and application instructions are on the BA Elementary Education Program webpage.

Secondary Education

Apply to the college of liberal arts and sciences.

If you're pursuing licensure in an area other than elementary education, you'll begin your time at Iowa as a College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) student. To be admitted, you'll need to meet the CLAS admissions requirements * and follow the standard first-year admissions process . 

Complete 30 s.h. of credit

Be sure to check and complete the required courses for admission to your desired Teacher Education Program area.

Complete 10 hours of pre-admission field experience

Field experience will be required for students applying for the Fall 2022 term.

Apply to the Teacher Education Program (TEP)

To submit your application, go to uiowa.tk20.com and click the "Admissions" tab below the login fields to create your account. Prepare the following documents to submit with your application:

• Completed verification of 10-hour field experience form
• Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Two recommendations (using Recommendation Form)
• An essay of no more than 500 words on the following topic: Why, personally and professionally, do you want to be a teacher in the area to which you're applying?
• An updated resume of paid and/or volunteer work experience  

*Additional admissions requirements will apply for students from outside the U.S. or whose native language is not English. 

We're here to help!

Graduate Programs

Each graduate program has distinct admissions requirements.

For graduate programs with teacher licensure (MAT) you will also need to complete the 10-hour field experience and course requirements listed above. Find your  area of study  and contact your program of interest to find specific application information. In most cases, you will apply to the:

Graduate College.  

TEP Application and Admissions Policies

Admission and application policies, 10-hour pre-admission school field experience.

Under the direction of the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners, the University of Iowa requires that applicants to the Teacher Education Program complete, document and submit a qualifying 10‐hour school field experience prior to consideration of their application. The field experience may be completed in any school district, including districts near the University of Iowa, as well as those in other communities and other states.

The experience must fit the following parameters:

• Completed in a classroom setting in the grade range and subject area of the program to which you are applying (K‐6 or 5‐12)
• Completed in a state‐approved school and under the supervision of a licensed teacher
• Completed in a real school classroom with a real teacher, if done virtually. Online simulation schools do NOT qualify.

Please refer to the documentation form for further information.

Applicants are responsible for identifying a school district in which to complete this experience, contacting the district and following the protocol of the district for volunteers. The University of Iowa College of Education cannot set up this experience for you or provide any documentation to the school district beyond the verification form. International applicants are encouraged to complete this experience in a school with a U.S. curriculum.

The  10‐Hour Pre‐Admission School Field Experience Verification Form  must be used to document this experience; applicants are welcome to submit more than one verification sheet but must fill out all required information on each sheet submitted.

Last updated: 01/10/22

Additional Program Area Admission Requirements

Art education (k‐8 and 5‐12).

• Completion of 12 semester hours of art and art history courses with a minimum GPA of 3.00

Elementary Education (K-6)

• At least one recommendation from a college/university instructor

Foreign Language (5‐12)

• Completion of 12 semester hours of course in language of program

Mathematics Education (5‐12)

• Completion of Calculus I and II with a minimum GPA of 2.50

Social Studies Education (5-12)

• 3 s.h. in HIST *
• 6 additional s.h. across HIST, POLI, ECON, GEOG, SOC, ANTH, or PSY

Music Education (K‐8 and 5‐12)

• Admission to the School of Music
• Completion of 12 semester hours of music courses with a minimum GPA of 3.00 in music courses

English Education (5‐12)

• At least one recommendation from an English professor, preferably from the University of Iowa
• ENGL:2010:Foundations of the English Major
• ENGL:201*: Reading and Writing About … (Novel, Short Stories, Drama, Essay, Poetry)
• A course in American Lit (ENGL 24**/34**/4001/4005)
• A course in British Lit (ENGL 23**/33**/4002/4006)
• ENGL:2010 Foundations of the English Major
• ENGL:2020 Foundations of Creative Writing
• A course in American Lit (ENGL 24**, 34**/4001/4005)
• A course in British Lit (ENGL 23**/33**/4002/4006).

Transfer Students

In addition to the other requirements of the application to the Teacher Education Program, applicants who have been enrolled in education courses with a field‐experience component at another institution must submit the   Student Consent for Release of Records form , authorizing the College of Education to communicate with the other institution about the applicant’s academic performance and professional behaviors.

Applicants with a Bachelor's Degree

Students who have completed a bachelor’s degree may have undergraduate‐level or graduate‐level options to pursue a Teacher Education Program. In addition to submission of the Teacher Education Program application materials, students submit an online application through the   University of Iowa Office of Admissions .  

All Teacher Education Programs may be completed for undergraduate credit as a non‐degree student. For admission to the University of Iowa, applicants for this submit the   Undergraduate Non‐Degree Student Application .

Some secondary Teacher Education Programs may have graduate degree‐seeking (M.A.T.) or non‐degree program options. For admission to graduate degree programs, applicants visit   UI Graduate Admissions . Applicants who wish to complete a secondary Teacher Education Program for graduate credit, but without a degree submit the   Graduate Non‐Degree Student Application . 

International Applicants

Teacher Education Programs of the University of Iowa are approved preparation programs for teaching in the state of Iowa and provide good preparation for teaching elsewhere in the United States. Successful applicants will have strong oral English‐language competency and demonstrate knowledge of or ability to adapt to the culture of U.S. schools. For non‐native speakers of English, TOEFL is required for consideration of an application if the applicant has not completed a degree at a college or university where English is the language of instruction. International applicants are encouraged to complete the 10‐Hour Pre‐Admission School Field Experience in a school that offers a U.S. curriculum. International applicants must meet the stated minimum scores on the admission test.

Limited Number of Applications Allowed

Applicants who are not admitted may reapply no more than twice (total of three applications) and to reapply must have substantive change in application (such as a higher grade‐point average, new recommendations or more hours of volunteer experience). This applies only to applicants whose application files have been reviewed by the faculty of a program; incomplete applications are not counted toward the three attempts. Applicants who have previously been denied by the faculty are encouraged to consult with the program area coordinator about their plans to reapply.

• Recommendation form for Applicant to a Teacher Education Program (PDF)
• Student Consent for Release of Records for transfer students (PDF)

How to Submit Your TK20 Application

Please review the directions provided here. We recommend using Google Chrome, so please check your current browser information.

To submit your application, go to:

  TK20 portal

TK 20 Application Instructions

Create your account:

• Click to open the “Admissions” tab at bottom. Then click on “Click here to create your account” at very bottom. DO NOT enter “username” and “password” if this is your first visit to the site.
• Provide the required information in “Create Applicant Account” using your UI email, then click “Submit.”

After you've created your account (or signed in):

• Click on “Applications” in the left side menu.
• From the drop-down menu at top of page, select the appropriate application for your program and click “Next”
• Complete the application
• If you need to stop before your application is complete, click “Save” at the bottom of the form and then click “Close.” DO NOT SUBMIT until your application is complete.
• When the application is complete, click the green “SUBMIT” button at the bottom of the form. You cannot make any changes to the application once you SUBMIT the application.

After you submit your application you will receive a notification from the Office of Student Services that either:

• Your application is complete and will be reviewed by the admissions committee, or
• Your application is incomplete. Please submit the following items.

Teacher Education Program Policies

Both the undergraduate and graduate Teacher Education Programs are committed to attracting the very strongest candidates for teaching. To meet the needs of our teacher candidates, we have developed a rich and coherent curriculum in teacher preparation that combines academically challenging course work with a range of carefully selected professional field experiences. Students will work hard once they enter the program, and our expectations concerning students' academic performance and professional growth are quite high. Therefore, we have developed the following requirements for Teacher Education Program students.

• TEP Academic and Professional Standards
• Professional Dispositional Qualities

Academic Policies

Teacher education program policies and reminders.

Every student admitted to the Teacher Education Program ("teacher candidate") is responsible for reading and understanding program policies. Teacher Education Program policies are subject to change; teacher candidates are encouraged to maintain regular contact with their TEP advisor. For Teacher Education Program policy questions, contact the Office of Student Services, N201 Lindquist Center, 319-335-5359.

Any student admitted to the Teacher Education Program who does not validate their UI admission within one year or any student who begins classes and is not enrolled for 12 months consecutively will need to reapply to the Teacher Education Program and meet any new application requirements, and may be required to repeat certain course work and field experiences. Those who do not start their Teacher Education Program in the semester following the admission notice must contact Stacy Ervin, N201 Lindquist Center, 319-335-6251,  [email protected] . It is possible that students would be asked to reapply if there is a two-semester delay to starting the program.

Course Requirements, Progression, and Expiration

Following admission to the Teacher Education Program students must complete the licensure components of their coursework -- including student teaching -- within a five-year period.  (For example, a student admitted for Fall 2009 must student teach no later than Spring, 2014.)  Should the student’s enrollment extend beyond the five-year window, a committee will review the student’s situation on a case by case basis to decide whether:

• course work that is five years old needs to be updated by re-enrollment, or
• course work that is five years old needs to be updated by enrolling in another parallel course, or
• the student will be notified in writing that they have one semester left to finish the program including student teaching.

For students admitted to the Teacher Education Program March 2004 and after: Students will not be allowed to register and take education courses from another institution once they have entered the University of Iowa Teacher Education Program. After students have been admitted to a program, all education courses (course requirements listed or cross-listed under department numbers: 01E, 07B, 07C, 07E, 07P, 07S, 07U, ARTE, EDTL, EPLS, PSQF, or RCE) must be taken at the University of Iowa.

Academic Standards and Conditions/Course Requirements, Progression, and Expiration

Certain courses must be completed by candidates in certain programs in the first semester in the program. Candidates will not be allowed to register and take education courses from another institution once they have entered the University of Iowa Teacher Education Program. After candidates have been admitted to a program, all education courses must be taken at the University of Iowa.

Following admission to the Teacher Education Program, candidates must complete the licensure components of their course work – including student teaching – within a five-year period. Should the candidate’s enrollment extend beyond the five-year window, a committee will review the candidate’s situation on a case-by-case basis to decide whether course work that is five years old needs to be updated by re-enrollment or by enrolling in another parallel course.

Teacher Leader Certificate

Students admitted to the Teacher Education Program (TEP) in March 2011 and after are required to complete the requirements of the  Teacher Leader Certificate  to be eligible for program completion and recommendation for licensure. Requirements of the Teacher Leader Certificate supplement TEP course requirements with professional learning opportunities, including intensive workshops in key areas of assessment, technology, and diversity; other workshops; and a service component. Completion of these requirements does not lead to teaching licensure or endorsement. Requirements of the Teacher Leader Certificate must be completed prior to student teaching.

Course Fees

Course fees are assessed for many of the professional education courses.  Course fees defray costs of professional services for College of Education students including technology support services provided by the  Education Technology Center  and the ETC Support Center.  Additionally, certain fees fund Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation background checks for students in field experiences.  Student teaching fees defray supervision and materials expenses specific to the student teaching experience.

Student Teaching

For all teacher education programs which include initial teacher licensure, students must complete all Teacher Education Program course work and degree course work prior to student teaching.  Student teaching must be the final semester of their Teacher Education Program.

When they apply for student teaching, students must submit a completed plan of study outlining how all program and licensure requirements are being met. A program guide sheet showing course completion, including transfer courses, must be submitted with the advisor's signature. All other courses for teaching licensure or terminal degree must be completed before the student begins student teaching. Student teaching placements, even if made, are conditional on all course requirements being successfully completed. Students will not be able to apply for student teaching if they are on academic probation.

Students on TEP probation are not permitted to student teach. 

Criminal Background Check

As part of standard admission and field experience placement procedure, the College of Education requires criminal record checks for students admitted to the Teacher Education Program. The practice of requiring record checks for all students enrolled in the Teacher Education Program developed in response to requirements in the professional practice environment to provide the results of such checks to third parties, schools and other educational agencies, prior to placement in a required field placement, that is, for internship, practicum or student teaching.

Criminal record checks are required only for admitted applicants. Students admitted to the Teacher Education Program are required -- within 2 weeks of the date of the admission letter and at the student's expense -- to initiate a national criminal record check with a third party. While in the Teacher Education Program, typically as a part of application for admission to the student teaching semester, students will be required to complete a supplemental (second) record check.

At the request of school or school district administrators, prior to placement in a required field placement, a student may be directed to provide results of record checks to the school or school district administrators who are making a determination whether the student will be accepted for field placement, internship, practicum or student teaching. The student may submit accompanying explanatory material.

Results of record checks do not affect a student's status in the Teacher Education Program. College of Education faculty and staff will review results of record checks to verify completion and for advisory purposes. Students are required to make results available and provide consent for the review.

Anyone convicted of a felony cannot be licensed to teach in the State of Iowa unless the conviction has been successfully appealed.

Appeals Process

Teacher Education Program applicants and candidates have the right to appeal Teacher Education Program policies or practices, by completing the  Appeal Form .

Teacher Education Program applicants and candidates wishing to appeal a Teacher Education Program policy or practice will complete the following steps:

• Complete the applicant/candidate portion of the  Appeal Form .
• Print and attach a recent grade report.
• Meet with the Program Area Coordinator for the respective program area to discuss the extenuating circumstances necessitating the appeal.
• Obtain the Program Area Coordinator's signature and submit the Appeal Form.

The completed Appeal Form needs to be submitted to the Office of Student Services, N201 Lindquist Center. Submission of the Appeal Form to the Office of Student Services initiates the scheduling of a subcommittee of the Teacher Education Committee to review the appeal.

All appeals for spring semester must be submitted to the Office of Student Services by the Monday of the final week of classes of the following fall semester. All appeals for fall semester to be considered prior to summer must be submitted to the Office of Student Services by the Monday of the final week of classes for the following spring semester. All appeals following summer term for fall semester must be submitted to the Office of Student Services by the Monday before the first day of fall semester.

Applicants/candidates may expect a decision on their appeal within two weeks of initiating the appeal. For additional questions, please contact the Office of Students Services, N201 Lindquist Center.

U.S. Department of Education grant addresses teacher shortage, diversifies workforce

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded the UI College of Education a $1.26 million grant for a program that will partner with Iowa school districts, community colleges, and community partners. The program will support 40 high quality elementary teachers through coursework and field experiences, resulting in a Bachelor of Arts, a teaching license, and a K12 ESL endorsement in Iowa. 

For some endorsements, EDU Audits are available in MyUI (and MAUI) to assist with advising for an educator licensure or endorsement program. EDU Audits are similar to the degree audits that are available for undergraduate majors and minors. Some rules and policies that govern education licensure and endorsement programs are different from rules and policies of other university programs.

More EDU Audit information

EDU Audits outline requirements of University of Iowa programs that have approval from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners and State Board of Education as preparation for licenses and endorsements for a teaching, administration, or professional service role in K-12 education. These programs are represented in MAUI and MyUI by programs of study with the Objective "EDU" and the Declaration Type "Licensure Preparation" or "Endorsement Preparation."

These programs of study may require application procedures that are in addition to admission to the University of Iowa. Contact the College of Education  Office of Student Services  for application information:  [email protected]

EDU Audits check for the course requirements of the license and/or endorsement, but do not check for completion of other programs that may be co-requisites. Co-requisites of a program are listed as requirement 2). The notation on an EDU Audit of "ALL REQUIREMENTS COMPLETED --- IN-PROGRESS COURSES USED" or "ALL REQUIREMENTS HAVE BEEN MET" do not establish the completion of co-requisite programs, and do not establish the eligibility of the student for the license or endorsement.

Course transfer and substitution may require syllabi or other documentation in addition to transcript. For additional information or advising referral, please contact the College of Education  Office of Student Services :  [email protected]

EDU programs of study are not associated with a University of Iowa award; they are not a degree, major, minor, or certificate, and they will not be listed in your degree application when you apply to graduate. Students in this program of study are encouraged to apply promptly on completion of the program, to the Board of Educational Examiners for the endorsement(s), and/or license for which the program is preparation. Application information for licensure and endorsements is available from the  Office of Student Services .

These programs are approved under state educator preparation and licensure standards set by the Iowa State Board of Education and the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners. These state standards are subject to change with limited notice. The University of Iowa (UI) is authorized to recommend completers of its state-approved programs who have applied to the Board of Educational Examiners for endorsement(s), and/or license, based on the standards that are in place at the time UI makes its recommendation. Program completers who delay application for the endorsement(s), and/or license, may become ineligible for them if state standards change.

EDU Audits are provided to assist with advising students on program requirements, and can be part of documenting students' completion of a state-approved program. UI does not represent, promise or guarantee that any student will be able to complete program requirements if state standards change. No representation, promise or guarantee, shall be implied or otherwise deemed to exist on the basis of UI’s conducting an EDU Audit, publishing program requirements, or admitting any student to this program of study. Given the possibility for change in state requirements, UI also makes no representation, promise or guarantee that completion of program requirements will warrant a recommendation for endorsement(s) and/or licensure at the time of application.

Eligibility for licenses and endorsements is subject to factors beyond the University of Iowa's control, including the  Board of Educational Examiners requirement for a background check ; and the requirement that licensed educators continue to abide by the Board of Educational Examiners Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics.

EDU Audits are not available for all education licensure and endorsement programs.

Updated 11/10/2021.

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Why Applying To All Eight Ivy League Schools Could Hurt Your Chances Of Admission

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Yale University

In the spring of 2024, Bronx high school student Malena Galletto made headlines after being accepted to all eight Ivy League schools—in addition to the 20 other schools to which she had applied. Incredible stories of students like Malena defying the admissions odds circulate every spring, and while they certainly inspire students, they also mislead them.

Many students who read about the unbelievable successes of those accepted to all eight Ivies assume that they can improve their own odds by simply applying to all of the Ivy League schools. However, this is not the case, and devoting time and energy to completing eight Ivy League applications is actually a detrimental strategy for most students—here’s why:

1. Every Ivy League School is Distinct

While many students and parents regard “the Ivy League” as a homogenous bloc of elite schools, the league is made up of vastly different schools, each with its own character, offerings, and campus—and every Ivy League school is not a good fit for every student. When compiling their balanced college lists, students should think strategically about the types of programs, campuses, learning environments, and communities they want access to. Do you want to attend a small school with a low student-to-faculty ratio or a large school with a plethora of opportunities? Are you interested in conducting lab research or are you more focused on the classroom experience? Will you thrive in a city or a rural setting? A student’s college list should be reflective of their answers to these questions and thus tailored to their needs and goals—both personal and academic.

A student who approaches their college list in this way will almost certainly not craft a list that includes all eight Ivy Leagues. While Dartmouth students are minutes away from hiking and skiing opportunities in rural New Hampshire, Columbia undergraduates have New York City’s entertainment and internships at their immediate disposal. Harvard offers students a highly traditional and structured academic environment. Meanwhile, Brown is known for its Open Curriculum and its diverse, creative, and interdisciplinary approach to education—one that is best suited for students who gravitate toward multiple different disciplines or want to think outside the box. As a land-grant institution , Cornell attracts students who are community minded and who want to use their learning to benefit not only the college but also Ithaca’s tight-knit community, while UPenn is known for graduating students who have a global mindset and are prepared to enter the upper echelons of their professions. In other words, students should not regard Ivy League schools as synonymous with “elite education,” but should instead weigh their interest in each individual school based on its programs, culture, and unique offerings.

2. Applying to All Eight Schools Doesn’t Increase Your Odds of Admission

It’s a common misconception that applying to all eight Ivy League schools will improve your chances of acceptance to at least one. First and foremost, students should note that applying to eight schools, all with single-digit acceptance rates, does nothing to increase their odds at any single one of them. On the contrary, it actually detracts from a student’s overall odds of admission by overloading their college list with reach schools at the expense of matches and safeties. That is to say, students are hedging their bets at schools where they face overwhelming odds of rejection (even if they are highly qualified), rather than balancing their list with schools that they are more likely to earn acceptance to.

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Additionally, each Ivy League school has its own specific admissions criteria—just as every Ivy League school is not a fit for every student, every student is not a fit for every Ivy League school. A standout Ivy League application is meticulously tailored to demonstrate a student’s unique qualifications for a specific institution. Students who apply to all eight schools often cut corners, overgeneralize their reasons for applying, or tailor their answers to what they assume “Ivy League admissions officers” want to hear—all of which can negatively impact their chances of acceptance. Those who truly wish to attend a given Ivy League school should focus dedicated energy on leveling up their application materials to the particular school that aligns with their authentic interests and goals and ensure that they are putting their best foot forward in their materials.

3. Hyper-Focusing on the Ivy League Can Distract You from Better Matches

If you are applying to all eight Ivy League schools simply because of their prestige, not only will you likely craft inauthentic and unimpressive applications, but you will also miss out on other great schools that may be a better fit for you. Remember that rankings and low admissions rates are not the only measures of a school’s rigor and excellence. Rather than devoting countless hours to writing supplemental essays for every Ivy League school, you should spend your time researching a diversity of schools that house strong programs in your intended area of study. If you are interested in STEM, for instance, you might find that CalTech or UT Austin’s innovative and forward-thinking programs are a better fit for you than Harvard’s traditional option.

Ultimately, students should not apply to all eight Ivy League institutions—or any school—just for the sake of applying or because of the prestige associated with earning an acceptance. At the same time, students can gain strategic insights from the inspiring students who were accepted to all eight Ivies. How did some of the students deciding between all of the Ivies make their choice? In 2014, Kwasi Enin chose Yale after visiting the campus and enjoying the school’s residential college system and friendly student body. Craig McFarland originally chose Yale , but changed his plans when the pandemic forced him to reprioritize having a support system nearby, leading him to choose Harvard. Ashley Adirika—a Florida teen who was accepted to all eight Ivies in 2022—made her decision based on the strength of Harvard’s academic offerings in her field of interest: “[W]hen I did further research for what I want to do specifically, which is explorations in policy and social policy and things of that nature, Harvard just had a better program.”

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