General Selection Criteria
In addition to a pattern of serious commitment to one or more activities outside of class, past successful nominees generally place in the top 5% by class rank, have a GPA of at least 3.9 out of 4.0, and (optionally) a 1430+ SAT score and/or 32+ ACT score. The Wells Scholars Program does follow IU Admissions’ policy of test-optional application, and your completed file will be considered whether or not you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores to us. However, unlike the Office of Admissions, the Wells Scholars Program cannot accept changes after the November 1 deadline.
Students who apply by early-binding decision to other institutions are not eligible for the Wells Scholars Program. Early-action or other non-binding applications to other institutions do not affect WSP eligibility.
Domestic Nomination Processes
The Wells Scholars Program is moving to a nomination highly encouraged process. All nomination materials from both student and counselor are due through our online portal by 11:59pm EST on November 1. Additionally, the student must complete their application for admission to IU by November 1. Visit our Deadlines page for more details on other important dates.
In early August, WSP will circulate nomination materials and instructions to counselors and administrators at all Indiana high schools and out-of-state high schools already on our email list. Counselors at other US high schools should contact us at wellssch@iu.edu immediately for information on how to nominate. Each school may select up to 2 nominees per year. This is still the preferred path.
Students not selected by their school or who otherwise wish to participate (i.e. homeschool, etc.) may self-nominate without the initial counselor endorsement during nomination season.
Please contact Wells Scholars Program staff with any questions at wellssch@iu.edu.