How to Apply to Biology at Indiana University Bloomington: Biology B.A. and B.S. with three B.S. concentrations in the College of Arts and Sciences, plus microbiology, biotechnology and molecular life sciences, with honors research and admission and prerequisites for domestic, international (including Chinese) and transfer applicants

Indiana University Bloomington (IU), in Bloomington, Indiana, teaches biology in the Department of Biology in the College of Arts and Sciences. Here is what you need to know, based on the university’s websites, for domestic applicants, international applicants (including students at high schools in China) and transfer students. Chemistry and biochemistry have their own pages on the website; IU also offers degrees in medicine, nursing and public health that are outside the scope of this article, so see the website.

1. Degrees and options

• Biology B.A.: the 2026-27 bulletin calls it the most flexible of the biology degrees, with minimal chemistry and mathematics requirements so that students can add a second major such as computer science, chemistry, psychology, environmental studies or business; it will not automatically fulfill requirements for entrance to medical, dental or optometry schools or most graduate programs in biology. The major takes at least 30 credit hours (39 with the addenda requirements).
• Biology B.S.: designed to give a rigorous general background in the sciences for graduate or professional school or science-related jobs, with more extensive chemistry, mathematics and physics requirements; at least 30 credit hours (60 with the addenda requirements). A concentration takes 15 upper-division credits in addition to all other requirements; the three are Biology of disease, Cell biology and molecular genetics, and Integrative and organismal biology. You can also skip a concentration and choose advanced lectures and laboratories.
• Other degrees in the department: the department lists Microbiology (B.A., B.S. and minor), Biotechnology (B.A., B.S., B.S./M.S. and minor), Molecular Life Sciences B.S. (offered jointly with the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry) and a biology minor. Their requirements were not read; see the website.
• Core courses (2026-27 bulletin): two foundations courses (diversity, evolution and ecology; biological mechanisms), one biology laboratory (or an ASURE research lab), Molecular Biology BIOL-L 211, Genetics BIOL-L 311, Evolution BIOL-L 318, plus advanced lectures (two for the B.A.; three for the B.S. on the electives option) and advanced laboratories (three for the B.S.).
• Addenda requirements: the B.A. needs CHEM-C 117, one organic chemistry course (such as CHEM-C 341) and one calculus course (M 119, M 211 or V 119); the B.S. needs CHEM-C 117 with its lab, organic chemistry I and II with organic lab I, physics I and II, calculus and a statistics course. Addenda courses need C- or higher and do not count toward major hours or GPA. Major courses need C- or higher, at least 18 credit hours must be at the 300–499 level, and at least 18 must be taken at IU Bloomington or an IU-administered overseas program.
• Neuroscience and other related majors have their own department pages at IU and are not covered here.

2. How admission works: applying to the university, and when you declare

• The admission paths page says IU has 12 schools; if you list a major in the College of Arts and Sciences and are admitted, you are directly admitted to the College and start in your major program at the start of your first year, with an advisor in the school. The College page says most students planning a College major are directly admitted at the beginning of their first year.
• You list first- and second-choice majors on the application; the pages name Kelley School of Business and Nursing as limited-capacity programs, do not list biology as one, and give no separate admission standard for biology.
• If you start as an Exploratory student or in another school, you declare a College major by making an appointment with the advisor in the department of your intended major; some degree programs have special admission requirements, listed in the Bulletin. Biology-specific entry conditions are not stated in the pages read; ask the biology undergraduate advisors (bioadv@iu.edu).

3. Prerequisites and first-year courses

• High school preparation: the university recommends 6 semesters of science with at least 4 laboratory-science semesters, and more mathematics for science degrees. The biology pages state no separate high school biology, chemistry or calculus prerequisite.
• First year: the two foundations courses (BIOL-L 111 and L 112). The department strongly suggests mastering their material before BIOL-L 211 Molecular Biology, and notes that L 112 is a prerequisite to L 211. On the chemistry side both degrees need CHEM-C 117 (or J 117 or H 117).
• Exemption exams: two optional exams, one for L 111 and one for L 112, offered to incoming first-year students during New Student Orientation among others; passing earns BIOL-E 111 / E 112 (grade S, no lab credit); each is 50 questions in 75 minutes, needs 80%, is proctored online and can be taken once. The department suggests only students with excellent grades in at least two years of high school biology consider it, and that those planning graduate study or health professions take L 111/112 rather than rely on test credit, because some programs do not accept it.
• AP / IB biology credit (the admissions credit tables): AP Biology 3 earns BIOL-L 104 (3 credits), 4 earns BIOL-E 112 (3 credits), 5 earns BIOL-E 111/112 (6 credits); IB Biology SL or HL 4 earns BIOL-UN 100 (3 credits) and 5–7 earns BIOL-L 111/112 (8 credits, 4/4). The tables say schools and departments determine the credit, and scores must be sent from the testing agency. AP Calculus BC 4 or 5 earns MATH-M 211/212 (8 credits) and AB 4 or 5 earns MATH-M 211 (4 credits). L 104 is not the same course as the required L 111, so ask the biology advisors whether that credit meets the major requirement.
• Research: the department says there are undergraduate research opportunities during the academic year and summer, on campus and through external programs; you can also serve as an undergraduate teaching assistant (UTA) and publish in the IU Journal of Undergraduate Research. The details of the individual research credit courses (such as BIOL-X 490 independent study) are not set out item by item in the pages read. The College’s ASURE research labs (BIOL-X 150 or BIOT-X 150) can replace the biology laboratory requirement.
• Honors in Biology: available with the Biology and Microbiology B.A./B.S. degrees. Requirements: a cumulative College GPA of at least 3.300 at graduation; all coursework for the degree, including 6 credits of BIOL-X 490 Independent Study over at least two semesters; research in biology or an associated discipline, at IU Bloomington, another IU campus or another university, evaluated by the Honors committee; and a successful defense of an Honors thesis before a committee of the faculty mentor and at least two IU Bloomington biology faculty. The department suggests starting in the junior year or earlier; some students begin in the first year.

4. Dates, fee and materials

• Application: the Apply IU Application or the Common App, one of the two; the university says neither is preferred and review is the same, and that submitting both can delay processing. An essay is required: any Common App prompt, or the IU-specific prompt on Apply IU (200–400 words on your academic and career plans and what you hope to pursue as an undergraduate).
• Deadlines (the deadlines page shows no year; verify for fall 2027 entry):
  • Early Action (non-binding) November 1, with a response by January 15; the university calls this the date for the highest admission and scholarship consideration.
  • Regular decision February 1, with a response by March 15; after February 1, applications are considered only if space is available.
  • Spring entry: November 1 is the priority date (international applicants also see September 15 for spring; see the international section).
  • To confirm enrollment, declare intent and pay the USD 100 non-refundable deposit by May 1 (credited to first-semester tuition).
• Application fee: the FAQ page states a USD 65 application fee; eligible domestic students can request a waiver, and international students are not eligible for waivers. The amount for international applicants is not separately stated in the pages read; check the application system.
• Testing: test-optional; SAT, ACT or CLT may be submitted. The university says it “prefers” that students share scores and that scores may strengthen an application, but students who do not submit receive full consideration, and classroom performance in rigorous coursework carries the greatest weight. IU superscores. Some scholarships need scores, to be submitted by January 15.
• Recommendations: not required; if you choose to send them, one counselor and one teacher letter are accepted. The pages read do not ask for a science teacher’s letter.
• Transcripts: an official high school transcript and a full senior-year schedule (not just fall courses); a transcript with final grades and graduation date follows after admission. IU looks at a 6-semester cumulative GPA; if the transcript does not report one, no transcript GPA is considered.
• Course expectations: at least 34 semester credits of college-preparatory courses, including English 8, mathematics 7 (algebra 4, geometry 2, and 1 of precalculus, trigonometry, statistics, finite or calculus), social sciences 6, sciences 6 (at least 4 laboratory-science semesters in biology, chemistry or physics), world languages 4, and 3 or more additional courses; the page says additional mathematics is recommended for students intending to pursue a science degree.

5. Domestic applicants

• Indiana residents: Indiana students who earn the Indiana diploma with the Enrollment Honors Plus Seal are guaranteed admission to IU through the Indiana Pre-Admissions Initiative, but admission to the university, not to any program; you must apply with a complete application by November 1 of the senior year and stay on track.
• Majors: you list a first- and second-choice major; the pages name only Kelley School of Business and Nursing as limited-capacity programs. Biology is in the College of Arts and Sciences; the pages do not list it as limited capacity or give a separate admission standard for it.
• Cost (2026-27, full time, resident / non-resident): tuition and mandatory fees USD 12,142 / 42,702; housing and food USD 14,398; books and supplies USD 1,320; transportation USD 284 / 2,106; personal expenses USD 2,430; estimated total cost of attendance USD 30,574 / 62,956. Tuition is a flat rate covering 40 credit hours across fall, spring and intersessions; summer classes are charged per credit hour.
• Scholarships: everyone who applies by November 1 is considered for IU Excellence Scholarships; the IU Scholarships Application is due March 1, and filing the FAFSA is advised. The College of Arts and Sciences also lists more than 350 scholarships and awards, most only for students admitted to or declared in the College.

6. International applicants

• Admission standards: the same 34-semester-credit preparation is advised (English or native language 8, mathematics 7, social sciences 6, sciences 6 with at least 4 laboratory semesters, another world language 4, 3 or more other courses). The page says admitted students have the equivalent of a B average or higher; consistently above-average or improving grades in a challenging program count, and low recent grades or a less demanding program are often reasons to deny.
• Deadlines: freshmen November 1 (first and maximum consideration, also the direct-admission deadline for some schools); February 1 regular decision, also the Global Engagement Scholarship deadline; later applications only if space remains. Complete by November 1 gets a response by January 15; by February 1, on or before March 15. The international page also says to apply by September 15 for spring (January) entry and by January 1 for summer (June) entry; international summer entry is only for the second eight weeks and needs at least 6 credits.
• English (for admission): results from the last two years: TOEFL iBT 79, IELTS 6.5, Duolingo 115, PTE 53, Michigan MET 53, Cambridge English 176, SAT EBRW 560 or ACT English 21; or IB HL English A at 4 or higher, AP English at 3 or higher, or three full years of secondary school in a predominantly English-speaking country. The page also sets a second, higher level to start classes: TOEFL iBT 100, IELTS 7.5, Duolingo 130, PTE 68, SAT EBRW 710, ACT English 32, or transferable English composition credit, among other routes.
• Transcripts: upload official academic records bearing an original stamp or seal, with a literal translation certified by the school if not in English; if admitted, bring the originals to Bloomington and provide all official records to the Office of International Services within the first four weeks of classes.
• Proof of funds: after admission (it does not affect the admission decision) you provide evidence of funds for the first year’s tuition, fees and living costs, mainly bank statements dated within 12 months before enrollment showing amount and currency; accountant statements, payroll reports, tax statements and property documents are not accepted.
• Cost (9 months, international undergraduates): tuition and mandatory fees USD 44,339; housing and food (double room, standard meal plan) USD 12,431; mandatory health insurance USD 1,916; miscellaneous (including books and living expenses) USD 2,470; total USD 61,156.
• Scholarships: qualified international students who complete the application by February 1 are considered for merit scholarships for international students with no separate application; there are also country- or group-specific awards (see the section on China).

7. Applicants from China

• Gaokao: the website does not say how Gaokao results are used and has no China-specific page; the international pages ask for secondary school records and the certificate showing secondary school completion. Whether Gaokao results should be sent, or can earn credit, is not published; ask International Admissions.
• Documents: the international transcripts page lists for China: the upper secondary school transcript from Grades 10 and 11 in the original language, bearing the school’s original ink seal, and the upper secondary school graduation certificate (毕业证书) in the original language, bearing the original ink seal. Whether huikao materials are needed is not published.
• English: the English tables include TOEFL ITP+ China: 543 for admission and 627 for starting classes; the other scores are in the section above.
• Exam credit: AP, IB, A-Level and Cambridge exams have credit tables (AP and IB below); whether Gaokao earns credit is not published.
• Scholarships: the scholarships page says the C.V. Starr Foundation Scholarship is offered to incoming IU students who are citizens of China (first-year undergraduates with strong academic achievement), and the Irving and Lena Lo (ILLO) Scholarship supports undergraduate and graduate students from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Amounts and how to apply are not stated in the pages read.

8. Scholarships and outcomes

• Department scholarships and research funding: the department has a funding-opportunities page, which was not read; amounts and conditions are not published in the pages read, so check the website.
• Outcomes: the parts of the department’s undergraduate pages that were read do not give graduate outcome data; not published in the pages read.

9. Transfer students

• Guaranteed admission: students enrolled at an accredited two- or four-year college (including another IU campus) who meet the published standards are guaranteed admission to IU Bloomington.
• GPA: minimum cumulative college GPA of 2.3 for Indiana residents and 2.5 for non-residents (4.0 scale); few are admitted below these. International transfer applicants: minimum 2.5. SAT/ACT scores are not required or used.
• Little college work completed: with fewer than 26 transferable semester hours (39 quarter hours), the high school transcript is reviewed too; international transfer applicants in this position must also meet the freshman standards.
• Deadlines: fall June 1, spring (January start) November 1, summer March 1; these are priority dates for most programs, with space-available review afterwards. The international deadlines page lists the same transfer dates but also says September 15 for spring and January 1 for summer without saying who each applies to, so ask International Admissions.
• Credit: only regionally accredited institutions, grades of C or higher; transfer credit counts toward the degree but not the IU GPA; each school and department decides how it applies to requirements. For international transfer credit, the institution must be recognized by the national Ministry of Education or accredited by a U.S. regional accreditor; the Credit Transfer Service gives estimates and unlisted courses need department review; English or writing courses from non-Anglophone countries generally earn no credit. Using transferable U.S. credit as proof of English requires more than 26 transferable credits and the freshman English requirement with C or better. How the chemistry, biology, mathematics and physics courses you have completed are placed against Biology requirements is not stated in the pages read; ask the department.

Checklist

Domestic applicants:

• 34 semester credits of preparatory courses (at least 4 lab-science semesters; more math if you want a science degree); apply by November 1; USD 65 fee (waivers available)
• Essay, transcript and full senior-year schedule; IU Scholarships Application by March 1; file the FAFSA

International applicants (including China):

• Apply by November 1; upload sealed Grade 10 and 11 transcripts and the graduation certificate (with certified translations); prepare English scores (TOEFL 79 / IELTS 6.5 / Duolingo 115 and up, plus the higher level to start classes)
• After admission, prepare bank statements from the last 12 months; ask International Admissions how Gaokao and huikao materials are handled

Transfer students:

• Apply by June 1 for fall; cumulative GPA 2.3 (resident) / 2.5 (non-resident); courses at C or higher transfer; ask the department how Biology prerequisites are placed

Sources: Indiana University Bloomington, Department of Biology: undergraduate; Biology majors; Biology B.A.; Biology B.S.; Bulletin: Biology B.A. (2026-27); Bulletin: Biology B.S. (2026-27); Microbiology; Biotechnology; Molecular Life Sciences; Advising and FAQs; Honors in Biology; Honors eligibility; Research opportunities; Biology exemption exams; Admission paths; Freshman admission standards; Freshman deadlines; Test-optional admissions; Application FAQs; Exam-based credit; AP exam credit; IB exam credit; Apply as an international student; International freshman application process; International freshman admission standards; International deadlines; English proficiency; Financial documents; International transcripts and credentials; Transfer admission standards; Transfer deadlines; International transfer admission standards; 2026-27 undergraduate cost of attendance; International undergraduate costs; Scholarships; Scholarships for international students; College of Arts and Sciences: how to apply; Declare or change your major; College of Arts and Sciences scholarships. Dates the pages show without a year should be checked for fall 2027 entry; costs are for 2026-27, so check the website for the latest.