Welcome Incoming Freshman!

Universal Scholarship Application

Once your university technology account is created, log into Onestart to complete the universal scholarship application. Fill in your personal information only once and, with a few clicks, apply for dozens of scholarships that match your profile. The deadline for completing the application is February 15, 2013. Don’t leave any money on the table!

Retaking the SAT or ACT

Even after you’ve been accepted at IUPUI, if you have a hunch you could have done better on your SAT or ACT, it’s not too late to try again! A better test score could qualify you for more scholarship money. IUPUI will accept your best test score for scholarship consideration (prior to the appropriate deadlines). December 1 is the deadline to be considered for a Chancellor’s Scholarship, which also qualifies you for membership in the Honors College.

Honors College Scholarships

The deadline to apply for one of three competitive scholarships offered through the Honors College—the Bepko Scholars and Fellows Program, the Herbert Presidential Scholars Program and the Plater International Scholars Program—is November 15. Aim to have your application in by November 1 to allow plenty of time to submit supporting documentation.

Learn more about the financial aid, scholarships and employment opportunities available for students.

Don’t be a stranger! Join the School of Science on Facebook and Twitter and feel free to contact a student ambassador at ScienceAmbassadors@iupui.edu with any questions or concerns you may have or to set up an individual visit to the school. We would love to talk to you as you make these important decisions.

Ask an Ambassador

The School of Science Ambassadors are committed undergraduate students determined to transfer their love and passion for the school to current and future students.

Maximizing the Next Four Years of Your Life

Are you ready to embark on one of the most transformative experiences of your life? Don’t let it scare you! Embrace it! Enrolling in a university isn’t just about getting a degree, it’s about meeting your best friends, changing your perspectives, expanding your outlooks on life, and it’s about helping you gain a fulfilled vision for what you want to do with your life.

I am confident that becoming a student at IUPUI in the School of Science will help you achieve exactly that. The School of Science community is one that you will gradually begin to love as you explore its clubs, mentorship, and opportunities for leadership. During the spring semester of my freshman year, I became a mentor for a general chemistry course I had taken just semester before. There are opportunities like these everywhere! Not only can you have an on-campus science-related job, but you will also make connections and gain skills that will help you become a more assertive and confident leader. 

There are always ways to become involved in the things that you are interested in. Many science students begin to gain professional scientific experience their first and second years by applying for positions such as the Freshman Biology Work Program or the Life-Health Science Internships. Through paid opportunities such as these, you can learn what it’s like to put your knowledge to use in a meaningful and developmental internship in areas such as medicine, dentistry, and biochemistry, to name a few.

So, go ahead! Explore and find your passions. Become a part of the things you enjoy and maximize your educational experience as part of the School of Science family. You won’t regret it. 

~Jeremy Sherer

Explore Your Interests and Make Connections

One of the most difficult things about beginning college is making new connections. It’s so easy to just come to campus, go to classes and then go home. But, having a group of friends going through the same challenges creates a support network that will be extremely valuable throughout college. Making new connections is easier said than done, however, especially if you aren’t used to it.

That’s where student organizations at IUPUI can help. There are so many student organizations at which you’ll find like-minded people no matter what your interest is. There are organizations for any science interest you might have, from psychology to biology to medicine, and also for everything non-science, like the Foodies Guild and even things like Ultimate Frisbee. You can find out about all the student organizations at IUPUI by visiting www.myinvolvement.iupui.edu.

There are student organization meetings/events happening on campus all the time. Look out for flyers posted around campus for event dates and times. Through involvement in student organizations, I was able to explore areas I was passionate about and make friends at the same time. So when you make it to the IUPUI Campus, get involved in student organizations and meet as many people as possible, from students to professors. You’ll open yourself to new ideas and new experiences that will ensure you get the most out of your college experience.

~Tomas Meijome 

Embrace the Challenge – RISE from A Student’s Perspective 

Four years ago, I was like many of you.  I was nervous about change coming my way, yet excited for the future. I had a clear vision of where I wanted to be in five years, but the path to how I would get there was full of choices. I challenged myself to be open to whatever came my way and decided to attend a university where I would know no one. With a dream to become a Pediatrician, I chose IUPUI for the many opportunities that existed at an urban university with a nearby medical school.

The IUPUI RISE initiative challenges every undergraduate to include at least two RISE experiences - Research, International, Service learning, and Experiential learning - in their degree program. While I knew what I wanted to do next, most students do not. This challenge is perfect for both types of students. These experiences are exactly what future employers and graduate or professional schools look for. Luckily, the School of Science makes these experiences incredibly accessible to their students. Personally, I couldn’t stop at just two. I loved them so much I wanted to try everything. My experiences are just one example of a science student rising to the challenge. 

R: Senior research project – I work with Dr. Brenda Grimes at the IU School of Medicine researching a potential new chemotherapy drug for pancreatic cancer.

I: Study abroad in Valencia, Spain – I took classes in Valencia during the summer between my sophomore and junior year. 

S: Service learning – I have taken three service-learning classes. I currently am taking Swk-S180, Exploring Child Welfare in Indiana, in which I learn about child welfare and will complete 20 hours at an organization that provides child welfare services.

E: Life-Health Sciences Internship – I completed research in a paid internship with Dr. Grimes during my sophomore year.

I am currently a senior and will graduate from IUPUI this May.  Trust me, college will be over before you know it!  I challenge you to consider completing the RISE challenge and make the most of your experience. If you have any questions about the School of Science or my RISE experiences, feel free to ask me (krseiber@iupui.edu).  

More information about RISE can be found here.

~Kristyn Seibert

Freshman Fear is Normal, and Temporary

Be sure to complete your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at www.fafsa.ed.gov by March 10, 2013. Even if you don’t believe you need or would qualify for financial aid, we recommend you complete the application. This is especially true if you intend to work on campus. Many jobs are only available to students who qualify for Federal Work Study—a benefit you will only receive if complete the FAFSA. Check the deadline for your state if you are not from Indiana.

Registration for IUPUI New Student Orientation, which is required for all incoming freshmen, is now open!

Orientation will introduce you to the IUPUI campus, student activities, and support services. You will also register for your first semester of classes at orientation. Whether this is your first college experience or you are transferring from another university, we are here to ensure you have everything you need for the first day.

NEW in 2013: Two-Day Orientation Experience

IUPUI is offering a two-day orientation session for incoming freshmen for the first time this summer. We highly recommend registering for one of these orientation sessions to get the best possible start to your college career.  

During this two-day orientation, you will stay in on-campus housing for the night, participate in academic planning sessions and interact with student clubs and organizations. 

All two-day orientation sessions take place in June. One-day orientation sessions will also be available in July and August 

2013 Orientation Dates & Registration

New Student and Transfer Orientation sessions will take place during the months of June, July and August, 2013. Registration for the two-day orientation experience in June is now available to any admitted student who has:

• Activated his or her online technology account.
• Paid his or her $100 enrollment deposit.

Once these tasks have been completed, you are ready to register online for New Student Orientation. Be sure to register for an early orientation date to increase your chances of getting the class schedule you desire!

Prepare for Orientation

1. Take your required placement exams: Be sure to sign up when you register for orientation. Your academic advisor will need to know your scores, or at least know that you've taken your exams, before registering you for classes. While specific requirements vary by major, both new and transfer students may need to complete a number of placement exams. Learn more.   

2. Ensure you have submitted AP and dual-enrollment course info to the IUPUI Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

3. Decide which freshmen program is right for you:

• Summer Bridge
• Themed Learning Communities

Make sure you have completed the following tasks PRIOR TO your scheduled orientation date. Advisors recommend doing the following at least 48 hours prior to orientation (the sooner the better to allow time for internal processing and reporting).

Take Your Placement Exams

While specific requirements vary by major, both new and transfer students may be required to take placement exams. Be sure to schedule any placement exams that need to be completed in person when you register for orientation. Your advisor will need the results of your placement exams in order to register you for classes, so complete them at least 48 hours in advance of your orientation date. Learn more about placement exams.

Submit Final Transcripts

Because your admission to the School of Science is contingent upon successful completion of your last semester of high school classes (or college classes if you are transferring from another college or university), you will need to submit your final transcript to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions as soon as it is available.

Report Advanced Placement or Dual-Enrollment Credit

If you have taken courses for college credit, your advisor will need a record of those courses and grades received before helping you register for your fall classes. The institutions granting credit will not automatically report the credit to IUPUI—you must ask them to do so. Be sure this is taken care of prior to orientation.

Immunization Forms

All current students must have records of certain immunizations on file with the University. Follow the instructions on the Office of the Registrar website.