BSE Computer Science and Engineering

Additional Information & Requirements

• You can apply through the University of Iowa application or the Common Application.
• SAT/ACT Update: The University of Iowa offers a test-optional admissions policy. Students may choose to submit ACT or SAT scores or apply without them. Test scores are not required for general admission, direct entry into academic programs, or consideration for most merit scholarships. If submitted, scores will only be used if they benefit the applicant. Students who apply without a test score can later choose to add or update their scores at any time without penalty. This flexibility ensures students receive the best possible consideration in both admission and scholarship decisions.
• SAT/ACT Score reporting: The university also uses a superscore approach—combining the highest section scores from multiple test dates to calculate the best overall score.
• Other deadline details: Early Action - For applicants who apply on or before November 1. The University of Iowa recommends students apply by November 1 to maximize opportunities for college and/or department scholarships, honors program applications, housing applications, and other institutional deadlines. Regular Decision - For applicants who apply after November 1. Students must apply no later than March 1 for scholarship consideration. Rolling Admission - For applicants who apply later than March 1. All applications decisions are made on a rolling basis.
• Scholarship Update: All admitted first-year students are considered for merit scholarships, with or without test scores. However, those with strong academics and scores above 26 ACT or 1230 SAT may be eligible for larger awards. If test scores are submitted, students are reviewed both ways and awarded the best possible scholarship.
• English Language Proficiency: International applicants whose first language is not English must meet English proficiency requirements through approved tests like TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo. Minimum scores vary by program. Some applicants may qualify for a waiver based on prior education in English-speaking institutions. For full details, refer to the University of Iowa’s official admissions page on English proficiency. https://admissions.uiowa.edu/english-proficiency-requirements
• ABET-accredited
• School Report & Final Report Required
• Common App personal essay optional
• This college does not use a writing supplement for any additional writing requirements.
• If a personal statement is requested, applicants should use this opportunity for the admission committee to get to know the student beyond what is supplied in the application or on a transcript. Applicants may meet the personal statement requirement by submitting ONE of the following: 1. An existing/previously prepared personal statement, or 2. A response to any of the essay prompts on the Common application, or 3. A response to this prompt: Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. There are no strict word limits. We suggest that the personal statement stay around 650 words. While we won't as a rule stop reading after 650 words, we cannot promise that an overly wordy essay will hold our attention for as long as a student hoped it would.