What Indiana University Bloomington looks for
- A clear sense of academic direction tied to specific IU programs or opportunities
- Concrete interests — research, leadership, or a field — rather than vague ambition
- Evidence that you've thought about how IU specifically fits your plans
- Concrete specifics over abstractions — a real interest beats a generic goal
Indiana University Bloomington supplemental prompts (2026-27)
Academic and Career Plans
400 wordsRequired“Describe your academic and career plans and any special interest (for example, undergraduate research, academic interests, leadership opportunities, etc.) that you are eager to pursue as an undergraduate at Indiana University.”
How to approach it. Name a clear academic direction and at least one specific IU opportunity — a program, research area, or leadership path — that supports it. Ground your plans in an interest you've already shown rather than a goal stated for the first time here.
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Indiana University Bloomington essay FAQ
- How many supplemental essays does Indiana University Bloomington require?
- One: a single essay (up to 400 words) on your academic and career plans and the special interests you want to pursue at IU.
- How long are the Indiana University Bloomington supplemental essays?
- The single supplemental essay is up to 400 words.
- How can I tell if my Indiana University Bloomington essay is strong?
- A strong IU essay shows clear direction and connects your plans to specific IU opportunities. Halo scores your draft against an Indiana University Bloomington-specific rubric and flags where your goals are too vague or disconnected from the school.
Sources & official links
- Indiana University Bloomington official website
- Indiana University Bloomington on College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education)
- Prompts and requirements are published by Indiana University Bloomington on its official application and admissions pages.
Prompts shown are from the 2026-27 cycle and reflect each school’s officially published questions. Schools release new supplements each year; we update these guides each cycle.