New to College

(prior to the first day of the semester you want to attend Boise State)

High school graduates under the age of 21 will be considered for admission according to Boise State's Admission Index using their combined high school grade point average (GPA) and ACT composite or SAT (Math and Critical Reading) scores.

For instance, if your GPA is 3.0 and your highest ACT composite score is 22, you are an excellent candidate for admission.

Boise State Admission Index

This table does not include the complete Admission Index. If your GPA or test score is not shown, contact the Boise State Admissions Office for specific information.

Once you are determined admissible according to the index, your high school course work will be examined. If you completed all courses in the Idaho College Admission Core (see below), you will be considered for general admission.

If you meet the requirements of the Boise State Admission Index but have not completed the Idaho College Admission Core Classes, you will be considered for provisional admission.

Idaho College Admission Core Classes

• English - 8 semesters
  Composition, Literature
• Mathematics - 6 semesters
  Applied Math I, Applied Math II, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Analytic Geometry, Calculus, Statistics, Trigonometry. At least 4 semesters must be taken in grades 10 through 12.
• Natural Science - 6 semesters
  Anatomy, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Geology, Physiology, Physical Science, Physics, Zoology. Selected applied science courses may count for up to 2 semesters. At least 2 semesters must be in courses which include a laboratory science experience.
• Social Science - 5 semesters
  American Government, Geography, U.S. History, World History, Economics, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology
• Humanities/Foreign Language - 2 semesters
  Literature, History, Philosophy, Foreign Language, and related study of 2 or more of the traditional humanities disciplines.
• Other College Prep - 3 semesters
  Speech, Studio/Performing Arts (Art, Dance, Drama, Music), additional Foreign Language. Up to 2 semesters of approved vocational courses may apply; consult your high school counselor.

A student who is admitted with provisional status is required to complete 14 college credits in specified classes with a grade of C- or higher in each course. This requirement must be completed within three semesters.

(You fit into this category if you will be 21 or over prior to the first day of the semester you want to attend Boise State and you have not earned at least 14 transferable semester credits.)

For Spring and Summer 2012, admission for high school graduates, 21 or over, will be based on the following:
If you graduated from high school prior to 1989 and never attended college, you will be considered for general admission.

If you graduated from high school in 1989 or later and earned at least a 2.0 cumulative high school grade point average (GPA), you will be considered for general admission. In addition, you must have completed all courses in the Idaho College Admission Core. If you did not complete all core classes, you will be considered for provisional admission.

For Fall 2012 and beyond, admission for high school graduates, 21 or over, will be based on the following:

If you graduated from high school prior to 1989 and never attended college, you will be considered for general admission.

If you graduated from high school in 1989 or later and earned at least a 2.50 unweighted  cumulative high school grade point average (GPA), you will be considered for general admission. In addition, you must have completed all courses in the Idaho College Admission Core. If you did not complete all core classes, you will be considered for provisional admission.

If you graduated from high school in 1989 or later and earned between a 2.49 to 2.00 unweighted  cumulative high school grade point average (GPA), your application will be considered on a case by case basis by an Admissions Committee. You are encouraged to submit recommendations from faculty at your school or other adults who have worked with you in a classroom setting, and provide a personal statement describing your ability to be successful in a university setting.

If you graduated from high school in 1989 or later and earned a 1.99 or lower unweighted  cumulative high school grade point average (GPA), you will be ineligible for degree-seeking admission at this time. You may choose to attend Boise State as a non-degree seeking student until you have satisfactorily completed at least 14 college-level credits, or you may attend another institution and re-apply to Boise State once you have completed 14 college-level transferable semester credits with a 2.25 GPA or better. If you would like to further discuss your options for attending Boise State, please contact the Admissions Office.

Idaho College Admission Core Classes

• English - 8 semesters
  Composition, Literature
• Mathematics - 6 semesters
  Applied Math I, Applied Math II, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Analytic Geometry, Calculus, Statistics, Trigonometry. At least 4 semesters must be taken in grades 10 through 12.
• Natural Science - 6 semesters
  Anatomy, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Geology, Physiology, Physical Science, Physics, Zoology. Selected applied science courses may count for up to 2 semesters. At least 2 semesters must be in courses which include a laboratory science experience.
• Social Science - 5 semesters
  American Government, Geography, U.S. History, World History, Economics, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology
• Humanities/Foreign Language - 2 semesters
  Literature, History, Philosophy, Foreign Language, and related study of 2 or more of the traditional humanities disciplines.
• Other College Prep - 3 semesters
  Speech, Studio/Performing Arts (Art, Dance, Drama, Music), additional Foreign Language. Up to 2 semesters of approved vocational courses may apply; consult your high school counselor.

If you graduated from an unaccredited high school or home school program and did not complete a GED, you will be considered for provisional admission with an ACT composite score of at least 17 or SAT combined math and critical reasoning score of at least 830 and the following minimum scores on the full COMPASS exam - 46 on Algebra, 68 on Writing and 85 on Reading. If you are over 21 years of age, you do not need to submit ACT/SAT scores.

If you are under 21 years of age and demonstrate exceptional scores on the ACT or SAT, the COMPASS exam requirement may be waived. To qualify for the COMPASS waiver you must have at least a 23 ACT composite or SAT combined math and critical reasoning score of at least 1050. In addition, you must place into college level English (with at least an 18 on the ACT English section or 450 on the SAT critical reasoning section) and college level math (with at least an 18 on the ACT math section or 430 on the SAT math section).

If you earned the GED prior to 2002 you will be considered for provisional admission with a Standard Score Average of at least 55 and at least a 50 on each sub test. In addition, you must place into college level math and English (see below for placement test score requirements).

If you earned the GED after 2002 and will be over the age of 21 prior to the first day of classes, you will be considered for provisional admission with a Standard Score Average of at least 550 and at least a 500 on each sub test. In addition, you must place into college level math and English (see below for placement test score requirements).

If you will not be 21 years of age prior to the first day of classes, you will be considered for provisional admission with a Standard Score Average of at least 550 and at least a 500 on each sub test. In addition, you must have a composite score of at least 17 on the ACT (or SAT combined Math and Critical Reading score of 830) and place into college level math and English (see below for placement test score requirements).

A student who is admitted with provisional status is required to complete 14 college credits in specified classes with a grade of C- or higher in each course. This requirement must be completed within three semesters.

If you are still unsure about your status, please call the Admissions Office at (800) 824-7017 or (208) 426-1156, and our staff will gladly assist you.