Regent Schools & Regent Admission Index

Due to the many standardized testing issues caused by the COVID pandemic, Iowa’s Regent universities are test optional for freshman applicants entering Fall 2022 or earlier. In other words, these students may choose whether they wish to submit ACT or SAT scores.

Applicants Who Submit ACT or SAT Scores

These applicants will be considered for admission based upon their Regent Admission Index (RAI) score.

Below is the mathematical formula for calculating your RAI score:

ACT composite score x 3 + Cumulative GPA x 30 + Number of years of high school core courses x 5 Total = RAI

In addition to meeting the Regent Admission Index requirement, students must complete the minimum number of high school courses specified below for the institution to which they’re applying.

Subject Area	Iowa State University	University of Iowa	University of Northern Iowa
English/Language Arts	4 years emphasizing writing, speaking, and reading, as well as an understanding and appreciation of literature.	4 years, with an emphasis on the analysis and interpretation of literature, composition and speech.	4 years, including one year of composition; may also include one year of speech, communication, or journalism.
Math	3 years, including one year each of algebra, geometry, and advanced algebra.	3 years, including two years of algebra and one year of geometry, for admission to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. 4 years, including two years of algebra, one year each of geometry and higher math (trigonometry, analysis or calculus), for admission to the College of Engineering.	3 years, including the equivalent of algebra, geometry and algebra II.
Natural Science	3 years, including at least two years of courses which emphasize elements of biology, chemistry or physics.	3 years, including courses in physical science, biology, chemistry, environmental science and physics for admission to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. 3 years, with at least one year each in chemistry and physics, for admission to the College of Engineering. Nursing – 3 years including one year each of biology, chemistry and physics.	3 years, including courses in general science, biology, chemistry, earth science or physics. Laboratory experience highly recommended.
Social Studies	2 years for admission to the Colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Business, Design, Human Sciences and Engineering. 3 years for admission to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.	3 years, with U.S. history and world history recommended for admission to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. 2 years, with U.S. history and world history recommended, for admission to the College of Engineering.	3 years, including courses in anthropology, economics, geography, government, history, psychology or sociology.
World Languages	2 years of a single world language for admission to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the College of Engineering.	2 years of a single world language are required for admission. For many degrees, the fourth year of proficiency is required for graduation. Nursing – Minimum second-level proficiency in one world language.	World language courses are not required for admission. However, two years of a world language in high school with a C- or above in the last term will meet the university graduation requirement.
Other Courses	Specific elective courses are not required for admission.	Specific elective courses are not required for admission.	2 years of additional courses from the required subject areas, world languages or fine arts.