Learn how to apply to Ball State with a General Education Diploma (GED), Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC), or Indiana HiSET certification. We practice rolling admission, which means we’ll review your application once we receive all required materials. Review the following steps to submit a complete application to Ball State.

What We Look For

Admission to Ball State is selective, and we carefully evaluate all applications on an individual basis to consider academic performance, level of course work, extracurricular participation, and more. Ultimately, we aim to determine if you can be successful as a Cardinal. 

Review the following criteria Ball State considers when you apply.

GED Passing Scores

If you have a GED, you must meet the following scores to be considered for admission:

  • Passing score of at least 150-200

Scores Earned Before 2013

Passing scores for a GED earned before 2013 include:

  • Standard Average score of at least 520 (or 52 if earned before 2002)
  • Writing Skills score of at least 500 (or 50 if earned before 2002)
  • Mathematics score of at least 500 (or 50 if earned before 2002)
  • Scores of at least 450 for each remaining section (or 45 if earned before 2002)

TASC Passing Scores

If you are a TASC recipient, you must meet the following scores to be considered for admission:

  • Passing score of at least 500 on each subject test (language arts, math, science, social studies, and writing)
  • Passing score of at least 2/8 on the writing prompt

HiSET Passing Scores

If you are a HiSET recipient, you must meet the following scores to be considered for admission:

  • Passing score of at least 8 on each individual subtest
  • Passing score of at least 2/6 on the writing test
  • Total combined score on all five subtests of at least 45

Advance Credit

You can earn college credit early for Ball State by taking special courses and exams through Advanced Placement (AP), Cambridge International, and other programs. We also offer our own departmental and world language exams. See all of our advance credit options and requirements.

Steps to Apply

Applying to Ball State is easy and can be done completely online. Follow the steps below to prepare your application and materials. You’re one step closer to becoming a Cardinal!

Be sure to apply by the appropriate deadline for your desired term and for maximum consideration of potential scholarships. See our dates and deadlines.

Step 1
Review Admission Criteria

Your General Education Diploma (GED) or Test Assessing Secondary Education (TASC) must meet the passing scores to be considered. See our full admission criteria above (“What We Look For”).

Step 2
Send Us Your Score Report

A complete application requires an official GED/TASC score report sent directly from your testing center. We accept transcripts electronically or mailed directly to the Office of Admissions. Find our mailing address.

Step 3
Tell Us About Yourself (optional)

You have the option to submit a one-page applicant statement describing the circumstances that affected your academic performance and/or course selection. Outline what you have done since receiving your GED/TASC.

Guidance for Transfer Students

Thinking about becoming a Ball State Cardinal? Check out our YouTube playlist for transfer students. Explore our academic colleges, learn how to apply for admissions and financial aid, and discover the next steps you'll take after you're admitted. We're ready when you're ready—apply to Ball State.

Apply to Ball State

After completing the steps above, it’s time to complete the online application. An application and all required application materials must be received at least two weeks before the start of classes for a given term to be considered for admission to Ball State. However, we recommend you do so by the priority deadline for your term.

After You Apply

After completing your application, you can continue to log in to your Cardinal Landing portal to submit additional materials and check your application status.

Questions?

If you need assistance with any part of your application process, please call or email the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. We’re here to help you every step of the way.

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