Nonresident Applicants

At Boise State, adventure is found inside and out of the classroom. Whether you’re conducting hands-on, groundbreaking research in your field of study or navigating the roaring rapids of the Payette River, being a Bronco means pushing yourself to scale new heights.

You don’t just go to Boise State.
You begin an adventure.

Begin your adventure

Nonresidents

How to Apply

Application for admission
Application Fee or approved App Fee Waiver
Official high school transcript
ACT or SAT results

Will You Be Admitted

High school graduates under the age of 21 will be considered for admission using their combined high school unweighted cumulative grade point average (GPA) and ACT composite or SAT scores. If you completed all courses in the Idaho College Admission Core, you will be considered for general admission.

As a nonresident of Idaho, the Boise State Admissions Index is used to evaluate your admissibility to Boise State based on a combination of your high school GPA and ACT or SAT scores. High school graduates under the age of 21 (prior to the first day of the semester you want to attend Boise State) will be considered for admission according to Boise State’s Admission Index and can use the calculator to learn about eligibility. Since the admissions calculator is based upon self-reported information, your admissions status is contingent upon receipt of your official admission materials. The final admission determination will be based upon your cumulative, unweighted GPA as calculated by the University from official high school transcripts, and your official ACT or SAT test results. Possible candidates may submit recommendations and a personal statement for a more comprehensive review. The results of the admission calculator do not represent a binding University admission offer.

Nonresident Index Calculator

How to Apply

If you graduated from high school in 1989 or later and earned at least a 2.50 cumulative high school grade point average (GPA), you will be considered for general admission. In addition, you must have completed all courses in the core subject requirements.

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

Core Subject Requirements

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.

Students who have completed a GED or HiSET exam will be considered for admission based on a comprehensive review of the below required materials. The comprehensive review will assess your academic preparation for college-level coursework and your potential for success at Boise State University. High school equivalency exams from individual states are not accepted for admission purposes.

If you will be under 21 as of the first day of the semester, you will need to submit the following:

GED official transcript or official HiSET certificate.
Official transcripts from any colleges or universities attended
Official ACT or SAT results from the testing agency
Statement of personal circumstances that includes any pertinent information regarding your potential for academic success and any extenuating circumstances which may have influenced your previous academic record. The statement should be limited to 500 words or less and can be submitted here.

If you will be 21 or over as of the first day of the semester, you will need to submit the following:

GED official transcript or official HiSET certificate.
Official transcripts from any colleges or universities attended
Statement of personal circumstances that includes any pertinent information regarding your potential for academic success and any extenuating circumstances which may have influenced your previous academic record. The statement should be limited to 500 words or less and can be submitted here.

I Have a GED

Fast Track Admission- Students who submit the required materials and meet the below minimum test score standard will be admitted to Boise State University. Students meeting these minimums are not required to submit a Personal Statement.

Fast Track requirements (must meet all minimums to receive fast track admission):

Fast Track minimums if you will be under 21 as of the first day of the semester

1. Official test scores with GED score minimum:

GED 2014: Each section score is 170 or higher

-or-

GED 2013 or before: Average exam score of 550 and each section score of 500 or higher

2. Official test scores with ACT or SAT score minimum:

ACT composite score is 23 or higher

-or-

SAT total score of 1130 or higher (test date: March 2016-present)

-or-

SAT combined math and critical reading scores total 1050 or higher (test date: pre-March 2016)

Fast Track minimums if you will be 21 or over as of the first day of the semester

1. Official test scores with GED score minimum:

GED 2014: Each section score is 170 or higher

-or-

GED 2013 to 2002: Average exam score of 550 and each section score of 500 or higher

-or-

GED 2001 or before: Average exam score of 55 and each section score of 50 or higher

I Have a HiSET Certificate

Fast Track requirements (must meet all minimums to receive fast track admission):

Fast Track minimums if you will be under 21 as of the first day of the semester

1. Official test scores with HiSET score minimum:

A score of 15 or higher on each of the five subtests

2. Official test scores with ACT or SAT score minimum:

SAT total score of 1130 (Redesigned SAT: March 2016 – present)

-or-

SAT combined math and critical reading scores total of 1050 or higher (Pre-March 2016 SAT)

-or-

ACT composite score is 23 or higher

Fast Track minimums if you will be 21 or over as of the first day of the semester

1. Official test scores with HiSET score minimum:

A score of 15 or higher on each of the five subtests

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.

Students who have completed a home school program will be considered for admission based on a comprehensive review of the below required materials. The comprehensive review will assess your academic preparation for college-level coursework and your potential for success at Boise State University.

If you will be under 21 as of the first day of the semester, you will need to submit the following:

Home school transcript or a description of your educational background including subjects studied and any grades earned.
Official transcripts from any secondary school attended prior to (or in addition to) home schooling.
Official transcripts from any colleges or universities attended
Official ACT or SAT results from the testing agency
Statement of personal circumstances that includes any pertinent information regarding your potential for academic success and any extenuating circumstances which may have influenced your previous academic record. The statement should be limited to 500 words or less and should be uploaded here.

If you will be 21 or over as of the first day of the semester, you will need to submit the following:

Home school transcript or a description of your educational background including subjects studied and any grades earned.
Official transcripts from any secondary school attended prior to (or in addition to) home schooling.
Official transcripts from any colleges or universities attended
Statement of personal circumstances that includes any pertinent information regarding your potential for academic success and any extenuating circumstances which may have influenced your previous academic record. The statement should be limited to 500 words or less and should be uploaded here.

Fast Track Admission- Students who submit the required materials, have earned fewer than 14 college level semester credits, are under 21 years of age and meet the below minimum test score standard will be admitted to Boise State University. Students meeting these minimums are not required to submit a Personal Statement.

Official test scores with either the ACT or SAT score minimum:

ACT composite score is 23 or higher

-or-

SAT total score of 1130 or higher (test date: March 2016-present)

-or-

SAT combined math and critical reading scores total 1050 or higher (test date: pre-March 2016)

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.