Idaho Residents

With more than 200 areas of study to choose from, the designation as a Carnegie doctoral research university, and an ideal location in the heart of the state capital, there’s no better place to start your college adventure than at Boise State.

When you can float down the river and finish in four years. You don’t just go to Boise State. You begin an adventure.

Start your application

Idaho Residents

As a current high school senior or recently graduated high school senior, you will be considered for admission according to the resident admissions index, which considers a combination of your cumulative unweighted high school grade point average (GPA) and ACT composite or SAT scores.

There is no minimum SAT or ACT test score for Idaho applicants with an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher. 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 are unable to take the ACT on the regular national test dates, you can take the Residual ACT at Boise State.

How to Apply

State of Idaho’s Apply Idaho application* – OR – Boise State’s application
Official high school transcript*
ACT or SAT results

*Students who complete the Apply Idaho application will be admitted off of state-reported data and only need to provide their transcript and test scores to Boise State if requested by email/mail.

Idaho Resident Standards

High School Cumulative GPA (Unweighted)	SAT Total*	ACT Composite
3.00-4.00	any test score	any test score
2.99 - 2.94	880	16
2.93 - 2.89	920	17
2.88-2.83	960	18
2.82-2.77	990	19
2.76-2.71	1030	20
2.70-2.66	1060	21
2.65-2.60	1100	22
2.59-2.54	1130	23
2.53-2.49	1160	24
2.48-2.43	1200	25
2.42-2.37	1230	26
2.36-2.32	1260	27
2.31-2.26	1300	28
2.25-2.20	1330	29
2.19-2.14	1360	30
2.13-2.09	1390	31
2.08-2.03	1420	32
2.02-2.00	1450	33

*Reflects SAT scores according to the redesigned 2016 SAT exam.

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.

As an Idaho high school graduate under the age of 21, you will be considered for admission according to the resident admissions index, which considers a combination of your cumulative unweighted high school grade point average (GPA) and ACT composite or SAT scores.

If you are unable to take the ACT on the regular national test dates, you can take the Residual ACT at Boise State.

How to Apply

Idaho Resident Standards

High School Cumulative GPA (Unweighted)	SAT Total*	ACT Composite
3.00-4.00	any test score	any test score
2.99 - 2.94	880	16
2.93 - 2.89	920	17
2.88-2.83	960	18
2.82-2.77	990	19
2.76-2.71	1030	20
2.70-2.66	1060	21
2.65-2.60	1100	22
2.59-2.54	1130	23
2.53-2.49	1160	24
2.48-2.43	1200	25
2.42-2.37	1230	26
2.36-2.32	1260	27
2.31-2.26	1300	28
2.25-2.20	1330	29
2.19-2.14	1360	30
2.13-2.09	1390	31
2.08-2.03	1420	32
2.02-2.00	1450	33

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.

Applicants who graduated from high school in 1989 or later and earned at least a 2.50 cumulative high school grade point average (GPA) will be considered for general admission if they completed all courses in the Idaho College Admission Core.

If core high school coursework falls significantly below the Idaho College Admission Core Classes standard, it is possible to be denied admission. If you graduated from high school prior to 1989 and never attended college, you will be considered for general admission.

How to Apply

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.

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.

Idaho Residents

Idaho Residents

Boise State Admissions