High school students and parents will soon find it even easier to apply to the University of Iowa, and faster to receive an admission decision.

Beginning in August, first-year/freshmen applicants to the UI will self-report their high school course work, test scores, grade point average, and class rank when they apply for admission. Freshmen applicants will no longer need to submit an official high school transcript or official ACT and/or SAT test scores for an admission decision to be made.

This change will not only reduce the application processing time and the amount of paper the UI Office of Admissions receives; it will also decrease the amount of paper, envelopes, and postage spent from high schools across Iowa and around the U.S.

“Students and families will benefit from a quicker turn-around on their application and can begin their planning for college sooner with this approach. It’s a win/win for everyone,” saysMichael Barron, UI assistant provost for enrollment management and executive director of admissions.

A new online application for admission will be available in mid-August for students applying for summer or fall 2013 and beyond.

Freshmen applicants will receive one of three decisions, usually within 48 hours of submitting their application: admitted, not admitted, or deferred. Deferred applicants will have the opportunity to submit a personal statement and an official transcript for a second review. Those who submit additional information will be notified of their new admission decision (admitted, not admitted, or wait-listed) on one of the following dates: Dec. 10, Feb. 1, March 1, and April 1.

Admitted students will need to submit their final official transcript and test scores as soon as possible upon graduation from high school and no later than July 1.

This change is applicable for first-year/freshmen applicants who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Transfer and international applicants will continue to submit official transcripts and test scores to receive an admission decision.

The UI receives more than 20,000 freshmen applications and more than 42,000 total applications each year.