Currently enrolled juniors and seniors who are in good standing with IU Indianapolis and are seeking their first IU bachelor’s degree from the IU Indianapolis campus are eligible for the Top 100 award. The Top 10 seniors will be recognized for their outstanding achievements and contributions. Note: Purdue teach out students are eligible through 2027. Contact top100@iu.edu to confirm eligibility.
Nominate a student or apply for the Top 100
Who is eligible?
Requirements
To be considered for the Top 100 award, students should meet the following requirements:
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher on September 25, 2025
- Complete 60 credit hours, with 25 or more of those credit hours completed at IU Indianapolis by the start of the fall semester of the current school year
- Maintain good standing in both academic and personal conduct.
The nomination process
It’s easy to nominate a student for the Top 100, but please keep the following in mind:
- All you need to begin the online nomination process is the nominee's full name, last name, username, email, or student ID.
- As a student, you may nominate yourself for the Top 100 award (don't worry, you're the only person who'll see who nominated you).
- A student may be nominated multiple times.
- The student fills out the application regardless of who nominates them.
- Since the application is complex, nominators should give students at least one week to complete the application.
- Students receive an email letting them know they’ve been nominated with a link to accept or decline the nomination. After the nomination has been accepted, students fill out the application, which includes seeking one endorsement from a faculty, staff or community member on their own.
- Both an endorsement and a completed application must be received by the application deadline.
Application tips
The following tips may be helpful as you’re filling out your application:
- Applications can be disqualified if activities listed are not verifiable.
- Application instructions should be followed carefully.
- Follow up with your recommender to confirm submission of their endorsement.
- Word limits are established to encourage concise descriptions of your activities and are strictly enforced.
For more instructions and tips on submitting your application, watch this brief video.
How does the judging process work?
There are two rounds of judging, and each complete application is reviewed by at least three judges in each round. In round one, applications must receive two recommendations to move on to round two. In round two, points are awarded to applicants based on their experience and/or performance in three categories:
- Classroom and creative scholarly achievement
- Student campus activities
- External, personal, or other activities
Judges also consider applicants' personal statement and endorsement to award a total score.
The top 125 applicants are vetted by the Office of Student Conduct to confirm good standing. Finally, the Top 100 selection committee reviews the list to determine the Top 100 and Top 10 Seniors.
Frequently asked questions
IU Indianapolis faculty and staff can nominate students. IU Indianapolis students may also self-nominate.
A student may be nominated multiple times by different people.
Students receive an email notification when they've been nominated. They're required to accept the nomination and fill out the application form, which includes seeking one endorsement on their own.
Students are only allowed one endorsement for their application. Please consider wisely who you request an endorsement from to be sure that person will be in the best position to describe your strengths.
Up to five activities are permitted in each category.
Yes, all sections of the application must be completed. It is recommended that you include at least one activity in each category.
The Top 100 application is complex, and students need sufficient time to complete it and secure an endorsement.
Yes, December 2025 graduates are eligible.
Students can only receive this award twice, typically once as a junior and once as a senior.
| Academic Excellence | Community Impact | Personal Integrity & Character |
|---|---|---|
Maintains 3.95+ GPA in rigorous majors (e.g., Finance, Neuroscience) |
Founded student orgs and/or held leadership positions. |
Balances leadership with chronic health challenge |
Recipient of Bepko, Norman Brown, Gilman, and other top scholarships |
Led volunteer hours and global NGO initiatives |
Mentor peers with humility and empathy |
Engaged in honors research, graduate-level coursework, and TA roles |
Organized social justice events and accessibility campaigns |
Advocates for equity and inclusion through lived experience |
Tutor peers in STEM and business disciplines |
Recognized with Guinness World Record and civic awards |
Trusted for professionalism, resilience, and moral courage |