No special consideration is given to residents over non-residents. The Registrar's Office has information on residence classification and on how to become an Indiana resident for fee paying purposes. We are more favorably impressed by a rising GPA than a falling one. Anything which can explain a falling or an erratic GPA should be explained in your personal statement. It is helpful if it is superior, i.e., mostly A's, some B's, no C's.
Many applicants think that interviews are essential.
However, they are not required. If there is something you would be uncomfortable putting in a written statement, you can meet with an admissions officer to explain your situation. In rare cases, the committee may request an applicant to schedule an interview before a decision is made on the application. First year students take 16 hours in the first semester and 15 in the second. Generally the maximum grant is for tuition.