Freshman admissions

Ohio State has a competitive admission process in which students are considered for admission based largely on their academic performance and credentials. All students are considered under competitive standards except Ohio residents applying to an Ohio State regional campus in Lima, Mansfield, Marion, or Newark, or to Ohio State ATI in Wooster.

Successful completion of the college preparatory curriculum while in high school.

View minimum college prep requirements.

( ) = the recommended number of units for strong preparation

4 units of English
3 (4) units of math
3 units of natural science with significant lab experience
2 (3) units of social science
2 (3) units of the same foreign language
1 unit of a visual or performing art
1 additional unit of the above courses

Students exceeding the minimum curriculum in math, natural sciences, or foreign language will be given additional consideration.

Performance in high school as shown by class rank or grade point average.
Performance on the ACT or SAT (see Important information about test scores).

Additional consideration may be given if:

you attend a competitive high school
you have taken accelerated courses (e.g., honors, AP, IB)
you are a first-generation college student
you provide cultural, economic, racial, or geographic diversity
you demonstrated outstanding talent in a particular area
you have been involved in extracurricular activities, had significant work experience, or held leadership positions
your high school performance was adversely affected by physical, mental, or learning environment factors
you are eligible for and will benefit from organized support services at Ohio State

Additional requirements

Ohio State requires that you receive a diploma from a chartered high school or GED to enroll. Students attending Ohio State regional campuses must meet campus-change requirements to enroll at the Columbus campus. For information, please contact your academic advisor.

Application requirements

Learn how to apply online or print a checklist of required application materials at undergrad.osu.edu/apply.

Important information about test scores

At Ohio State, we believe in the fundamental importance of effective writing. Strong writing skills are critical to success in college and beyond. We require that all applicants submit at least one ACT and/or SAT score set with writing exam scores. The writing score is used as part of a holistic review when considering admissions applications. Writing scores do not factor into criteria for merit scholarships or selection for specific academic programs.

When considering students for admission, scholarships, or Honors/Scholars selection, we will consider the best official composite/combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not mix sub-scores from multiple tests.
We must receive official scores, sent directly from the testing agency. Scores from transcripts will not be considered.
Ohio State’s college codes: ACT = 3312, SAT = 1592
We must receive test scores by the appropriate application and/or scholarship deadline. Students should plan to test at least six weeks prior to deadlines to allow sufficient time for scores to be sent to Ohio State.

After you’ve applied

Once we receive your application

Within 1 to 5 days, you will receive e-mail acknowledgment that your application was received. You will be given an Ohio State Username and OSU ID and instructions for monitoring the status of your application.

Within approximately 10 to 12 weeks (and not before December for those applying to begin in autumn semester), your online application status will reflect one of the following admissions decisions:

Admit – Congratulations! You have been admitted to Ohio State. A notice about enrollment requirements and information about specific college enrollment are on the way.

Defer – After an initial review of your application, we have not yet made a final admissions decision. Following the application deadline, deferred applications will be reviewed a second time, giving particular consideration to academic performance, the competitiveness of the applicant pool, and the number of spaces available.

Options for Ohio Residents – At this time, you do not meet admission requirements for the Columbus campus. As an Ohio resident, your options are to enroll at one of Ohio State’s regional campuses or to apply again later as a transfer student from another college or university.

Denial for Nonresidents – At this time, you do not meet our admission requirements. You may wish to improve your academic profile at another college or university, then apply again as a transfer student.

Applying for Honors and Scholars Programs

All autumn semester Columbus campus applicants are welcome to apply to the Honors and Scholars Programs. Successful applicants typically have strong academic records, sustained extra-curricular or work experiences, and demonstrated leadership abilities. The application is available at hsapp.osu.edu -- you'll need your Ohio State Username (lastname.#), provided to students upon applying for admission to Ohio State. The priority deadline to apply is December 15, 2011; the final deadline is February 15, 2012.

Learn more at honors-scholars.osu.edu.

After you have been admitted to Ohio State

Financial aid notification

If you apply for financial aid by the priority date, you will be notified of aid eligibility by early April. Read Student Financial Aid’s Award Guide for more information.

Confirming your enrollment

You will be mailed an Acceptance Fee Statement and will be required to pay a $100 nonrefundable fee to confirm your enrollment. After you pay this fee, you will receive information about campus housing, meal plans, orientation, and class scheduling. Students admitted for autumn semester will receive this information in the early spring.

Delaying your enrollment

If you decide to postpone attendance to Ohio State to a later semester, you must contact Undergraduate Admissions and update your admission materials by the deadline for that term.

Living on campus

Columbus campus freshmen who are single, full-time students and have not had at least a one-year educational break since high school are required to live on campus, unless they plan to live with parents or guardians or are otherwise exempted. To find out more, visit University Residences.

Regional campus housing is available at Mansfield, Newark, and ATI. Contact your campus of interest directly to discuss housing options.

OSU Navigation Bar