Who gets in?
Every Buckeye is unique
There isn’t one formula for admission — and there isn’t one type of Ohio State student. Every application tells a different story. That’s why we review every application holistically, considering the full context of each student’s achievements, experiences and preparation for success at Ohio State.
What we review
Academic preparation
High school coursework and rigor
Grades and academic performance
Your story
Personal essay
Experiences and accomplishments
Activities inside and outside the classroom
Leadership, work, family responsibilities and community involvement
Test scores
ACT or SAT scores are just one part of your application and are reviewed alongside everything else you share.
We superscore both the ACT and SAT, combining your highest section scores across multiple test dates. Superscoring helps you present your strongest performance for admission review.
What this means
Test scores are just one piece of the picture. Focus on submitting the strongest application that reflects who you are and how you’ve prepared for college. No two admitted Buckeyes look exactly alike — but every admitted student has demonstrated the academic preparation and potential to succeed at Ohio State.
Admitted student test score ranges
The students admitted to Ohio State represent a wide range of ACT and SAT scores.
ACT scores
50% of admitted students scored between 27 and 33 on the ACT. 25% scored below 27 and 25% scored above 33. 80% scored between 23 and 35.
SAT scores
50% of admitted students scored between 1280 and 1470 on the SAT. 25% scored below 1280 and 25% scored above 1470. 80% scored between 1180 and 1530.
Dig in further
Minimum college prep requirements
| Minimum required | Recommended | Additional consideration | |
| English | 4 units | ||
| Math | 3 units | 4 units | X |
| Natural science (with significant lab experience) | 3 units | X | |
| Social science | 2 units | 3 units | |
| Foreign language | 2 units of same language | 3 units | X |
| Visual or performing arts | 1 unit | ||
| Plus 1 additional unit in any of the above subjects. Advanced computer science can be used to fulfill a math or natural science unit, provided the secondary school categorizes the course as math or science. | |||
Understanding this table
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Criteria of our holistic review, in no particular order.
Successful completion of university preparatory courses
High school performance (class rank or GPA), including participation in accelerated programs like Honors, AP and IB; Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for class rank or GPA
Standardized test score (ACT or SAT); Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for ACT or SAT scores
Experiences that demonstrate leadership or engaged involvement (e.g., co-curricular activities, work experiences or military service)
Status as a first-generation university student
Demonstration of outstanding talent in a particular area
Ability/commitment to contribute to and engage with a campus community of people with a wide variety of experiences
Demonstrated personal qualities of collaboration, determination and resilience
High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors
Eligibility for and likelihood of benefiting from organized support services at Ohio State
A snapshot of last year’s admitted class, autumn term
Most exceeded minimum college prep requirements
85% exceeded foreign language requirements
99% exceeded math requirements
89% exceeded natural science requirements
Most ranked in the top of their high school classes
94% ranked in the top quarter
64% ranked in the top 10%
Enrollment in your intended major
Once it is determined that you are admissible, you will be considered for enrollment in the college of your intended major. Read about enrollment criteria.