For students preparing to apply
FAQs about Ohio State's test-optional policy
1. Are standardized test scores required?
The submission of test scores is optional for applicants to the Columbus campus for the 2025 spring, summer and autumn semesters.
Applicants must let us know when they apply for admission whether to consider their scores.
Information to help guide your choice:
We encourage you to take the ACT or SAT, and to submit your scores if you feel they'll strengthen your application. We believe that standardized test scores provide useful information and predictive value about a student’s potential for success at Ohio State.
You may choose not to have your scores considered if do not have scores, have limited opportunities to test more than once, or feel that your scores don't reflect your ability to be successful at Ohio State.
If you choose to not have scores submitted, you will still receive full consideration in the admissions process and in review for scholarships, direct enrollment to your college or school, Honors and Scholars Programs, and the Morrill Scholarship Program.
Read If I indicate that I don't want my test scores considered, how will I be placed into English and math courses?, below.
You'll indicate your preference on your admission application. Read When do I need to decide if I am submitting test scores? Can I change my mind?, below.
2. When do I need to decide if I am submitting test scores? Can I change my mind?
You'll be asked to indicate your choice when you apply for admission.
First-year applicants will be asked on the Common Application.
Transfer applicants with fewer than 30 semester hours (or 45 quarter hours) earned at the time of their application will be asked on the Ohio State application (transfer applicants don't use the Common Application). Inclusion of test scores is recommended.
Changes to that decision can be made until the deadline for your decision plan (for first-year applicants, that's November 1 for early action or January 15 for regular decision).
After that deadline, you may only update your test optional preference if you are impacted by a canceled test.
Notes:
Testing close to an application deadline will require you to submit scores to Ohio State without first reviewing them.
If you choose to submit your SAT or ACT scores as part of your application, your application will be incomplete until official scores are received from the testing agency.
3. How will my application be evaluated without test scores?
Applicants to Ohio State’s Columbus campus are considered for admission on a competitive basis. Our holistic review process looks for evidence that an applicant is prepared for the academic rigor of the Ohio State classroom and is ready to contribute to the Ohio State community.
4. Do I need to submit test scores to be considered for Honors and Scholars Programs, merit scholarships or the Morrill Scholarship Program?
No. First-year applicants will receive full consideration for these programs and scholarships even if they are unable or choose not to submit a test score.
5. Are test scores required for consideration for direct enrollment into my college or school of interest?
No. You will receive full consideration for direct enrollment even if you are unable or choose not to submit a test score.
6. If I indicate that I don't want my test scores considered, how will I be placed into English and math courses?
If you’re a new, first-year student who didn't submit ACT or SAT scores as part of your admissions application, you won't be able to submit scores for placement purposes.
Instead, there are three options for assessing your placement for English and math:
We'll use any applicable AP scores (3 or higher) or IB scores (4 or higher).
If you've earned college credit, we'll use your applicable transfer credit (C or higher in equivalent courses).
Or, you'll take placement test(s) before orientation (note that for math placement, you'll start with the B Test and, depending on your score, you may be eligible to take the D Test, which may result in a higher placement level).
We'll let you know if you need to take placement tests, since you'll need to know your English and math placement to schedule courses at orientation. If you do, be sure to do your best: you won't be able to repeat them.
7. I am a transfer applicant. Do I need to submit test scores?
Submission of test scores is encouraged but optional for transfer applicants with fewer than 30 hours after high school graduation at the point of application (with the exceptions noted above). Test scores are never required for transfer applicants who have completed 30 semester hours or more (after high school graduation) at the point of application.
8. I am an international applicant. Do I need to submit test scores?
No. International applicants are not required to submit ACT or SAT scores. However, proof of English language proficiency is still required.
9. I am applying to an Ohio State regional campus. Do I need to submit test scores?
Submission of test scores for regional campus applicants is optional but encouraged.
10. I am a recruited student-athlete. Do I need to submit test scores?
As a recruited student-athlete, submitting test scores as part of your application for admission is optional. However, you are still required to follow all initial eligibility requirements set forth by the NCAA Eligibility Center. If you have questions, please contact Ohio State's Office of University Compliance and Integrity.
11. I am or was home schooled. Do I need to submit test scores?
No. Home-schooled applicants must submit an approved “excuse from attendance” verification (or equivalent) provided by a local school district or state official. Alternatively, Columbus campus applicants may submit ACT or SAT scores instead. This policy also applies to transfer applicants who have earned fewer than 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) after high school graduation.
12. My high school uses narrative or mastery evaluations. Do I need to submit test scores?
No. Applicants whose high school transcripts supply narrative or mastery evaluations are not required to submit ACT or SAT scores as part of their application.
13. I attend or graduated from a non-chartered high school. Do I need to submit test scores?
No. Applicants who attend a non-chartered high school are not required to submit ACT or SAT scores as part of their application.
14. I have a GED. Do I need to submit test scores?
No. Applicants who earned a GED are not required to submit ACT or SAT scores as part of their application.
15. I graduated from high school more than two years ago. Do I need to submit test scores?
No. Test scores are not required or considered for students who graduated from high school more than two years ago.
