Apply step-by-step
Follow these instructions for international freshman applicants if you:
- are (or will soon be) a secondary school graduate
- have never enrolled at a college or university (don't count college classes taken in high school)
- are not a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, refugee or person who has been granted asylum
If your immigration status has been deferred under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy, read the information for DACA students.
How do I submit scores?
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2024 and 2025 applicants. Learn more.
Tips for sending scores to Ohio State
Scores must come directly from the testing agency. When you register for the ACT or SAT, indicate that you want your scores sent to Ohio State.
If you already took the test but didn't send your scores to Ohio State, you can order them for a fee. Order in advance to be sure scores reach us by the application deadline.
We must receive standardized test scores by your application deadline (either November 1 or February 1 for autumn semester applicants).
October 7 (SAT) and October 28 (ACT) are your last 2023 test dates if you want your scores to be considered for our November 1 early action deadline. Important! If you plan to test on those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test. And please note: If you choose to have your scores considered, you won’t be able to review scores from these dates prior to submitting your application by the November 1 deadline.
Applicants who will have been out of high school for two or more years by their term of enrollment are not required to submit scores.
Is the essay required?
The essay is not required for either the ACT or SAT.
Should I take a standardized test more than once?
Ohio State looks at the highest composite score from a single test date. Taking the test (and having scores sent to us) more than once, while not required, may work to your advantage.
How does Ohio State look at scores?
When considering students for admission or Honors and Scholars selection, we consider the best official composite / combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not mix sub-scores from multiple tests.
November 1: Early action
What is early action?By meeting the early action deadline, you’ll get an admission decision no later than the end of January. While not required, we strongly recommend meeting the November 1 deadline if you wish to be considered for majors in the College of Engineering and Honors and Scholars Programs.
February 1: Regular decision
We must receive your complete application on February 1 by midnight (EST) to consider your application on time. You’ll get an admission decision by the end of March.
Deadlines
Spring 2024 | Autumn 2024 | |
Application deadline | Oct. 1, 2023 | Early action: Nov. 1, 2023 |
Acceptance fee deadline | See your Applicant Center |
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Ohio State accepts the Common Application for admission to the Columbus campus.
Common Application: opens August 1
Note: The deadline to apply to the Columbus campus for autumn 2024 has passed. The application for autumn 2025 will open August 1, 2024.
The Common Application, the application fee, plus all required materials (STEP 4) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the application deadline.
These items plus the Common Application (STEP 3) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the deadline to consider your application on time.
Official transcripts
High school transcripts
Request that your high school or secondary school send transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates for coursework from the final four years (grades 9-12) to Ohio State.
How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:
Your high school counselor can upload the transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates using Common App, Naviance or other secure electronic delivery service.
Your high school counselor can email the transcripts to esue-studugt@osu.edu.
If electronic submission is not possible, please mail your official transcripts to our express mail address.
Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.
Foreign language documents must be translated into English by the issuing institution, an authorized translator or a teacher of the language. Any additional requirements will be posted to your Applicant Center, so be sure to check your application status regularly after you've applied.
Official ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2024 and 2025 applicants. Learn more.How do I submit my scores?
We must receive your official ACT or SAT score sent electronically directly from the testing agency. Scores from transcripts will not be considered. Read more about score requirements in STEP 1.
Optional: Recommendation from a teacher or counselor
While not required, your counselor may send a maximum of two letters of recommendation electronically through the Common Application.
If an electronic option isn’t available, your counselor may email your letter(s) to
esue-studugt@osu.edu; the letter must include your first and last name and OSU ID number, found on the email we send acknowledging receipt of your application. Letters sent via email are subject to sender verification.
Official proof of English language skills
You must request that your testing agency send official scores electronically to Ohio State demonstrating the English proficiency level outlined below:
TOEFL (internet-based test or internet-based test Home Edition): 79 or higher
IELTS or IELTS Indicator: 6.5 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher on the English section
SAT: 27 or higher on the Reading Test
Duolingo: 120 or higher
You are exempt from this requirement if you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Ghana, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Scotland, Singapore, the United States or Wales.
Ohio State has an intensive English program for students who wish to improve their language skills called the American Language Program. A separate application is required for this program. Ohio State does not offer conditional admission to students who enroll in the American Language Program.
Proof of financial support
To show that you can meet the financial responsibility of attending Ohio State and to receive the appropriate visa eligibility documents (I-20 or DS-2019), international students who are admitted to Ohio State will be asked to submit Ohio State’s Visa Request Form, signed by each supporter (yourself or your family) or agency sponsor, in addition to required support documents. See After you are admitted for more information.