After you apply
Activate your username and password
Within three days of applying, you will receive an email from Ohio State acknowledging receipt of your application that includes your OSU ID and Ohio State username (lastname.#).
Follow the instructions in the email to activate your Ohio State username (lastname.#). This will give you access to your Applicant Center where you can check on the status of your application.
Use your OSU ID in correspondence with us about your application.
- If you have problems activating, contact our IT Service Desk at 614-688-4357 or 8help@osu.edu.
Check your application status
Log in to your Applicant Center to check the status of your application and all requirements. Required application materials must be received by Ohio State by the application deadline.
Applicant Center FAQ
Log in to your Applicant Center. Once you’re logged in, look for two things:
On the left under Admissions, you’ll see a link to Application Status. Click that to view the status of your application.
On the right, you’ll see a section called To Do List. If there are items listed there, click “More” for all available details, including any follow-up comments from Undergraduate Admissions.
There are two likely possibilities:
Lag time: When transcripts, test scores, fees or other items are submitted, they must be processed and matched to your application. It can take up to 10 days for us to complete this step.
Problem with an item: If we receive an item but it does not meet our requirements, we will add a “Comment” to your Applicant Center telling you what we need. You can find the comment by logging in and clicking the “More” link in the To Do List.
Your decision will first be posted in your Applicant Center, so keep an eye on that for the most up-to-date information. See decision terms in the callout on this page.
Freshman – 2023 autumn term entry
| Application completion deadline | Decision release* | Reply date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early action | Nov. 1 | Dec. 9, Jan. 20 | May 1 |
| Regular decision | Feb. 1 | Feb. 17, March 24 | May 1 |
Students admitted after mid-April will have three weeks to pay an acceptance fee.
* subject to change
Freshman – 2023 spring term entry
| Application completion deadline | Decision release | Reply date |
|---|---|---|
| Nov. 1 | rolling | 3 weeks after offer of admission |
If you haven’t already done so, submit the FAFSA and the ScholarshipUniverse application
Every student is highly encouraged to file the FAFSA and complete the ScholarshipUniverse application by the priority date of February 1 to be considered for the most financial aid (including scholarships, grants, loans and Federal Work-Study). Check out this helpful financial aid Apply Checklist.
Decision terms
Admit: Congratulations, you have been admitted to Ohio State! A notice about specific college enrollment and next steps is on the way.
Defer: We have not yet made a final decision. Following the application deadline, deferred applications will be reviewed a second time, giving particular consideration to academic performance, competitiveness of the applicant pool and available space.
Options for Ohio Residents: While you are not admitted to the Columbus campus, you have a great alternative: to begin your Ohio State
degree at one of Ohio State’s regional campuses (if you didn't choose an alternate campus when you applied, you'll be automatically admitted to one).
Denial for Nonresidents: You have not been selected for admission. You may apply again later as a transfer student.