Application information

How do I submit scores?

Ohio State has adopted a test-optional policy for 2025 applicants.

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. Ohio State only considers composite scores. If you already took the test but didn't send your scores to Ohio State, you can order them for a fee.

• We must receive scores by your application deadline (see STEP 2 for deadlines).

• October 5 (SAT) and October 26 (ACT) are your last 2024 test dates if you want your scores to be considered for autumn term early action or spring term (both have a November 1 deadline).

  Note!

  • If you plan to test on either of those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test.
  • You won’t be able to review scores from these dates prior to submitting your application by the November 1 deadline.

• You're not required to submit scores if you will have been out of high school for two or more years by your term of enrollment.

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.

Do I qualify for a test fee waiver?

If your family has economic need, talk to your school counselor to determine your eligibility for a fee waiver.

How does Ohio State look at scores?

When considering students for admission, scholarships, or Honors and Scholars selection, we consider the best official composite / combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not super score or adjust scholarship values for higher test scores submitted after the scholarship’s published deadline.

Deadlines

(Looking for summer semester? Ohio State doesn't accept first-year applications for the summer term.)

November 1: Early action (autumn term only)

We must receive your complete application (the Common Application and all required materials) by 11:59 p.m. ET on November 1 if you wish to be considered for most university merit scholarships (larger awards require additional steps).

And while not required, we strongly recommend meeting the November 1 deadline if you wish to be considered for majors in the College of Engineering, the Morrill Scholarship Program, Honors and Scholars Programs and the Stamps Eminence Scholarship Program.

By meeting the early action deadline, you’ll get an admission decision on either December 13 (Ohio residents and Stamps Eminence applicants) or January 24 (non-Ohio residents and international applicants).

January 15: Regular decision

For autumn term applicants, January 15 by 11:59 p.m. ET is the final deadline by which we must receive your complete application. You’ll get an admission decision on March 7.

Ohio State accepts the Common Application for admission to the Columbus campus.

Common Application: opens August 1 for autumn and spring term applicants

The Common Application, the application fee or fee waiver, plus all required materials (STEP 4) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the application deadline.

Interested in more than one Ohio State campus?

Ohio residents, you only need to submit one application even if you wish to be considered for more than one Ohio State campus. Please apply to your first-choice campus only — submitting more than one application will slow down processing time.