Apply step-by-step

Deadlines

Your academic record may be reviewed for enrollment to your intended major. Some colleges and schools at Ohio State require a minimum GPA, prerequisite course work and/or an audition or portfolio. Before you apply, look up the enrollment criteria for your intended major.

Interested in a professional program? If you already meet certain prerequisites, you may be able to apply directly to one of these programs. Learn more about undergraduate professional programs.

• Dental Hygiene (BS)

• Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (BS)

• Health Information Management and Systems

• Health Sciences

• Medical Dietetics

• Medical Laboratory Science

• Radiological Sciences and Therapy

• Respiratory Therapy

• Health and Wellness Innovation in Healthcare (BS)

• Nursing (BSN and RN-BSN)

• Public Health (BS)
  

This application plus all required materials (STEP 4) make up a complete application. Note: International students are not eligible for an application fee waiver.

APPLY HERE: Admission application for transfer students

Application prep

Be prepared for the following questions and prompts.

Your planned major

To learn more about Ohio State's majors, search Ohio State majors or read What to major in when you're not sure.

For visa application purposes, international applicants are required to select a major that will lead to a degree and are not eligible to select an undecided major or a major that is offered by University Exploration.

Personal statement

Completing the personal statement is required for students whose academic records include interruptions in education. It is optional for others. Find the personal statement section under the “Program data” tab on the application.

Pre-professional programs

Ohio State offers pre-professional programs in dentistry, law, medicine, optometry, pharmacy and veterinary medicine. Identifying your pre-professional interest on the application will enable your advisors to provide you with a wide range of support to realize your goals.

Application fee

Before submitting your application, you will be asked for a NONREFUNDABLE $70 application fee.

These items plus your admission application make up a complete application. Your academic record will be reviewed to determine your eligibility for admission to the university.

Official transcripts

University transcripts

Request that all universities you’ve attended send your official transcript to Ohio State, along with any diplomas, certifications or diploma statements awarded. Include a transcript of any college coursework taken in high school. You do not need to provide a transcript for coursework completed at Ohio State.

How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:

• If you attended a university in the United States, request that the school send your transcript to Ohio State electronically. If your school does not offer electronic delivery, please have your transcript mailed to: The Ohio State University, Undergraduate Admissions, PO Box 182646, Columbus, OH 43218-2646, or to our express mail address.

• If you attended a university outside of the United States, please have your transcript mailed to our express mail address.

• Transcripts should not be delivered by the student or sent to other addresses on campus. Doing so will prevent acceptance of the transcript as official. Emailed or 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.

If you have taken university courses in China, you MUST arrange for a verification report of your university transcript with the Center for Student Services and Development, Ministry of Education, P.R. China (CSSD). The report must be mailed or emailed directly to Undergraduate Admission by CSSD, rather than by you or any third party. The report should be mailed to our express mail address or emailed to ugdocs@osu.edu. Any transcript not mailed or emailed by CSSD will not be considered.

Additional requirements if you have earned fewer than 30 U.S. semester (45 U.S. quarter) hours (earned post high school graduation)

Official ACT or SAT scores

Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2024 and 2025 applicants. Please read the Testing FAQs.

If you have fewer than 30 semester (45 quarter) hours at the time of application, you must submit an official ACT or SAT score sent electronically directly from the testing agency.

• Scores are not required from applicants who will have been out of high school for two or more years by their term of enrollment.

Is the essay required? The essay is not required for either the ACT or SAT.

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.