Undergraduate Admissions

Ohio Guaranteed Admission Program

The Ohio State University is excited to participate in Ohio’s Guaranteed Admission (OGA) Program. Under Ohio Revised Code § 3345.06, Ohio residents who meet certain academic criteria are entitled to apply for admission at Ohio’s public colleges and universities through the program.

Program benefits

  • Top 10% of Graduating Class: Students ranked in the top 10% of their high school class are guaranteed admission to any Ohio public college or university if a student meets the institution’s unconditional admission standard. If the student does not meet the unconditional admission standard, they may be admitted to a regional or branch campus.
  • Top 5% of Graduating Class: Students in the top 5% of their class are nominated for the Governor’s Merit Scholarship and guaranteed undergraduate admission to the main campus of any Ohio public college or university and participating private colleges and universities, provided they meet application deadlines.

Inform Ohio State of your recognition

  1. Apply for admission to the Columbus campus or a regional campus of your choice.
  2. Meet the deadlines for admission for Autumn 2027.
  3. Submit the required application materials by the deadline.
  4. Beginning November 1, students must send their top 5% designation to Ohio State through the Ohio Department of Higher Education admissions portal.

FAQ

Do I need to be an Ohio resident to be eligible for this program?

Yes. Learn more about eligiblity on the Ohio Guaranteed Admission Program website.

Do I need ACT or SAT scores?

If you are in the top 5% of your class and applying to the Columbus campus, you must still submit ACT or SAT scores to complete your application. However, these scores are not used in the admissions decision — admission for top 5% applicants is guaranteed once a complete application is submitted, and the Class Rank Certification Form is received. Top 5% applicants follow the same application completion requirements as all other applicants.

When will I receive my official notice that I have been admitted?

If you meet the requirements for the Ohio Guaranteed Admission Program and meet the application completion deadlines for the Columbus campus or any of the regional campuses, you will receive your notice of admission on the notification dates listed on our application information page.