After you apply
Activate your username and password
Within three days of applying, you will receive an email 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 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.
Transfer student dates by entry term
| Application completion deadline | Decision release | Reply date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn | May 15 | rolling | 3 weeks after offer of admission |
| Summer | March 1 | rolling | 3 weeks after offer of admission |
| Spring | November 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 Ohio State's priority date to be considered for the most financial aid (including scholarships, grants, loans and Federal Work-Study). Check out this helpful financial aid checklist.
Note: Federal student aid does not automatically transfer between institutions. If you are admitted, be prepared to cancel federal aid disbursements at your previous school and update your FAFSA to include The Ohio State University.
Watch for a decision
While we will notify you as to our admission decision, the decision will also appear in your Applicant Center, reflecting one of the following admission decisions:
Admit: Congratulations, you have been admitted to Ohio State! A notice about enrollment requirements and information about specific college enrollment are on the way.
Deny: At this time, you do not meet our admission requirements. To be considered for another semester, you may remain at your current college or university and improve your academic record. If you are not currently enrolled, you may enroll at another college or university and improve your academic profile. In both cases, you will need to contact us to update your application for a future semester.
Meet with us (virtually or in-person)
Drop in to ask your questions during Zoom advising hours Tuesdays and Thursdays between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. (passcode: transfer). (When you join, click “Enter as guest” at the bottom of the pop-up. No need to log in.)
You can also attend one of our Transfer Overviews. Ohio residents, if interested, can also be in contact with Ohio State’s regional campuses. Or, take a virtual tour of the Columbus campus!