Application information

First-year applicants to the Columbus campus should follow these basic steps to apply to Ohio State.

If your immigration status has been deferred under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy, read our admission information for DACA students.

STEP 1 – Test early

How do I submit scores?

Ohio State has adopted a test-optional policy for 2025 applicants. Please read our test-optional FAQ for important details.

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.

  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.
  

  STEP 2 – Know the deadlines

  Deadlines
  

  Spring 2025

  Autumn 2025

  Application deadline
  Deadline for all required application materials.
  

  Early action: Nov. 1, 2024
  Regular decision: Jan. 15, 2025

  Priority date for financial aid
  Financial aid step-by-step.

  (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.

  STEP 3 – Apply

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

  Common Application: open now 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.

  STEP 4 – Submit required materials

  These items, plus the Common Application and the application fee or fee waiver, make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the application deadline. Any outstanding requirements will be posted to your Applicant Center, so be sure to check your application status regularly after you apply.

  Official transcripts

  Request that your school counselor send your high school transcript, including your senior year grades, to Ohio State (electronically, if possible).

  If this course work was completed at a school outside of the United States, note that foreign language documents must be translated into English by the issuing institution, an authorized translator or a teacher of the language.

  Official ACT or SAT scores

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

  We must receive your official ACT or SAT score sent directly from the testing agency. Scores from transcripts will not be considered. Read more about score requirements in STEP 1.

  Verification, if home schooled

  Home-schooled applicants must submit an approved “excuse from attendance” verification (or equivalent) provided by a local school district or state official. Alternatively, Columbus campus applicants may submit ACT or SAT scores instead.

  Optional: Recommendation from a teacher or counselor

  While not required, your counselor may send a maximum of two letters of recommendation electronically through the Common Application or through an electronic system such as Naviance.

  If an electronic option isn’t available, your counselor may email your letter(s) to ugdocs@osu.edu. The letter must include your first and last name and OSU ID number, found on the email we send acknowledging receipt of your application. Letters sent via email are subject to sender verification.
  

  Additional test scores

  If English is not your native language, submit one of the following scores:
  

  • 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.

  Don't forget financial aid

  Every student is highly encouraged to file the FAFSA to be considered for the most financial aid, including scholarships, grants, loans and Federal Work-Study. The FAFSA opens December 1. File the FAFSA and apply for scholarships at ScholarshipUniverse by Ohio State's priority financial aid date. Get important dates and steps for applying for aid.

  ACT and SAT policy