Application information

Source: https://undergrad.osu.edu/apply/freshmen-columbus/apply-step-by-step Parent: https://undergrad.osu.edu/apply/freshmen-columbus/after-you-are-admitted

• Print
• Email

Application information

Step-by-step

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 – All about testing (ACT/SAT)

Does Ohio State require test scores?

Yes, standardized test scores from ACT or SAT are required for first-year applicants to the Columbus campus.\

Is the science portion of the ACT required?

No. Because the science section is no longer part of the ACT composite score, it's not necessary to submit the optional science section.\

Should I test more than once?

Ohio State uses superscoring, which means we use a student’s highest section scores from multiple test attempts. Taking the test (and having scores sent to us) more than once, while not required, may work to your advantage.\

How does Ohio State look at scores?

Ohio State uses superscoring, which means we use a student’s highest section scores from multiple test attempts so that your best overall score is considered. This approach allows students to showcase their best performance, easing the pressure of achieving a high score in a single test sitting.\

How do I submit scores?

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.

How do I send scores if I already took my test?

If you already took the test but didn't send your scores to Ohio State, you can order them to be sent to us for a fee. Order your scores for ACT or SAT. We recommend you place your order by October 10 if you wish to be considered for early action.

What is Ohio State's school code?

Ohio State's school code for ACT is 3312.\ Ohio State's school code for SAT is 1592.

When should I take my test?

We must receive scores by your application deadline.

• Last test dates: If you wish to be considered for early action or spring term (both have a November 1 deadline), be sure you test by these dates: October 4 (SAT) or September 6 (ACT).
• Important! If you plan to test on those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test.

Is the essay required?

No, the essay is not required for either the ACT or SAT.\

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.\

STEP 2 – Know the deadlines

Deadlines

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

\

November 1: Early action (autumn term only)

If you're applying to start autumn term, we encourage you to apply early action. To be considered early action, we must receive your complete application (the Common Application and all required materials) by 11:59 p.m. ET on November 1.

At Ohio State, early action is nonbinding, which means you don't have to attend if you are admitted.

Why apply early action?

To be considered for:

• University merit scholarships
• Morrill Scholarship Program
• President's Ohio Scholarship Program
• Majors in the College of Engineering
• College of Nursing Direct Enrollment Pathway
• Honors and Scholars Programs
• Stamps Eminence Scholarship Program

By meeting the early action deadline, you’ll get an admission decision on either December 12 (Ohio residents and Stamps Eminence applicants) or January 23 (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 6.

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 (that includes your senior year courses) 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

How do I submit my scores?

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.

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. \

If English is not your native language: Additional test scores

Submit one of the following scores if English isn't your native language: \

• TOEFL (internet-based test or internet-based Home Edition):

• Exams taken before January 21, 2026: A minimum score of 79 or higher is required

• Exams taken after January 21, 2026: A minimum score of 4.0 or higher is required
• 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 Scholarship Universe by Ohio State's priority financial aid date: February 1. Get important dates and steps for applying for aid.

[​How much does Ohio State cost? Click for tuition and fees.](https://undergrad.osu.edu/cost-and-aid/basic-costs)