Apply step-by-step

Source: https://undergrad.osu.edu/apply/international-freshmen/apply-step-by-step Parent: https://oia.osu.edu/international-students/exchange-students/application-instructions

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Apply step-by-step

Follow these instructions for international freshman applicants if you:

• are (or will soon be) a secondary school graduate
• have never enrolled at a college or university (don't count college classes taken in high school)
• are not a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, refugee or person who has been granted asylum

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

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 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.\

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.\

STEP 2 – Know the deadlines

November 1: Early action

What is early action?

By meeting the early action deadline, international applicants will get an admission decision on January 23.

We strongly recommend meeting the November 1 deadline if you wish to be considered for:

• Majors in the College of Engineering
• College of Nursing Direct Enrollment Pathway
• Honors and Scholars Programs

January 15: Regular decision

We must receive your complete application on January 15 by midnight (EST) to consider your application on time. You’ll get an admission decision on March 6.

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Deadlines

STEP 3 – Apply

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

Common Application: open now

The Common Application, the application fee, plus all required materials (STEP 4) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the application deadline.

STEP 4 – Submit required materials

These items plus the Common Application (STEP 3) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the deadline to consider your application on time.

Official transcripts

High school transcripts

Request that your high school or secondary school send transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates for coursework from the final four years (grades 9-12) to Ohio State.

How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:

• Your high school counselor can upload the transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates using Common App, Naviance or other secure electronic delivery service.
• Your high school counselor can email the transcripts to ugdocs@osu.edu.
• If electronic submission is not possible, please mail your official transcripts to our express mail address.
• 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.

Official ACT or SAT scores

How do I submit my scores?

We must receive your official ACT or SAT score sent electronically 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.

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. \

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 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 \
• Duolingo: 120 or higher
• SAT: 550 or higher on the EBRW section

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.

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Proof of financial support

To show that you can meet the financial responsibility of attending Ohio State and to receive the appropriate visa eligibility documents (I-20 or DS-2019), international students who are admitted to Ohio State will be asked to submit Ohio State’s Visa Request Form, signed by each supporter (yourself or your family) or agency sponsor, in addition to required support documents. See After you are admitted for more information.

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