- 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.
- The submission of test scores is optional for 2024 and 2025, but you're also not required to submit scores if you will have been out of high school for two or more years by your term of enrollment.
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 mix sub-scores from multiple tests or adjust scholarship values for higher test scores submitted after the scholarship’s published deadline.
Step 2: Know the DeadlinesDeadlines
Spring 2024
Autumn 2024
Application deadline
Deadline for all required application materials.
Early action: Nov. 1, 2023
Regular decision: Feb. 1, 2024
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 no later than the end of January.
February 1: Regular decision
For autumn term applicants, February 1 by 11:59 p.m. ET is the final deadline by which we must receive your complete application. You’ll get an admission decision by the end of March.
Step 3: ApplyOhio State accepts the Common Application for admission to the Columbus campus.
Common Application: opens August 1 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.
Step 4: Submit Required MaterialsThese 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.
Official transcripts
Learn how Ohio State considers pass/fail courses in our FAQs.
High school transcripts
Request that your high school counselor send your high school transcript, including your senior year course schedule, 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. 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
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2024 and 2025 applicants. Please read the Testing FAQs.
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 esue-studugt@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*: 105 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, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, 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.
*To accommodate applicants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ohio State University will accept Duolingo, the IELTS Indicator and the TOEFL internet-based test Home Edition from any international student applying for spring 2023 or autumn 2023 admission. All Duolingo test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival to campus. TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival unless they qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS score exemption.
Don't forget financial aid
The FAFSA will open in December this year, and filing by Ohio State’s priority date of February 1 will provide you maximum aid consideration. 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. Get important dates and simple steps for applying for aid.
