First year Admissions

The first step to becoming an Ohio State University student is to apply

The first step to becoming an Ohio State University student is to apply. You can do this by visiting the admissions website at https://apply.osu.edu/.

First-year students have several options for applying:

Apply online using the Common Application or Coalition Application (both available on their respective websites). The application fee is $75 per school you are applying to, but there is a discount if you use both websites (you will pay $120 instead). In addition, OSU requires that all applicants submit SAT or ACT scores, high school transcripts, and teacher recommendations

How do I get started?

If you’re interested in attending Ohio State University, the first step is to visit the university’s admissions website. There, you can find information about how to apply and get started on your application.

Once you’ve reviewed the application requirements (check out this article for more details), submit your completed application by the deadline. The sooner you turn it in, the better–the admissions team will have more time to review all of their applications before deciding which ones they want to accept or deny.

Once your application has been submitted and processed by OSU’s Office of Admissions, pay any required fees so they can process it as quickly as possible! Finally, ensure all parts of your application are complete before submitting them; if anything seems missing when the review them later, there may be delays while university wait until everything is finalized.

Get your transcripts and test scores put on file at OSU.

To get your transcripts and test scores put on file at OSU, follow these steps:

Request that each institution send copies of your official transcripts directly to the Office of Admissions. You can do this by contacting the registrars or admissions office at each school you attend.
If possible, request that any ACT/SAT scores be sent directly from the testing agency to OSU (this is known as “score reporting”). We prefer students submit all required materials in one application cycle; however, if there are extenuating circumstances preventing submission during this period, please get in touch with us at firstyear@osu.edu for further instructions about how to proceed with your application process.

Become familiar with the application requirements and deadlines and estimate your costs.

Make sure you are familiar with the application requirements. They can be found on the OSU admissions website, and they include the following:
A personal statement that describes your reasons for wanting to attend Ohio State. This can be up to 2 pages long (500 words). It may also explain any extenuating circumstances that affected your grades or test scores.
Two letters of recommendation from teachers or others who know you well enough to write a strong recommendation letter on your behalf. You must submit these letters through the Common Application’s online system; they cannot be sent by email or postal mail. A high school transcript showing all courses taken and their grades earned. If applicable, A copy of your official SAT/ACT score report(s). An official copy of senior year transcript(s), if applicable – some programs require this document before making admission decisions; check with each program directly for details about their specific requirements.”

Please learn more about our language requirement and math placement test (MARS) waiver program

The language requirement

Ohio State University’s first-year students must take a foreign language course in their core curriculum. If you are applying for an admissions waiver, you should have an advanced level of proficiency in one of these languages:

French (Advanced Intermediate)
German (Advanced Intermediate)
Italian or Spanish (Intermediate)

What documents do I need to send with my application?

You’ll need to send a transcript and test scores from each postsecondary institution you’ve attended. If you’re applying for financial aid, OSU must also see your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) information.
If you’re applying for the Honors Program and scholarships, there are additional requirements:
- One letter of recommendation that includes an assessment of your intellectual promise and potential as well as leadership skills
- A personal statement describing why you want to attend Ohio State University, what makes it unique in your eyes, what experiences have shaped who you are today, etc.
- An official copy of any honours or high academic standing awards received while in high school

Applying to a university is complex, but Ohio State makes it easier with its first-year admissions process

The first step to becoming an Ohio State University student is applying for admission. The process can be complex, but Ohio State makes it easier by offering various options for prospective students to use. As soon as you’ve decided on your major and have made plans for your future, visit our website at www.osu.edu/apply or call us at 614-292-0700 for more information about how to get started with your application today!

You can begin by getting transcripts and test scores put on file at OSU (if they aren’t already). Before submitting your application materials, you’ll also want to become familiar with the application requirements, deadlines, fees and estimated costs. Hence, there are no surprises later when this receive them back from you.

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