How to Get into Ohio State University

Ohio State University is a public land-grant research university in Columbus, Ohio. A member of the University System of Ohio, Ohio State was founded in 1870 as the state’s land-grant university and the ninth university in Ohio with the Morrill Act of 1862. It is classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity”.

What is the University? 

The university has over 1,000 student organizations; intercollegiate, club and recreational sports programs; student media organizations and publications, fraternities and sororities; and three student governments. Its athletic teams compete in Division I of the NCAA and are known as the Ohio State Buckeyes, and it is a member of the Big Ten Conference for the majority of its sports.

Testing Scores for Admission

According to the college, the average SAT score ranges from 1260 to 1420, while the average ACT score is between 26 and 32. The average unweighted GPA of acceptance is around 3.83 and 94% of students placed in the top quartile of their graduating class. As such, GPA is just as important as the main two standardized tests. 

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Acceptance & Graduation Rate

To get into Ohio State, a student’s standardized test scores and high school GPA have to be great. This is reflected in the acceptance rate as it is 57%. However, this school has enrolled some bright students as the graduation rate is 86%.

How Are Applicants Rated? 

OSU considers four factors as “very important” to the admissions process: rigor of high school course load, class rank, academic GPA, and standardized test scores. Items that are “important” as part of the admissions process are: essays, extracurricular activities, talent/ability, first-generation status, and work/volunteer experience. “Considered” factors are: recommendations, character/personal qualities, geographic residence, state residency, and racial/ethnic status.

Tips to Get Into Ohio State University   

  • Most “Public Ivies”, including accept the Common App so students should use that to their advantage by filling out the activities section.
  • Ohio State does not consider “demonstrated interest” so you will not be judged on whether or not you made a campus visit, contacted an admissions officer, etc. 
  • Ohio State University does not use interviews as part of their evaluation process. 
  • We recommend submitting 1-2 recommendations from your counselor/teachers although none are technically required. 

How Does Ohio State Compare to Other Top Universities? 

Ohio State’s yield rate—the percentage of accepted students who elect to enroll, divided by the total number of students who are admitted is 25%. This figure is lower than other powerhouse state universities like the University of Michigan (45%), UVA (40%), and UCLA (44%), but higher than Penn State University (19%).

Are you or will you be attending Ohio State University?

Stock up on gear to show your pride for the Buckeyes. Grab this sweatshirt, decals for your laptop, or this University pennant.

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