Ohio State shares decision on test requirements
Changes to take effect in the 2026 admissions cycle
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The Ohio State University |
The Ohio State University today announced the reinstatement of the ACT/SAT test requirement for all new first-year undergraduate applicants to the Columbus campus in the 2026 admissions cycle and beyond.
Like most universities, Ohio State adopted a test-optional pilot in 2020 due to disruptions caused during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pilot, the university closely monitored student success metrics to assess the impact of test-optional admissions on academic performance and student outcomes.
“Our goal is to find and admit students who will succeed at Ohio State, and test scores provide valuable insight into academic success at our university,” said Executive Vice President and Provost Ravi V. Bellamkonda. “As part of our holistic review that takes into account multiple factors, we believe that test scores are an important data point in helping to ensure the success of our students.”
The university will not rely solely on test scores when making admissions decisions and will continue with a comprehensive review of each applicant, as it always has.
“The ACT/SAT score complements other measures to create a fuller picture of future academic success at Ohio State when used as part of a holistic review process,” said Vice Provost for Strategic Enrollment Management James Orr. “Our analysis shows Ohio State students who submit test scores have higher grade point averages and are more likely to progress through the university.”
The institution will consider all admission criteria as part of a comprehensive view to gain a full understanding of each applicant’s potential.
Testing will be required for all programs and degree types for first-year undergraduate applicants to Ohio State’s Columbus campus only. Ohio State regional campuses and Ohio State ATI do not consider test scores for admission, as they have an open-access policy for Ohio residents.
Visit https://undergrad.osu.edu/apply/freshmen-columbus/who-gets-in to learn more about admission criteria for new first-year students.
