If you’re staring at a Scarlet and Gray sweatshirt and wondering what it actually takes to get into the Horseshoe—or, you know, the classrooms next to it—things just got a bit more complicated. For a few years, we all lived in this "test-optional" bubble. That bubble popped.
The biggest news for anyone looking at the 2026 admissions cycle is that standardized tests are back. If you’re eyeing the Columbus campus, those ACT or SAT scores aren't optional anymore. They are a hard requirement. It’s a bit of a "back to basics" move for the university, but there’s a lot more to the story than just a number on a page.
The Big Shift in Ohio State Entrance Requirements
Honestly, the university looked at the data and decided that students who submit scores tend to perform better once they actually get to campus. Because of that, the Columbus campus now requires the ACT or SAT for all first-year applicants starting with the 2026 intake.
Don't panic if you aren't a great test-taker. They still use something called "holistic review." This basically means they aren't just robots looking at a spreadsheet. They look at your life, your struggles, and your specific high school's vibe.
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Wait, there’s a loophole.
If you are applying to a regional campus—like Lima, Mansfield, Marion, or Newark—or the ATI in Wooster, the rules are different. Those spots usually have an open-access policy for Ohio residents. You still need to graduate high school, obviously, but the high-stakes testing pressure is much lower.
What’s the "Magic Number" for Scores?
There isn't one. Truly. OSU doesn't have a minimum cutoff. But if you want to be realistic, you should look at the middle 50% of the people who got in last year.
- ACT Composite: 29–33
- SAT Total: 1360–1500
If you’re below that, you aren’t "out," but the rest of your application needs to be incredibly loud. If you’re above that, you’re in a great spot, but you still need to prove you aren't a jerk in your essays.
The High School Roadmap
You can't just take "easy" classes and expect a "yes." Ohio State cares deeply about rigor. They want to see that you pushed yourself. If your school offers 20 AP classes and you took zero, that looks different than if your school offers none and you took the hardest honors courses available.
They have some baseline units you have to hit:
- English: 4 units.
- Math: 3 units (but honestly, take 4. 99% of admitted students do).
- Natural Science: 3 units (must have lab experience).
- Social Science: 2 units (3 is better).
- Foreign Language: 2 units of the same language (3 is better).
- Visual/Performing Arts: 1 unit.
If you’re missing these, your application is basically dead on arrival unless there’s a massive extenuating circumstance.
Beyond the Grades: The "Holistic" Stuff
What most people get wrong about Ohio State is thinking it’s just a numbers game. It’s not. They are looking for "determination" and "resilience."
They love a good comeback story.
If your grades dipped sophomore year because something major happened in your family, tell them. There is a specific section on the Common App for this. Don't be shy. Also, they care about leadership. But not "I was the treasurer of a club that never met" leadership. They want to see that you actually did something—worked a job, cared for a sibling, or started a project that didn't exist before you.
Competitive Majors Are a Different Beast
Getting into the university is Step A. Getting into your major is Step B.
For example, if you want to be in the Fisher College of Business, you usually start as a "pre-major." To move into the actual major, you often need a 3.1 GPA at Ohio State and a "C" or better in specific math and English courses.
Nursing is even tougher. They often look for an ACT of 25+ or being in the top 10% of your class just to get into the pre-nursing track.
Dates You Cannot Miss
Missing a deadline is the easiest way to fail.
- November 1: This is the "Early Action" deadline. If you want to be considered for most merit scholarships or the Honors and Scholars programs, you must hit this date.
- January 15: This is Regular Decision. It's the "last call" for the Columbus campus.
What to Do Right Now
First, go register for the ACT or SAT if you haven't already. You need a score on file.
Second, check your transcript. If you only have three years of math planned, add a fourth. It sounds annoying, but it's the standard for the people you're competing against.
Third, start thinking about your "personal qualities." OSU specifically looks for collaboration. If you have examples of working well with others to solve a problem, keep those in your back pocket for your essay.
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Applying to a school this big feels like throwing a message in a bottle into the ocean. But it’s manageable. Focus on the rigor of your classes and get those test scores submitted. Everything else is just telling your story.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Request your official transcripts early; don't wait until October 31st.
- Set up a "Common App" account and add Ohio State to your list to see their specific supplement questions.
- Check your "Recalculated GPA"—OSU often looks at your core academic subjects (Math, Science, English, Social Studies, Language) rather than just the "weighted" number your school provides.