Taking early action is important for students to have the best chance for merit-based scholarships and to be considered for many great opportunities.
You'll be considered for most merit-based scholarships, you'll get an earlier response, and applying early doesn't bind you to Ohio State. You can still weigh your options before committing.
With Ohio State's world-class faculty, respected research focus, global alumni network and leadership in many academic fields, students discover they continue to reap rewards from their Ohio State investment for many years after graduation.
More than 20 percent of our students start out undecided. At Ohio State, you can explore our vast resources to find your fit.
Apply for admission by the early action deadline to receive consideration for most merit scholarships.
Honors and Scholars programs offer smaller class sizes, supportive communities and offer challenges and opportunities.
From amazing academics and research opportunities to a thriving city life at your fingertips, Ohio State has a lot to offer.
Create an Ohio State account and prepare for the questions you’ll be asked, including essay questions.
This step is optional — but consider it if your recommender can tell us something unique about you.
By taking early action, you will get an admittance answer by January 31.
FAQs for students preparing to apply.
Submitting ACT or SAT test scores is optional — learn more Testing FAQs.
Note that Ohio State's early action deadline is November 1, 2022 for new first-year students applying to the Columbus campus. The regular decision deadline is February 1, 2023.
First-year students applying to the Columbus campus may use the Common Application, beginning August 1.
Students applying to regional campuses or as a transfer will continue to use our Ohio State application.
Freshmen admitted to the Columbus campus for autumn semester are automatically considered for most merit awards if we received their complete admission applications by our November 1 early action deadline. However, three scholarships require additional steps or have different deadlines. See details at meritawards.osu.edu.
Yes. All students are highly encouraged to file the FAFSA by February 1 to receive priority consideration for the widest range of need-based scholarships, loans, grants and Federal Work-Study. (Priority consideration means you will be considered before those who don't meet the deadline.) Visit Student Financial Aid for more information.
