OSU: 2024 Requirements, Scores & GPAs

This is the go-to guide for getting into Ohio State University - Main Campus (OSU). We suggest you read until the end... Not only will we layout the exact GPA and test scores you should aim for when applying to OSU, but we’ll also offer creative ways to help your application stand out from the pack. We breakdown OSU statistics better than any article out there and show you how these have changed over time. Also, make sure to check out Ohio State University - Main Campus (OSU) on CampusReel to see what it’s really like here. You can also use the below calculator to help determine your likelihood of acceptance at OSU

What GPA do you need to get into Ohio State University - Main Campus (OSU)?

Ohio State University - Main Campus (OSU)’s average GPA is 3.15. Ohio State University - Main Campus (OSU) does require GPA. Ohio State University - Main Campus (OSU) is currently selective. However, be aware that oftentimes schools in this GPA range are increasing their selectivity in hope of increasing “prestige”. We can’t read the minds of OSU application readers, but they likely want to increase the average GPA from 3.15 to 3.31 this year - to play it safe, we recommend striving for the 3.31 GPA.

*BEFORE CONTINUING PLEASE NOTE: GPA and “prestige” DO NOT mean a college is right for you. Ohio State University - Main Campus (OSU) may seem amazing on paper, but you may hate it... That’s why 700,000 students transfer colleges every year - they end up going to the wrong school. It’s crucial to watch the videos on CampusReel and make sure you can envision yourself on OSU’s campus. These OSU admission statistics do not sufficiently tell you what a college or university is like.

What is Ohio State University - Main Campus (OSU)’s acceptance rate?

Last year Ohio State University - Main Campus (OSU)’s acceptance rate was 49.38. However, check out how the acceptance rate has changed over time.

As you can see, Ohio State University - Main Campus (OSU) is a little easier to get into than last year.

Acceptance rate alone does not indicate your likelihood for getting into OSU - it’s a very high level understanding of the true competition. Use the acceptance rate as a general guide for curating a list of 10-15 schools that fall into different ranges of competitiveness. Then, use the below data to get a deeper understanding of how your application will compare to the rest of the pool.

Does Ohio State University - Main Campus (OSU) Require Test Scores?

Ohio State University - Main Campus (OSU) requires that you either take the SAT or ACT. See the table below for how Ohio State University - Main Campus (OSU)’s accepted students have performed on both tests. You may be wondering how many test scores should you submit. Generally, don’t freak out about taking the test too often. Industry consensus is that you can submit up to 6 tests as a reasonable limit.

Ohio State University - Main Campus (OSU) SAT Requirements

Ohio State University - Main Campus (OSU)’s average SAT score is 1285 - this is the sum of the math and reading portions of the SAT (the 1600 scale). Check out the below table for a deeper look into how students performed - it’s also very interesting to look at the average test score over time. The trend over time helps give insight into whether Ohio State University - Main Campus (OSU) is getting more or less competitive.

Ohio State University - Main Campus (OSU)’s average SAT score is 1285. To be a competitive applicant for Ohio State University - Main Campus (OSU) your SAT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 1160, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. To consider Ohio State University - Main Campus (OSU) a “target” school (one that you are likely to get into) you should aim for a score of 1410.

Ohio State University - Main Campus (OSU) ACT Requirements

Ohio State University - Main Campus (OSU)’s average ACT score is 72. To be a competitive applicant for Ohio State University - Main Campus (OSU) your ACT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 80, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. To consider Ohio State University - Main Campus (OSU) a “target” school (one that you have a good chance of getting into) you should aim for a score of 64.

Ohio State University - Main Campus (OSU) Requirements

Now you know where you need to be for getting into Ohio State University - Main Campus (OSU) from a grade and test score perspective. Let’s quickly outline what else you’ll need to provide for your application to get reviewed, and then we’ll move onto the most important section: differentiating your app.

How to get into OSU

Follow these steps to maximize your chances of getting into OSU. Everything you read above will help prepare you for what you need to achieve to have a shot at OSU, but these steps will take you even further in applying that knowledge and differentiating your application.

Main Academic Excellence that is in line with OSU admission standards.

1. Score at least a 1285 on the SAT or 72 on the ACT.
2. Maintain a GPA of at least a 3.15.

Join Extracurriculars that Align with OSU’s Values.

1. Join your school band, a sports team or another group activity. If Ohio State University - Main Campus (OSU) values music heavily, for example, then try to participate in an organization related to that topic.
2. Volunteer in your hometown. Columbus has tons of ways to be involved beyond just the college. Ohio State University - Main Campus (OSU) wants applicants that are also good ambassadors for the school - they want students who will give back to the local community and broader Columbus area in general.
3. Spend your summer doing something that speaks to your values, personal growth, leadership qualities and other less quantifiable characteristics. OSU needs to see past your test scores and grades - they need to know that you will be a valuable and contributing member of their community. You are more than grades and test scores - your experiences should demonstrate that.

Prepare Your Application

1. Write a stellar essay that shows Ohio State University - Main Campus (OSU) something they can’t figure out from the other parts of your application. For a detailed guide on writing the best college essay, check this out.
2. Get teacher recs that speak to your character. If you know what you’re majoring in and include that in your OSU app, try to have at least 1 recommendation from a teacher in that department.
3. Apply Before the Deadline. Too many students wait until the last minute to submit their application, and too much can go wrong during this precious time window. Since many students are applying on the last day, it’s possible that OSU’s own system crashes. Don’t risk the added stress this can cause - submit your app a few days early.