Programs with More Selective Admission Guidelines for Freshmen
Ohio University has adopted a test-optional pathway for freshman applicants to all academic programs on the Athens campus, including those listed below. While we operate under a holistic review process, applicants may submit test scores (ACT or SAT) if interested in having them considered.
School of Art + Design
A portfolio review is required for admission to any Bachelor of Fine Arts major in the School of Art + Design. For more information, please visit the Art + Design portfolio submission page.
Department of Biological Sciences
Strong preparation in mathematics and science as evidenced by coursework.
College of Business
Reflecting the values and unique approach of OHIO’s business curriculum, College of Business students are not only academically prepared, but also ready to engage in a hands-on education. A selective, holistic process is used to determine eligibility for direct admission to the College of Business. Successful applicants typically present a solid performance in a strong college preparatory curriculum (typically a 3.0 or higher GPA on a 4.0 scale) and, optionally, evidence of engagement and leadership potential demonstrated through participation in extracurricular activities, community service or work experience.
School of Dance
An audition is required for admission to any major in the School of Dance or the minor in choreography and performance. For more information, please visit the Dance audition page.
Russ College of Engineering and Technology
Applicants should complete a college-preparatory curriculum and have above-average grades in math and science classes. For most Russ College programs, four years of college preparatory math and one year of either chemistry or physics are required, and one year of an additional science (physics, chemistry, or biology) is strongly recommended. Aviation Flight capacity is limited due to the nature of instruction; admission will be limited and selective for the 2024-2025 academic year. (Please note that applicants to Aviation Management and Engineering Technology and Management are considered according to general university guidelines.)
School of Film
A portfolio review is required for admission to the School of Film. For more information, please visit the the Film materials submission page.
Honors Tutorial College
Students who apply to the Honors Tutorial College (HTC) are required to submit HTC-specific essays with their application, and many HTC majors strongly recommend that students submit additional application materials. Essay prompts and recommended materials can be found by reviewing the HTC Apply page. Students selected to move forward in the selection process must complete an interview. (Interviews are typically held in January and February.)
E.W. Scripps School of Journalism
Admission to the School of Journalism is made based on strong preparation in writing and language as evidenced by coursework. Media-related experience is also considered. Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to submit an essay detailing how they want to help shape the future of journalism.
School of Music
An audition is required for admission to the School of Music. For more information, please visit the Music audition page.
School of Nursing
Students must have a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher for consideration to the School of Nursing.
School of Theater
An audition, interview and/or portfolio review is required for admission to any Bachelor of Fine Arts major in the School of Theater. For more information, please visit the Theater audition and interview registration page.
School of Visual Communication
A portfolio review is required for admission to the School of Visual Communication. For more information, please visit the School of Visual Communication Portfolio Review web page.
Apply
Ready to apply? Ohio University is a member of The Common Application. Applicants are encouraged to apply using the Common App, which opens annually in August. For freshman applicants who do not want to use the Common App, please visit our alternative online application.
Your application materials must include an official high school transcript, and, if you choose to submit ACT or SAT scores, scores must be sent directly from the testing agency or from your high school.
