Programs with More Selective Admission Guidelines
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.
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 demonstrated leadership potential 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
To best prepare for the demands of the academic programs in the Russ College, 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. All applicants should have completed a college-preparatory curriculum, have above-average grades in all classes and have above-average grades in math and science classes. U.S. citizens or permanent residents ranked in the top 50 percent of their classes are most likely to be successful in the Russ College of Engineering and Technology. (These guidelines do not apply to Aviation or Engineering Technology and Management degrees.)
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. Selected students typically will interview in January and February. Students apply to HTC by selecting a major on the Common Application that is designated as "(honors tutorial)" and submitting the supplemental materials; however, if you applied to Ohio University before learning about the Honors Tutorial College, please review the HTC Apply page for information about how to apply for HTC consideration after submitting the Common Application.
E.W. Scripps School of Journalism
Applicants to the School of Journalism are evaluated on all the criteria used in the general admission review, and applicants who share OHIO’s commitment to diversity and inclusion are strongly encouraged to apply to the School of Journalism. Admission 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 with a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale are best situated for success in the School of Nursing.
School of Theater
An audition, interview, writing sample, 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.
