Ohio State SAT & ACT Score Requirements: What You Need to Get In (2026)

Last Updated: April 29, 2026

Key Takeaways

• Ohio State's admitted-student SAT middle 50 is 1360 to 1500 and ACT middle 50 is 29 to 33 on the Columbus campus. The admitted academic profile is strong: 98 percent ranked in the top quarter of their high school class and 77 percent in the top 10 percent.
• Ohio State reinstated the SAT or ACT requirement starting with the 2026 admissions cycle. Test-optional is no longer an option for first-year applicants to the Columbus campus. Scores must come directly from the testing agency by your application deadline.
• OSU superscores both SAT and ACT across test dates. The university uses the highest section scores from all your sittings, so multiple attempts only help.
• The overall Columbus admit rate runs around 60 percent, but that figure masks real selectivity in direct-admit majors like Fisher Business, Engineering, and Computer Science, which sit closer to a 40 to 50 percent admit rate with score targets pushed toward the upper end of the middle 50.
• Ohio State offers Early Action (non-binding) by November 1 and Regular Decision by January 15. EA matters more here than at most flagships because it is the priority deadline for merit scholarships, the Eminence Fellows program, and the Honors Program.

What SAT or ACT Score Do You Need for Ohio State?

Ohio State does not publish a competitive minimum and uses a holistic review. What it does publish, through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, are the middle 50 percent score ranges for admitted students:

Half of Ohio State's admitted students landed inside those bands. Practical target: aim for a 1420 SAT or a 31 ACT to land in the middle of the admitted pool. A 1360 or 29 keeps you competitive. A 1500 or 33 puts your score at or above three-quarters of admits.

OSU's admitted SAT 25th percentile (1360) sits roughly 40 points above Penn State and over 100 points above flagship peers like Indiana University, but well below Michigan and the most selective Big Ten privates. Among Big Ten public flagships, Ohio State is meaningfully selective without being out of reach.

Ohio State Now Requires the SAT or ACT (2026 Cycle and Beyond)

This is the most important policy change for 2026 applicants. Ohio State suspended its test-optional pilot and reinstated the SAT or ACT requirement starting with the 2026 first-year admissions cycle for the Columbus campus. From OSU's counselor communications:

"The Ohio State University will reinstate standardized test requirements for first-year applicants beginning with the 2026 admissions cycle. The university will also implement a superscoring strategy, using the highest overall section score from all test dates."

Three implications for your application:

• You must submit either an SAT or ACT score. Test-optional is gone for first-year Columbus applicants. Self-reporting is not enough. Scores must come directly from College Board (SAT, code 1592) or ACT (code 3312) by your application deadline.
• You only need one test, not both. OSU does not require both. Submit whichever test gives you a higher percentile. If you have both, OSU uses whichever is more competitive.
• Time your final sitting carefully. For Early Action consideration, OSU recommends an SAT by October 3, 2025 or an ACT by October 17, 2025, with score reports requested at registration so they reach OSU by the November 1 deadline.

If you were planning to apply test-optional, the 2026 change forces a real prep plan. The good news is that OSU's superscoring policy, combined with the relatively modest admit middle 50 (1360 to 1500 SAT), makes the score requirement more manageable than it looks for most majors.

Ohio State Superscores Both SAT and ACT

OSU's superscoring policy is generous and applicant-friendly:

• SAT superscore. OSU combines your highest Reading & Writing and your highest Math scores across all SAT sittings into a new superscored total. Lower section scores from other dates are simply ignored.
• ACT superscore. OSU uses the highest English, Math, Reading, and Science subscores across dates to build a new superscored composite. The Science section still factors in even if you took it on a different date than the rest.
• Officially reported scores only. Self-reporting is not sufficient at Ohio State, unlike at some peer schools. All scores must be sent directly from the testing agency.
• You can submit both tests. If you took both the SAT and ACT, OSU will consider whichever superscore helps you most.

Because OSU superscores generously, multiple sittings are a clear net positive. A two- to three-test strategy (junior spring, senior fall, optional retake by October) is the right default if your first sitting lands below your target.

Direct-Admit Majors: A Higher Bar Than the Headline Rate

Ohio State's 60 percent overall admit rate looks moderate, but several pathways admit at a noticeably tighter rate and require stronger scores. The university uses direct admission to many majors, meaning applicants select their major at application and are evaluated against that program's standards:

Two practical implications. First, your major matters: applying to a less selective college (e.g., College of Arts and Sciences with an undeclared major) and transferring internally is sometimes used as a workaround, but internal-transfer policies vary by college and are not guaranteed. Engineering, in particular, has a structured internal-transfer process with its own GPA and prerequisite requirements.

Second, your Math sub-score matters more than your composite for Engineering, CSE, and quantitative Fisher majors like Finance and Accounting. A 1450 SAT with a 760 Math reads stronger than a 1450 SAT with an 800 Reading and 650 Math.

Ohio State Admission Profile

OSU's most recent admission cycle for the Columbus campus, summarized from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Common Data Set reporting:

OSU sits in an interesting middle position among Big Ten flagships. It is more selective than Indiana, Iowa, or Penn State on score profile, but more accessible than Michigan, Northwestern, or Wisconsin. For applicants who want a flagship public with strong national reach, Ohio State is a high-value target where strong but not exceptional scores are still rewarded.

In-State (Ohio) vs Out-of-State Admissions

Ohio State is the flagship of the Ohio public system and weighs Ohio residency as a meaningful admission factor. Roughly two-thirds of OSU's undergraduate enrollment comes from within Ohio:

• Ohio residents. Admitted at materially higher rates than the overall 60 percent figure for non-direct-admit majors. In-state tuition is approximately $13,200 versus out-of-state $40,200, before scholarships. Buckeye Opportunity Program and Land Grant Opportunity Scholarships are reserved for Ohio residents who meet financial-need and academic criteria.
• Out-of-state applicants. Treated as a more competitive pool. Out-of-state admit rates trend below the overall 60 percent, especially for direct-admit Engineering, CSE, and Fisher Business. Out-of-state applicants targeting these majors should plan for the upper end of the middle 50, ideally 1450+ SAT or 32+ ACT, plus strong rigor and essays.
• Geographic residence is a "considered" factor. OSU's Common Data Set lists state residency as a "considered" admission factor, not "very important," but Ohio applicants benefit from the National Buckeye Scholarship for non-resident merit.

Ohio residents also get strong merit pathways. The Maximus Scholarship ($2,000 per year for 4 years) is awarded automatically to admitted Ohio residents at a strong academic profile. The Provost Scholarship ($4,500 per year) targets a higher academic threshold. The Trustees Scholarship ($6,000 per year) is reserved for the top admitted Ohio applicants. These are stackable with need-based aid and the Eminence Fellows full-tuition award.

Ohio State GPA and Course Rigor: The Real Bar

OSU does not publish a recalculated GPA scale, but the admitted-class profile is strong:

• Average admitted GPA: ~3.84 unweighted, with the bulk of admits running an A-minus or higher in core academic courses. Direct-admit Engineering and Fisher Business admits average closer to 3.9 unweighted.
• Course rigor is "very important" in OSU's holistic review. AP, IB, dual enrollment, or Honors participation is essentially universal in the admitted pool. Students who skip available rigor are penalized; students who take available rigor and earn strong grades are rewarded.
• Curriculum requirement. OSU expects 4 years of English, 4 years of math (through Algebra II minimum, Pre-Calculus or Calculus strongly preferred), 3 years of science (4 for Engineering, including Chemistry and Physics), 3 years of social science, and 2 years of foreign language.
• Engineering and CSE applicants. Should have completed Pre-Calculus by junior year, Calculus by senior year, plus Chemistry and Physics. Skipping Physics is a visible weakness on an Engineering file.

Practically, the admitted-pool transcript looks like: A's and a few B's in core academic courses, four years of advanced math, three to four years of science including Chemistry, four years of English, and at least 4 to 6 AP, IB, or honors courses. Fisher Business, Engineering, and CSE admits run higher: nearly all A's in math and science, plus Calculus or beyond and Physics.

Ohio State Application Deadlines for Autumn 2026

Ohio State offers Early Action (non-binding) and Regular Decision. EA matters more here than at most flagships because it is the priority deadline for merit scholarships, the Eminence Fellows program, and the Honors Program:

Early Action is the strategic default for almost every OSU applicant. EA is non-binding and non-restrictive, so you can apply EA to OSU and Early Decision or Early Action to other schools. Both EA and RD admits have until May 1, 2026 to confirm enrollment. The financial aid priority deadline is February 1; missing it usually means missing the most competitive merit and need-based packages.

Note the residency split on EA decisions. Ohio residents and Stamps Eminence Scholarship applicants get decisions by December 12. All other EA applicants wait until late January. If you are out-of-state and want an early answer, OSU is not the school for it. The earliest you will hear is around January 23.

What Ohio State Weighs Beyond Test Scores

OSU's Common Data Set lists the following as "very important" admission factors:

1. Rigor of secondary school record. Course rigor relative to what your high school offers, including AP, IB, dual enrollment, and honors.
2. Class rank. OSU explicitly tracks rank, and 98 percent of admits sit in the top quarter. If your school does not rank, OSU will use GPA and rigor.
3. Academic GPA. Strength of your transcript across four years.
4. Standardized test scores. Required as of 2026; weighed alongside the rest of the academic file.
5. Application essay. OSU requires a personal statement that responds directly to a holistic-review prompt about your background, goals, or fit. The essay carries more weight for borderline files and direct-admit majors.

"Important" but not "very important" factors include extracurricular activities, talent or ability, and character or personal qualities. OSU does not consider demonstrated interest, legacy status, race, or ethnicity. Letters of recommendation are not required and not part of the standard application.

The personal statement is a defining feature for direct-admit Engineering, Fisher Business, and Health Sciences applicants. Generic essays read as a weakness; an essay that makes a specific case for your major and your fit at OSU reads as a strength.

Ohio State vs Peer Big Ten Flagships

How OSU compares to peer Big Ten and Midwestern flagships in 2026:

OSU's test profile sits just above Penn State and well below Michigan, with a meaningfully tighter score band than IU and a sharper cutoff than Penn State because of its test-required policy. Among Big Ten public flagships, Ohio State is one of only two (alongside Purdue) requiring test scores in 2026, which makes preparation non-negotiable. For applicants weighing OSU vs Penn State, the comparison is close on academic profile but OSU's test requirement and direct-admit majors make it functionally more selective for Engineering, Business, and CSE pathways.

A Realistic Prep Plan for Ohio State-Level Scores

If OSU is your target and your current practice SAT is 1240 or ACT is 27, here is a reasonable pathway:

1. Sophomore spring. Take one timed official SAT (Bluebook) and one ACT. Pick the higher percentile test and stick with it.
2. Junior fall. Structured prep. Three to four hours per week plus a full timed test every two weeks. Focus on your weakest section first; OSU superscores, so building one section at a time works.
3. Junior spring. First official sitting. Lock in your strongest section and use the score report to target the next.
4. Summer before senior year. Heavier prep. Aim for one full timed practice per week with precision review. Direct-admit Engineering, CSE, and Fisher applicants should target SAT Math 740+ or ACT Math 32+ specifically.
5. September of senior year. Second official sitting. For Early Action consideration at OSU, the test deadline is October 3 (SAT) or October 17 (ACT). A third sitting is possible if you are still chasing your target, but plan it for September at the latest.

Score targets to anchor on: 1360 SAT or 29 ACT for the OSU admitted 25th percentile (most majors), 1420 SAT or 31 ACT for the all-university admitted middle, and 1450+ SAT or 32+ ACT for direct-admit Fisher Business or Engineering. CSE applicants should target 1500+ SAT with strong Math, or 33+ ACT. Eminence Fellows and Honors Program applicants typically need 1500+ SAT or 34+ ACT plus a near-perfect transcript.

For adaptive practice, try the Larry Learns SAT platform or the Larry Learns ACT platform. If you are still deciding which test fits you, see our SAT vs ACT guide, and use the SAT score calculator to convert practice raw scores to scaled scores. For deeper diagnostics on the Math section, our SAT math topics and ACT math topics guides break down what each test actually covers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio State SAT and ACT Scores

What is the average SAT score for Ohio State?

Approximately 1420, based on a middle 50 of 1360 to 1500 among admitted students on the Columbus campus. The 25th percentile is 1360; the 75th percentile is 1500. SAT Reading & Writing middle 50 is roughly 670 to 740; SAT Math middle 50 is roughly 690 to 770.

What is the average ACT score for Ohio State?

Approximately 31 composite, with a middle 50 of 29 to 33. The 25th percentile is 29; the 75th percentile is 33.

What are Ohio State's SAT requirements?

Ohio State requires the SAT or ACT for first-year applicants to the Columbus campus starting with the 2026 admissions cycle. Test-optional is no longer available. Among admitted students, the middle 50 SAT is 1360 to 1500. OSU superscores the SAT across test dates and uses your highest section scores. Scores must be sent directly from College Board (school code 1592).

What are Ohio State's ACT requirements?

OSU requires the ACT or SAT for first-year applicants beginning with the 2026 cycle. Among admitted students, the middle 50 ACT composite is 29 to 33. OSU superscores the ACT and uses whichever submitted test (SAT or ACT) helps you most. Scores must be sent directly from ACT (school code 3312).

Does Ohio State require the SAT or ACT?

Yes, starting with the 2026 admissions cycle. OSU previously offered a test-optional pilot but reinstated the standardized test requirement and added superscoring for first-year applicants to the Columbus campus. You only need to submit one test, not both, and OSU will use your highest section scores across all sittings.

Does Ohio State superscore the SAT?

Yes. OSU combines your highest Reading & Writing and your highest Math scores across all SAT sittings into a new superscored total. Multiple sittings only help. Lower section scores from other dates are simply ignored.

Does Ohio State superscore the ACT?

Yes. OSU uses the highest English, Math, Reading, and Science subscores across dates to build a new superscored composite, including across different test dates.

What GPA do I need for Ohio State?

OSU does not publish a formal minimum. The average admitted GPA is approximately 3.84 unweighted, and 98 percent of admits ranked in the top quarter of their high school class with 77 percent in the top 10 percent. Direct-admit Engineering, CSE, and Fisher Business admits run higher, with averages closer to 3.9 unweighted plus heavier course rigor.

What is Ohio State's acceptance rate?

Approximately 60 percent overall on the Columbus campus from a recent applicant pool of about 72,800. The rate varies significantly by major. Direct-admit Engineering, CSE, and Fisher College of Business admit at meaningfully lower rates, with CSE being the most selective single major at the university. Ohio residents are admitted at higher rates than out-of-state applicants.

How hard is it to get into Ohio State Engineering?

Engineering at OSU admits at materially below the 60 percent all-university rate. Average admitted GPA is approximately 3.9 unweighted, and SAT Math sub-scores typically run 740+ for admits. Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) is the most selective single major. Engineering applicants should target a 1450+ SAT (with strong Math) or 32+ ACT, plus four years of advanced math through Calculus and Physics.

Is it harder to get into Ohio State as an out-of-state student?

Yes. OSU is the Ohio public flagship and weighs Ohio residency in admissions. Out-of-state admit rates run below the overall 60 percent, especially for direct-admit Engineering, CSE, and Fisher Business. Out-of-state applicants should target the upper end of the admitted middle 50 (1450+ SAT or 32+ ACT) and have strong course rigor and a sharp personal statement.

When is the Ohio State application deadline?

Early Action is November 1 (non-binding) with decisions December 12 for Ohio residents and January 23 for all other applicants. Regular Decision is January 15 with decisions March 6. The financial aid priority deadline is February 1. Both EA and RD admits have until May 1 to confirm enrollment.

Does Ohio State offer Early Decision?

No. Ohio State only offers Early Action, which is non-binding. There is no Early Decision option. EA is the priority deadline for merit scholarships, Eminence Fellows, and the Honors Program, so most applicants should plan to apply by November 1.

What scholarships do Ohio State students qualify for?

For Ohio residents: the Maximus Scholarship, Provost Scholarship, Trustees Scholarship, Land Grant Opportunity Scholarship, and Buckeye Opportunity Program. For non-residents: the National Buckeye Scholarship and the Trustees Scholarship. The Stamps Eminence Scholars Program (also referred to as Eminence Fellows) is OSU's most prestigious merit award. It covers full cost of attendance plus an enrichment grant, is awarded to a small cohort each year (historically under 20 students), and requires a separate application by the November 1 Early Action deadline.

Does Ohio State consider legacy status or demonstrated interest?

No. OSU's Common Data Set explicitly states that legacy and demonstrated interest are not considered in admissions. Race and ethnicity are also not considered following the 2023 Supreme Court ruling.

How does Ohio State compare to Penn State?

OSU is meaningfully more selective on score profile. OSU's admitted SAT middle 50 (1360 to 1500) sits about 40 points above Penn State (1320 to 1450), and OSU's test-required policy means submitted scores are non-negotiable. Both have similar overall admit rates around 60 percent. OSU is the stronger choice for direct-admit Business and Engineering on score profile; Penn State remains very strong for liberal arts and offers test-optional flexibility.

How does Ohio State compare to Michigan?

Michigan is significantly more selective. UMich's admit rate (~17 percent) is roughly one-third of Ohio State's (~60 percent), and UMich's SAT middle 50 (1390 to 1540) sits about 30 to 40 points above OSU's. Both are strong public flagships. OSU is more accessible across most majors and offers stronger merit aid for Ohio residents, while Michigan leads on national reputation, business (Ross), and engineering selectivity.