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ADMISSIONS NEWS  |  SEPTEMBER 2020

Welcome to a new school year!

 
Beth A. Wiser, PhD
Dear colleagues,

This is one of the most unusual beginnings of an academic year most of us have ever experienced. And this holds true for the Ohio State students we just welcomed back to our campus or to a virtual semester. Together as Buckeyes has been our mantra, and I know it will continue to hold true as we work with students and families through this year’s application process.

This update will provide valuable information about changes to our process, updates about our outreach and recruitment activities this fall, and helpful information from our academic and campus partners.

Our team is prepared to work with you and your students to help navigate the process together. Thank you for your on-going support and partnership through these interesting times.

Best regards,

Beth A. Wiser, PhD
Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions

P.S. To connect with us, contact your admissions counselor or email us. Get our latest COVID-19 updates and guidance.

Application options

For freshmen applicants to the Columbus campus, we are now solely using the Common Application for spring, summer and autumn 2021 and beyond. Regional campus and transfer applicants will continue to apply through our Ohio State application.
 

New dates and deadlines

For the 2021 application cycle, our early action application deadline is November 15. We hope that by moving this deadline back two weeks, our applicants will have more time to work on their application and, if sending a score, have more time to test.

Decision release dates

NEW! You shared and we listened. We heard from many of you that it would be beneficial to know when we are going to release decisions, so we are excited to share those dates with you.
  • For those who submit a complete application by November 15, decisions will be released on December 11 and January 29.
  • For those who submit a complete application by February 1, decisions will be released on February 19 and March 26.
Please note: If a student doesn’t hear back by the first decision release, that doesn’t mean they will not be admitted. A student’s application flows through the review process individually, so not hearing back when their classmate or neighbor does isn’t a bad sign.
 

Test optional news

As a reminder, Ohio State has implemented a test optional plan for spring, summer and autumn 2021 applicants. We continue to recognize the challenges of accessing a testing site and will monitor the landscape over the next year. Our test optional plan is applicable for admission, merit scholarships, honors and scholars programs, and college or program-specific admission.

Students should choose their preference for submitting scores when they submit the Common Application. Please note: We will only make changes to their preference if they are impacted by a canceled test.
 

Campus visits and recruitment fall plans

Our admissions counselors look forward to hosting virtual high school visits with you and your students and we continue to expand our virtual resources for prospective students. Right now, learning about Ohio State virtually is the most comprehensive way to introduce students to our programs and people. Also note that we are limiting the number of students, faculty and staff on campus, as well as access to buildings and spaces. We hope to be hosting admitted students on campus beginning in February, if conditions permit.
 

Academic communities

Each of these programs offers students closer ties to faculty, mentoring, travel, housing communities and career preparation. We encourage all students to explore them as they consider how they may build community at Ohio State. Students are encouraged to meet the November 15 early action application deadline to be considered, and all programs require additional application steps.

Morrill Scholarship Program

For students who are academically talented and actively engaged in diversity-based leadership, social justice and service, MSP offers substantial scholarships and academic and cultural enrichment opportunities. Scholarship opportunities are also available.

Honors and Scholars

Honors and Scholars serves high-ability, motivated students through two distinct programs. The University Honors Program features enriched academic experiences, which include advanced course work and research. The Ohio State Scholars Program offers co-curricular opportunities through 17 theme-based communities.

The Eminence Fellows Program allows students to embark on a unique, four-year journey of academic rigor, service and leadership. Scholarship opportunities are also available.
 

Academic program updates

Music and dance auditions go virtual

Both the School of Music and Department of Dance are committed to accessibility and safety in these uncertain times. As a result, both are offering virtual audition and video audition opportunities for students applying for the 2021-22 academic year.

Please note that, in addition to the Common Application, students applying as music or dance majors will need to complete an audition and an application to their area of choice. Visit the School of Music and the Department of Dance for more information.

College of Engineering

High school seniors applying to the Columbus campus are encouraged to submit their complete admission application indicating their engineering pre-major of interest by November 15. Capacity within engineering fills quickly. Learn about our nationally recognized engineering program or email us at eng-recruitment@osu.edu.

School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

We’re a nationally recognized leader in training healthcare professionals. Students receive individualized attention and benefit from small class sizes, state-of-the-art medical facilities, and hands-on clinical experiences. Learn more and explore our programs.

College of Pharmacy

Do you a student who is interested in becoming a pharmacist? The Early Assurance Program is for high-achieving, prospective first-year students interested in becoming licensed pharmacists. Learn more about this exciting program!
 

School counselor programs

This fall we’re excited to connect with you virtually for our annual counselor update programs. We’ll be hosting 17 programs across the U.S. and you’ll even see us with our colleagues from the Big Ten participating in collaborative programs. Learn more about the Ohio State programs and the Big Ten programs.
 

Counselor website updates

Our counselor website and portal is being updated just for you, offering expanded content and resources like information about our advisory board, fly-in and events. Look for the enhanced features in the first few weeks of September.

We’ve also updated our requirements for our counselor portal

As an enhanced security measure, beginning September 4 all school counselors who access the counselor portal (to check student applications, decisions and merit awards) will be asked to create an Ohio State guest account.

To request a guest account:
  • Go to undergrad.osu.edu/hsappstatus/login.aspx.
  • Submit requested information. Please note: You will be asked for your date of birth — this is a university requirement for guest accounts.
  • Once your account and school email address are confirmed, we’ll send you an email for activating your account and setting your password.
For assistance with this process, please reach out to Julee Conrad.
 

New admissions counselors

While many of our admissions counselors are returning to your areas this year, we do have a few changes to share.
  • Canton, Youngstown and Pennsylvania (excluding Philadelphia): Chelsea Melzer
  • Toledo and Michigan: Rob Reed
  • Colorado: Tracy Shuman
  • Massachusetts: Keith Lofton
  • Dayton: Jenna Messer
  • Connecticut: Briana Durant
Contact your counselor with questions, panel requests and more!
 

Regional campus video

Our regional campuses are brimming with possibilities and benefits. Students can start their Ohio State degree on any of our campuses and no matter which campus they attend, their diploma will read The Ohio State University.

Learn more about Ohio State regional campuses, and be sure to check out the new regional campus video!
 

Buckeye Student Leadership Academy updates

Our traditional on-campus program moved to a fully virtual experience for 2020. The program started in June and will conclude in November.

Through both asynchronous and synchronous sessions offered each month, the 55-student cohort is connecting with students, faculty and staff on a variety of topics that will help them explore and apply to colleges.

The application for the 2021 program opens November 1, with a due date of March 1, 2021. Students can learn more about the program and apply, and email us with questions.

Our school counselors website is for you!

At hscounselors.osu.edu, you can:
  • Check the application status of your students (click "Counselor login"; if needed, request login credentials by following the instructions on the site)
  • Find useful links to admissions info
  • Read previous issues of Admissions News