Ohio State will require ACT/SAT for incoming freshmen

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WTVG) - The Ohio State University announced Wednesday the reinstatement of the ACT/SAT test requirement for all new first-year undergraduate applicants to the Columbus campus in the 2026 admissions cycle and beyond.

Ohio State adopted a test-optional pilot in 2020 during COVID. During the pilot, the university said it monitored student success, finding that test scores mattered.

“Our goal is to find and admit students who will succeed at Ohio State, and test scores provide valuable insight into academic success at our university,” said Executive Vice President and Provost Ravi V. Bellamkonda. “As part of our holistic review that takes into account multiple factors, we believe that test scores are an important data point in helping to ensure the success of our students.”

The university will not rely solely on test scores when making admissions decisions and will continue with a comprehensive review of each applicant, as it always has.

Testing will be required for all programs and degree types for first-year undergraduate applicants to Ohio State’s Columbus campus only. Ohio State regional campuses and Ohio State ATI do not consider test scores for admission, as they have an open-access policy for Ohio residents.

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