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The E.W. Scripps School of Journalism strives to admit the best academically and professionally qualified freshmen. The school considers the following criteria in granting admission:

• Strength of high school curriculum
• Performance in high school curriculum
• High school class rank (if your class ranks)
• High school grade point average
• ACT and/or SAT scores

Applicants to the School of Journalism are evaluated on all the criteria used in the general admission review. Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to submit an essay detailing how they want to help shape the future of journalism. 

Visit the Undergraduate Admissions website for the online application.

Appealing

Students who are admitted into Ohio University but not accepted into the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism may appeal this decision by submitting additional materials. Read more about the appeal process.

A limited number of transfer students are accepted each semester from within Ohio University and from other colleges and universities. NOTE: Students from other universities applying for admission to the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism must also apply for transfer admission to Ohio University.

Requirements for consideration

• A minimum grade point average of 3.0 overall or a 3.0 in the last two semesters. NOTE: A 3.0 qualifies a student only for consideration and does not guarantee admission.
• A minimum of 30 semester hours at time of application deadline.

Application Deadlines*

Transfer applications are accepted twice per academic year.

• Spring 2025 application deadline: Sept. 20, 2024 (5 p.m.)
• Fall 2025 application deadline: Feb. 21, 2025 (5 p.m.)

*Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

Application Procedure

Students applying to transfer into the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism must include the following supporting materials typed, signed, dated, and submitted in a binder:

1. A completed Application for Transfer form.
2. An official copy of all transcripts from colleges or university previously attended. If you are a current OHIO student, you only need to submit your current DARS.
3. A current resume.
4. At least two letters of recommendation from references best able to comment on the applicant's journalistic abilities (professors and/or employers). Recommendation letters are an important part of the transfer committee's deliberations. Applicants who do not include at least two letters will not be considered. Letters of recommendation should be sent to the student, then placed (still in the sealed envelope) in his/her portfolio. Ask the recommender to sign across the seal of the envelope. Note: Recommendation letters should not be from high school teachers, administrators, guidance counselors or fellow students.
5. A 500-word written essay on the theme "Why I want to be a journalism major." Sign and date your essay.
6. Examples of journalism work (not to exceed six samples). Sign and date each sample submitted.

Any application that is incomplete will not be considered. It is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure that his or her transfer packet is complete. Submit the completed application form to:

Julie Conrad
E. W. Scripps School of Journalism
223 Schoonover Center
Ohio University
Athens, OH 45701-2979
conradj1@ohio.edu

The school's transfer committee will evaluate applications and make recommendations to the Director and Associate Director, who make final decisions on transfer admissions. Applicants will receive written notification of acceptance or denial. Students denied admission must wait one year (from the time the application was submitted) to re-apply. Applications will not be carried over to the next year. Re-application is necessary.

NOTE: This policy is effective as of April 22, 2008

Honors Tutorial College degree programs, based on the centuries-old tutorial model used at Oxford and Cambridge, provide students rigorous one-on-one coursework with top faculty each semester.

Find out about the HTC journalism program.

Learn more about applying to HTC.