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Undergraduate Admissions
Chubb Hall 120
1 Ohio University Drive 
Athens, OH 45701
Directions
 740.593.0560

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I submit an application essay?

For applicants who have been out of high school for more than one year, the essay is strongly encouraged.

Honors Tutorial College (HTC) applicants should complete the two required HTC essays listed on the application. Journalism applicants and College of Business applicants are highly encouraged to submit an essay.

The essay is optional for all other applicants. Applicants may use the essay to convey any information they feel will be helpful in the decision process. Topics may include, for example, academic challenges the student has faced, the applicant's academic and career objectives or involvement in community affairs. For more information, refer to the Undergraduate Admissions website.

What is my OHIO ID or PID?

PID number - Athens Campus

Your PID (P followed by 9 digits) number is sent to the email address you provided on your application, at the time you submit your application to Ohio University. If you need your PID or OHIO ID re-sent to you, please call 740.593.1222 or email us. Always have your PID handy when calling Ohio University, and remember to provide it in emails to OHIO, as this is the number we need to look up your student records.

OHIO ID

Your OHIO ID is used for your Ohio University username, email, online directory and personal network file storage environment. Most important student notices are sent exclusively by email. It is quite common for students who forward their OHIO student email to their personal accounts to lose vital information in junk or spam folders. As an Ohio University student, you are responsible for checking your OHIO student account regularly! If you have trouble or questions about OHIO CatMail, contact the help desk at 740.593.1222 or servicedesk@ohio.edu.

What are your admission requirements?

Freshman Students

Undergraduate Admissions considers the following criteria in granting admission: class rank, strength of curriculum, optional ACT and/or SAT scores and grade point average. Students are expected to have completed a strong college preparatory curriculum, and particular attention is paid to the performance of the student during their junior year of high school, with consideration made for grade improvements or declines.

You can view the academic profile of the most recent freshman class on our website. You can also learn more about our test-optional pathway.

To be considered for admission, all of the following must be completed by the application deadline:

  • Complete an application.
  • Submit $50 application fee.
  • Have your school counselor submit your official high school transcript.
  • (Optional) Request that your ACT and/or SAT scores be sent from the testing agency.

Visit our How to Apply as a Freshman web page to learn more.

Transfer Students

If you have completed more than 9 semester hours (12 quarter hours) at another regionally accredited college or university after graduating from high school, you are considered a transfer applicant. Many academic programs have different selective admission guidelines and procedures for transfer students.

To be considered for transfer admission, all of the following must be completed by the transfer application deadline:

  • Complete an application.
  • Submit $50 application fee.
  • Have all college(s) previously attended send your official transcript.

Visit our How to Apply as a Transfer Student web page to learn more.

What kind of supplemental materials do you accept?

Ohio University does not require but will accept letters of recommendation, essays, resumes, extracurricular activity lists, samples of work/portfolios or other materials that add to the information in the application. Supplemental materials can be mailed, emailed or faxed to our office. Please visit our Apply web page for more information about applying to Ohio University.

How do I contact Undergraduate Admissions?

Undergraduate Admissions is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (Eastern) Monday-Friday. Our office can be contacted in a variety of ways, including:

Telephone: 740.593.4100
Fax: 740.593.0560
Email: admissions@ohio.edu
Web site: ohio.edu/admissions

Any correspondence sent to Undergraduate Admissions should list the student's name and full mailing address, so that we can match the information with our existing records.

Mailing Address:
Undergraduate Admissions
120 Chubb Hall
1 Ohio University Drive
Athens, OH 45701-2979

You can also find contact information for your admissions advisor on our website.

Are standardized tests required? Do you prefer the ACT or SAT?
Ohio University has adopted a test-optional pathway for admission to the Athens campus for freshman applicants. The application for admission instructs applicants to indicate whether or not they intend to submit standardized test scores. All applicants, including test-optional applicants (i.e. applicants who indicate that they do not plan to submit test scores), will be eligible to be considered for University benefits, including direct admission to academic programs, merit-based scholarships and honors and scholars programs.
 
Applicants may submit test scores (ACT or SAT) if interested in having them considered. Scores should be sent directly by the testing agency. Ohio University does not prefer one test over the other; either test can be submitted for admission and scholarship consideration.
 
Students may submit test scores from multiple test dates. For students submitting more than one ACT or SAT score, Ohio University will use the highest composite ACT or the highest combined math and critical reading scores for both in application review and in scholarship consideration.
 
Students who change their plan regarding test score submission after submitting the application for admission should email Undergraduate Admissions at admissions@ohio.edu so that their application is reviewed appropriately. 
What courses or programs do you offer?

Ohio University's nine undergraduate colleges offer more than 250 programs of study. Students may select from a wide variety of majors, minors and certificates. While most undergraduate programs at the Athens campus are designed to be completed in four years, a limited number of two-year degree programs are available as well. For a list of available programs, please reference the undergraduate majors website. For majors by college, plus minors and certificates, visit the undergraduate catalog.

How many students attend Ohio University (how big is OHIO)?

More than 15,000 undergraduate students are enrolled on the Athens campus of Ohio University. With master’s, doctoral and medical students, the Athens campus enrollment increases to more than 21,000 students. Systemwide, Ohio University is home to nearly 30,000 students.

Where are you located?

Ohio University is a four-year degree granting public institution with one residential campus located on 1,800 acres in Athens, Ohio, near the Hocking River Valley in Southeast Ohio. Ohio University also has 5 regional campuses and an online option. Learn more about what the OHIO campuses offer or schedule a visit on our Visiting OHIO web page. 

Who is your mascot?

The official mascot of Ohio University is Rufus the Bobcat. The school colors are green and white.

What and where is Baker Center?

Connecting the upper and lower campus, Baker University Center (1 Park Place, Athens, OH 45701) is a vibrant hub, welcoming and serving all members of our community ― from University students, faculty, and staff to parents, alumni, community members and campus visitors. Baker Center offers state-of-the-art conference and event spaces, extensive support for students and their leadership development, exciting dining options and comfortable places to be. Baker University Center is also home to art galleries, student organization offices, academic support services, amenities and University departments.

Do you have a campus map with residence halls?

Download a campus map, including parking info. Please feel free to take a virtual tour of Ohio University’s Athens campus. A hard copy map of campus can be obtained by visiting guest services at Baker University Center.

Are you a public or private university?

Ohio University is a four-year, public research institution with Division I athletics. The main campus is located on 1,800 acres in Athens, Ohio. OHIO was founded in 1804 as the first institution for higher education outside of the original 13 colonies.

In addition to the Athens campus, our five regional campuses and various collaborations and partnerships make an OHIO education accessible throughout southeastern OHIO and around the world.