Ohio State University, known for its academic opportunities and research advancements, sets high expectations for its applicants. This article dives into the Ohio State ACT scores and requirements. Be sure to check out our other post that discusses Ohio State’s SAT stats and requirements!
Ohio State’s average composite ACT score is around 30, out of the maximum possible 36 points. This is significantly higher than the national average of about 21. Meanwhile, the 25th percentile score for the incoming class is a 29, and the 75th percentile is a composite score of 32. This means that the lowest 25% of scorers achieved a 29 or below, and the highest 25% of scorers had a 32 or above.
These numbers demonstrate the high standards Ohio State holds for its students. However, the range also shows that there is no one number that applicants must achieve for admission.
The ACT composite score is the average of the scores a student achieves on each of the four test sections: English, mathematics, reading, and science. Here, we will break down the Ohio State ACT English and Math score statistics.
The average ACT English score at Ohio State for enrolled students is 32. In addition, the 25th and 75th percentiles fall at 28 and 34, respectively. Overall, Ohio State students perform very well on the English section of the ACT. These statistics show that 25% of admitted students scored up to a 28 on their ACT English section. Further, the highest quartile of admitted students scored a 34 or above on their ACT English section.
The average ACT Math score for enrolled students at Ohio State is 29. The 25th and 75th percentiles fall at 27 and 32, respectively. While these scores are a bit lower than the English section scores, they are still quite high when compared to the national averages. As with the other sections, there is no one particular benchmark that applicants must meet.
In addition, these statistics show that 50% of students admitted to Ohio State scored a 29 or below on their ACT, while another 50% scored a 29 or above.
Through the academic year 2025-2026, Ohio State will maintain a test-optional policy. This means applicants are not required to submit ACT scores. However, applicants are still welcome and encouraged to submit any materials they feel will help their application. If you have a standardized test score that you are proud of and it compares well with the average Ohio State ACT scores, you are encouraged to submit it.
Ohio State requires official ACT scores to be sent directly from the testing agency. Self-reported scores are not considered official and will not be accepted. As a result, you can send your Ohio State ACT scores directly to the admissions team when you take your exam, or after the exam for a fee.
Note that Ohio State does not require the writing section of the ACT.
More details about Ohio State ACT requirements can be found on their Application Information webpage.
Among the applicants admitted to Ohio State, 40% submitted ACT scores. In addition, 15% of admits submitted SAT scores. The remaining approximate 45% omitted standardized test scores from their application.
There is no benefit or advantage to taking one test over the other apart from individual circumstance and preference. Moreover, although these statistics show that the ACT is almost three times more popular among Ohio State applicants than the SAT, the admissions team does not prefer one test over the other. Furthermore, there is no disadvantage to going test-optional, given that this is the most popular choice among applicants.
Submitting a high SAT or ACT score can only help an applicant’s chances for admission to a competitive institution like Ohio State. We recommend that any student with the means to do so should take the SAT or ACT. If the test goes well and you achieve a competitive score, it will boost your application. If not, you can choose to omit the score on your Ohio State application.
Giving yourself a chance to perform well will only help. Further, poor scores can always be left off of an application without penalty. Remember, although Ohio State is test-optional, their admissions committee encourages applicants to submit standardized test scores.
Once you have received your scores, consider them in the context of the school’s average scores to decide whether to submit to a test-optional school. Ohio State’s SAT score statistics are detailed in this article. If your scores fall within or above the 25th to 75th percentile ranges, they are likely worth submitting.
Again, sending in a strong score will boost your application, but choosing not to do so will not hurt your chances. Ultimately, this is a personal decision influenced by your other application materials, your strengths, and your abilities.
Ohio State only considers composite scores. The OSU admissions committee does not create superscores for its applicants. However, Ohio State permits the ACT equivalent of Score Choice for individual test dates, which means that students can select which test dates they submit scores from, although not the individual test scores from different dates. This useful option is a good choice for students who have test dates they are proud of and others that they would prefer not to submit.
Ohio State does not have specific SAT score requirements or cutoffs for applicants to the University. That said, some programs may have more specific requirements, such as the College of Nursing. Read more about these specific requirements on their Enrollment Criteria webpage.
There is no one score requirement that applicants must meet to have their application considered. That being said, most admitted Ohio State students have high standardized testing scores. The statistics mentioned above show that the average score is around 30, so aiming for a score at or above the average would put you in a good position. The upper 25% of Ohio State students scored a 32 or higher, which indicates that a “good” SAT score for Ohio State would be quite high.
| Section | 25th | 50th | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 29 | 30 | 32 |
| English | 28 | 32 | 34 |
| Math | 27 | 29 | 32 |
Getting into Ohio State with a low ACT score is possible, but challenging. “Low” is a relative term, of course: below-average scores for Ohio State are still quite high when compared to the national averages.
To be specific, the lower quartile ACT score at Ohio State is a 29. This means that Ohio State students in the lowest 25% scored at or below a 29. The national average composite ACT score is about 21. Therefore, the lowest 25% of student admitted to Ohio State achieved up to 8 points higher on their ACT than the national average. With this in mind, it would be in an applicant’s best interest to aim for the lower quartile, if not higher.
However, it is still possible to get into Ohio State with an ACT score below these measurements: applicants who demonstrate strong academic and extracurricular performance can stand out in other ways. A student with a below-average score who demonstrates leadership and initiative through a community service project may be judged more favorably than an applicant with an above-average score who doesn’t demonstrate initiative outside of studying and testing.
Therefore, while scores are important, they are not the only thing an upcoming college applicant should devote their time to. Learn more about what Ohio State looks for in applications on their Admission Criteria webpage.
For students who plan to submit applications during their senior year, the best time to take the ACT for Ohio State is generally during the preceding junior spring semester.
The October 5 (SAT) and October 26 (ACT) are the last 2024 test dates for students applying Early Action in the fall of 2024. If you plan to test on either of those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test. You won’t be able to review scores from these dates prior to submitting your application by the November 1 deadline.
If you are applying Regular Decision to Ohio State, your scores must be received by the admissions team by January 15. In other words, Ohio State must receive scores by the application deadline. Therefore, it is in your best interest to take the ACT earlier rather than later and to send your scores as swiftly as possible.
Ohio State’s ACT code for submitting official test scores is 3312.
While Ohio State no longer requires applicants to submit ACT or SAT test scores, the standards for those who do choose to submit scores are still quite high. Choosing not to take the exams or to omit scores from an application will not harm an applicant, but sending a good score can only help. Ultimately, the decision of whether to take and submit exam scores is a personal decision to be evaluated in the context of an applicant’s strengths, goals, and priorities. If you are considering the SAT instead, be sure to check out our Ohio State SAT Breakdown!
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