In a significant shift in admissions policy, Ohio State University (OSU) has announced that it will reinstate the requirement for ACT or SAT scores for all first-year undergraduate applicants to its Columbus campus, effective with the 2026 admissions cycle.
This move ends the test-optional pilot program adopted in 2020 during the disruption caused by the COVID‑19 pandemic.
Why the Change?
OSU officials explain that this policy reversal comes after a period of careful assessment of student outcomes under the test-optional regime. Key reasons include:
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Academic success metrics: The university found that students who submitted test scores during the optional period generally had higher college GPAs and were more likely to make consistent progress toward degree completion.
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Holistic review complemented, not replaced: Even with test scores once again required, OSU emphasizes that admission decisions will still be holistic. Test results will be one of multiple factors considered.
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Scope: The requirement applies to first-year applicants at the Columbus campus only. OSU’s regional campuses and the Agricultural Technical Institute (ATI) will continue with more flexible or open-access policies for Ohio residents.
What This Means for Students Applying
For those planning to apply to OSU’s Columbus campus in 2026 and beyond, here’s what you need to know:
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ACT/SAT required: You will need to take either the ACT or SAT and submit your official scores as part of your application.
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Holistic application still matters: Your essays, transcripts, extracurriculars, letters of recommendation, etc., remain essential, as OSU is not going back to a test-only model.
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Superscoring: OSU will adopt a superscoring policy: if you take the test multiple times, the highest section scores can be combined to form your best possible composite score.
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Deadlines and sending scores: Pay attention to test and score reporting deadlines. For early action, those often come earlier. Also, ensure the testing agency sends the official score.
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Other campuses may differ: If you're applying to one of the regional campuses or ATI, test score requirements may not apply or may be more flexible.
Broader Context
Ohio State’s decision is part of a larger national conversation about standardized tests in college admissions. Several universities temporarily adopted test-optional policies during the pandemic, then re-evaluated those policies. Some have made changes permanently; others, like OSU, have decided data suggests that test scores still provide value when used appropriately.
Final Thoughts
By reinstating required ACT/SAT scores at the Columbus campus, Ohio State University is signaling that, despite past shifts toward flexibility, it sees standardized testing as a useful and informative component of its admission process. For students, this means more planning and preparation may be necessary—but test scores will once again play a visible role in the holistic review of applications.