Ohio State University, known for its academic opportunities and research advancements, sets high expectations for its applicants. This article dives into the Ohio State SAT scores and requirements. Be sure to check out our other post that discusses Ohio State’s ACT stats and requirements!
What is the average SAT score at Ohio State?
Ohio State SAT scores are competitive, with an average score around 1400 out of the maximum 1600. The 25th percentile for SAT scores at Ohio State lies at 1310, and the 75th percentile reaches 1480.
From these statistics, we can see that 25% of Ohio State students scored below a 1310. Additionally, 25% of admitted students scored above a 1480. This range reflects the high standards of the institution, but also demonstrates that there is no one score that applicants must achieve for admission.
What is the average SAT English score at Ohio State?
The SAT is broken down into two sections: the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (English) section and the Math section. Each is scored out of 800 for a combined total of 1600 for the overall SAT score.
Ohio State’s average SAT English score is 680. Meanwhile, the 25th percentile score hits 640 and the 75th percentile score reaches 720. Therefore, an SAT English score lower than 640 would place you in the lowest 25% of scorers. Moreover, a score greater than 720 would place you in the highest quarter of Ohio State’s SAT English scores.
What is the average SAT Math score at Ohio State?
The average SAT Math score at Ohio State is 720, forty points higher than the average English section score. The 25th percentile of scores falls at 670, and the 75th percentile reaches an impressive 760.
These statistics indicate that the upper quarter of SAT Math scores at Ohio State are quite high. To be specific, 25% of students achieving a 760 or above on the math section of their SAT. That said, the majority of scores fall below this mark. Remember, 25% of OSU admits scored a 640 or below on their SAT math section.
What are Ohio State’s SAT requirements?
Through the academic year 2025-2026, Ohio State will maintain a test-optional policy. This means applicants are not required to submit SAT 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 SAT scores, you are encouraged to submit it.
Ohio State requires official SAT 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 SAT 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 essay section of the SAT, and SAT Subject Tests are also not required.
More details about Ohio State SAT requirements can be found on their Application Information webpage.
What percentage of Ohio State applicants submit the SAT?
Among the applicants admitted to Ohio State, 15% submitted SAT scores. In addition, 40% of admits submitted ACT 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.
Should I go test-optional?
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.
Does Ohio State superscore the SAT?
Ohio State only considers composite scores. The OSU admissions committee does not create superscores for its applicants. However, Ohio State permits Score Choice of 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.
What’s a good SAT score for Ohio State?
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 1400, 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 1480 or higher, which indicates that a “good” SAT score for Ohio State would be quite high.
| Section | 25th | 50th | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 1310 | 1400 | 1480 |
| English | 640 | 680 | 720 |
| Math | 670 | 720 | 760 |
Can I get into Ohio State with a low SAT score?
Getting into Ohio State with a low SAT 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 SAT score at Ohio State is a 1310. This means that Ohio State students in the lowest 25% scored at or below a 1310. The national average composite SAT score is about 1050. Therefore, the lowest 25% of student admitted to Ohio State achieved up to 260 points higher on their SAT 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 SAT 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.
When should I take the SAT for Ohio State?
For students who plan to submit applications during their senior year, the best time to take the SAT 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 SAT earlier rather than later and to send your scores as swiftly as possible.
What is Ohio State’s SAT code?
Ohio State’s SAT code for submitting official test scores is 1592.
While Ohio State no longer requires its applicants to submit standardized test scores, those who do and gain admission are often high scorers. However, choosing not to submit scores will not harm an applicant. In the end, whether or not to take and submit the SAT is a personal decision. Each student must make this decision based on their strengths, priorities, and goals. If you are considering taking the ACT, check out our article about Ohio State ACT scores!
