Admission to Oregon State University

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Oregon State University welcomes all students without regard to race, creed, sex, marital status, sexual preference, age, religion, handicap, or national origin who provide evidence of suitable preparation for course work at the university level.

Office of Admissions
B104 Kerr Administration Bldg.
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR 97331

Phone: 541-737-4411
Toll free: 800-291-4192
Fax: 541-737-2482
OSU code for SAT, AP, TOEFL, or CLEP reports: 4586
OSU code for ACT reports: 3482

Email: osuadmit@oregonstate.edu
Website: https://admissions.oregonstate.edu/
Admission application: https://admissions.oregonstate.edu/apply-choose-application

Information for undergraduate, postbaccalaureate, nondegree undergraduate students is available from the Office of Admissions.

Administration

Noah Buckley, Director, 541-737-0583
Blake Vawter, Sr. Associate Director, 541-737-9807
Natalie Rooney, Sr. Associate Director, 541-737-3418
Rebekah Lloyd, Associate Director, 541-737-8456
Heather Wofford, Associate Director, 541-737-9808
David Compton, Sr. Assistant Director, 541-737-2160
Brandon Swindon, Assistant Director, 541-737- 9841

Admission Requirements for First-Year Students

Application deadlines are available online.

The application and fee must be submitted electronically by the respective deadlines. Applicants applying and/or completing their application file after published deadlines (regular or priority dates) may not receive full consideration due to enrollment capacity constraints.

The Admission Process

Apply online. Applicants are required to use a valid Visa, MasterCard, or Discover credit card to pay the $65 nonrefundable application fee. Request that your high school send your official high school transcript to OSU, and, if you would like your test scores considered, have your official SAT or ACT test scores sent to OSU.

Portfolios, videos, and personal interviews are generally not required.

Select a Major

Undergraduate applicants are asked to select a major in their application. The University Exploratory Studies Program is a choice available to undergraduates who are undecided about a major. Students may change their major in consultation with an academic advisor.

Evaluation Process

Admission to Oregon State University is selective and competitive and is based on a holistic review of application materials.

Complete applications are first reviewed to confirm successful completion of the 15 high school subject requirements and GPA earned. Providing SAT or ACT scores for admission review is optional for students applying during their senior year of high school.

Academic performance is not the sole criterion for admission to the university. The university may evaluate a person's behavior and background to determine their ability to maintain the standards of academic and professional conduct expected at the university. An evaluation may take into consideration current behavior and performance as well as past experiences and actions. Simply qualifying for admission does not guarantee admission. 

Selection of First-Year Students

OSU’s admission requirements promote student success by assessing preparedness and academic potential in the unique context of each student’s personal experience. Admission assessment will consider all achievements, both academic and nonacademic, to enroll students with a broad range of characteristics and perspectives. These include, but are not limited to academic achievement, creativity, initiative, motivation, leadership, persistence, service to others, intellectual curiosity, exceptional personal or academic recognition, unusual talent or ability, substantial experience with other cultures, and ability to overcome significant challenges.

The admissions process provides a fair and comprehensive review of all applicants for determining potential success at OSU. It is crucial that applicants carefully complete the application process by providing thorough information. Estimating the likelihood of admission is very difficult without considering the complete application file.

Initial admission selections are based on a holistic assessment of the criteria listed below.

Strength of Curriculum:

  • Quality, quantity, and level of course work throughout the entire high school program, especially course work completed beyond the minimum courses required (See the high school course requirements chart below.)
  • Advanced placement (AP), international baccalaureate (IB), or college course work completed or in progress
  • Strength of the program taken within the context of the high school attended
  • Progressively challenging math sequence, demonstrated by performance. Cumulatively these courses should cover strong fundamentals in algebra, geometry and data sciences with higher level math taken in courses that focus on advanced algebra, statistics, pre-calculus or calculus

Academic Performance:

  • A recommended unweighted high school grade-point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale as calculated by the Office of Admissions)
  • Class rank taken in context with academic rigor and size of high school attended
  • Performance on standardized tests: SAT or ACT (optional)

Applicants can see the status of their admission online.

High School Course Requirements

College Preparatory Subjects Minimum Units Grades of C- or higher are required.
Language Arts 4 years
Mathematics 3 years Cumulatively these courses should cover strong fundamentals in algebra, geometry and data sciences with higher level math taken in courses that focus on advanced algebra, statistics, pre-calculus or calculus.
Social Studies 3 years
Science 3 years One year each of two different sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, etc.). One year of lab strongly recommended.
Foreign Language 2 years May be met in any one of these ways:
  • Completing two years of the same high school-level foreign language, or completion of a Seal of Biliteracy as reflected on a high school transcript
  • Earning grade of C– or higher in the third year of high school-level foreign language
  • Completing two consecutive quarters of the same college-level foreign language
  • Earning a satisfactory score on an approved assessment of foreign language knowledge
  • Demonstrated proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL)
  • Completing grades 1 through 7 at a school in which all courses are taught in a language other than English (Documentation is required.)

Admission to Engineering Majors

OSU will provide direct admission into an Engineering degree if the applicant is considered ready to take Calculus. This determination is based on a review of both completed coursework shown on available transcripts and self-reported courses that are in progress or planned for later in the school year.  A student with a C- or better in a Pre-Calculus or Calculus course, or who is registered or planning to take Pre-Calculus or Calculus will be deemed calculus-ready and will be admitted to their Engineering major of choice.  Applicants that have taken college coursework while in high school will be deemed calculus-ready if they have taken or are taking the equivalent of OSU’s MTH 111Z and MTH 112Z.

SAT and/or ACT Scores (Optional)

SAT and ACT Scores are not required for admissions review. Scores can be sent electronically from College Board (SAT) and/or ACT.  Scores are primarily used in holistic review process.

  • The SAT college code for Oregon State University is 4586.
  • The ACT college code for Oregon State University is 3482.

College Work

Students must provide official transcripts of any completed college credits. Students are encouraged to complete courses in core subject areas (Math, Writing/English, Science).

Additional Factors

Oregon State is also looking for students who will lend educational and cultural diversity to our campus. We are looking for students who go above and beyond the minimum whether in talent, academic ability or potential. Combined with academic strengths, evidence of these characteristics may be considered in our review of applicants for admission.

Please note that academic performance is not the sole criterion for admission to the university. The university may evaluate a person's behavior and background to determine their ability to maintain the standards of academic and professional conduct expected at the university. An evaluation may take into consideration current behavior and performance as well as past experiences and actions. Admission to Oregon State University is selective and competitive and is based on a holistic review of application materials, including the submitted essay and personal responses. Life experiences are also considered during holistic review. 

High School Graduation

Public high school students must graduate from standard high schools.1 Private high school students must graduate from regionally or state accredited high schools.2

1

Standard high schools are public high schools that are certified as meeting specified levels of resources, services, and quality established by the Oregon Department of Education.

2

Accredited high schools are those that are reviewed and recognized by a regional entity, such as the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, as meeting an appropriate level of academic rigor and support.

Graduates of Nonstandard or Unaccredited High Schools or Home-Schooled Students

Graduates of non-standard or unaccredited high schools, or home-schooled students will be considered for admission based on a holistic assessment. To help OSU provide a thorough assessment of academic ability, a student may provide SAT or ACT scores. 

GED Students

GED students will be considered for admission if they achieve an average GED score of at least:

  • 58, if taken prior to January 2002, with no subtest score less than 41
  • 580, if taken between January 2002 and December 2013, with no subtest score less than 410
  • 680 (total from 4 subject tests), if taken in January 2014 or later, with no subtest score less than 150

Students who take the GED test in the 1996–97 school year and later must pass two years of the same foreign language prior to admission or an approved additional way to meet OSU’s foreign language requirement. Foreign language taken at an unaccredited high school does not qualify. If you have questions pertaining to these guidelines, please contact the OSU Admissions Office regarding your options for completion of this requirement.

Applicants admitted on the basis of GED scores are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores, but scores may be considered if available.

Policy Regarding Students' Eligibility to Return to Prior College

Applicants who disclose that they are ineligible to re-enroll at any college or university that they attended within the last seven years for student conduct reasons will be automatically declined admission to OSU. Applicants who disclose that the reason for their ineligibility is for academic reasons may still be admitted if they meet OSU's academic requirements.

Applicants who are denied admission have the right to appeal that decision, and appeals will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Admission Appeals

Students not selected for regular admission may appeal via the appeals process. Appeal admission decisions will be determined by the Undergraduate Admissions Committee. In addition to regular admission requirements, students participating in the appeals process will be asked to provide additional materials for consideration. Please refer to the OSU Admissions Office website for details. 

Advanced Placement (AP) Credit

Oregon State University awards ungraded credit for achievement on certain College Board Advanced Placement (AP) examinations. Information pertaining to specific AP credit policies is available in high school counseling centers or may be obtained from the OSU Office of Admissions website. OSU's college code is 4586 for those wishing to have their scores sent.

International Baccalaureate Credit

Oregon State recognizes IB achievement by awarding credit to students who score 5 or above on standard and higher level IB exams. OSU also grants additional benefits for students who complete the full IB diploma with a score of 30 or higher, as follows:

Sophomore Standing, and IB Scholarships are available. Students with a total score on IB exams of 30 or higher may choose to accept the annual, renewable scholarship award of at least $3,000 OR may compete for more substantial awards.

Students must send their official test scores to OSU. The official International Baccalaureate Certificate is required in order to award credit.

Contact your IB coordinator or IB North America to request score reports.

IBO North America
212-696-4464
http://www.ibo.org/

Transfer Admission

Apply online. Applicants are required to use a valid Visa, MasterCard, or Discover credit card to pay the $65 nonrefundable application fee. Official transcripts must be sent to OSU from each college or university attended.

Please refer to the OSU Office of Admissions website for application deadlines.

Select a Major

Undergraduate applicants are asked to select a major in their application. The University Exploratory Studies Program is a choice available to undergraduates who are undecided about a major. Students may change their major in consultation with an academic advisor.

Minimum Requirements for Admission Consideration

  1. Successful completion of no less than 24 quarter (16 semester) graded, transferable credits from (a) regionally accredited U.S. institution(s). Students with fewer than 24 graded transferable quarter hours will be considered on the basis of their high school records and test scores, and must have a 2.25 GPA on all collegiate work attempted. A review of all coursework and life experience are considered during holistic review. 
  2. Only college-level, transferable credits are counted in those accepted in the GPA computation (professional-technical course grades are not included).
  3. Students with 24 quarter (16 semester) graded, transferable credits from (a) regionally accredited U.S. institution(s) and a transfer GPA of 2.25 or above will be considered for admission if they have earned a C- or better in the following courses:
    • College-level writing equivalent to WR 121Z
    • Mathematics equivalent to MTH 111Z – or – MTH 105Z
    • Two terms of the same foreign language in college will be required of those high school graduates of the class of 1997 and beyond who did not successfully complete two units (years) of foreign language while in high school. Additional information on how to meet foreign language deficiencies can be found online.
  4. Students with 24 quarter (16 semester) graded, transferable credits from (a) regionally accredited U.S. institution(s) and a transfer GPA of 2.50 or above will be considered for admission if they have earned a C- or better in the following courses:
    1. College-level writing equivalent to WR 121Z
    2. Two terms of the same foreign language in college will be required of those high school graduates of the class of 1997 and beyond who did not successfully complete two units (years) of foreign language while in high school. Additional information on how to meet foreign language deficiencies can be found online.
  5. Applicants who are ineligible to re-enroll at any college or university that they attended within the last seven years for student conduct reasons will be automatically declined admission at OSU.  Applicants who disclose that the reason for their ineligibility is for academic reasons may be admitted - if they meet OSU’s minimum academic requirements.
  6. Applicants who are denied admission may be eligible to appeal that decision, and appeals will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Consult with the Office of Admissions for more information on the appeal process.

Please note that meeting the minimum admissions requirements and/or an individual’s academic performance does not guarantee them admission to the university. Furthermore, the university may evaluate a person’s behavior and background to determine their ability to maintain the standards of academic and professional conduct expected at OSU.

Admissions to Engineering Majors

OSU will provide direct admission into an Engineering degree if the applicant is considered ready to take Calculus based on high school coursework taken or college credit earned.  This determination is based on a review of both completed coursework shown on available transcripts and self-reported courses that are in progress or planned for later in the school year.  Applicants that have taken college Math coursework will be deemed calculus-ready if they have taken or are taking the equivalent of OSU’s MTH 111Z and MTH 112Z or higher.  A transfer student who took Pre-Calculus or Calculus in high school with a C- or better will also be deemed calculus-ready and will be admitted to their Engineering major of choice.

Evaluation and Transferability of Credit

Only official records are used to evaluate eligibility and transferability of credit.

Official transcripts of all college work attempted must be submitted directly from the Registrar's Office of each institution.

OSU accepts college level credit from regionally accredited institutions toward a baccalaureate degree. While all acceptable transfer credits will be transcripted at OSU, no more than 135 quarter credits of non-OSU course work can be applied to an OSU baccalaureate degree. Therefore, students who transfer the full 135 credits from other institutions may ultimately graduate with more than the minimum credits for the baccalaureate degree. One semester credit equals 1.5 quarter credits at OSU.

For information on OSU's acceptance of professional-technical courses, please see Academic Regulation 2.

CLEP

Applicants who want credit for College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests should have official test scores sent to Admissions using college code 4586. Additional details are available on the OSU Admissions website.

Nondegree Admission

Nondegree enrollment status is designed for students who want to take courses but do not want to pursue a degree. In some instances, nondegree students might not meet regular admission requirements. Nondegree students are part-time students who are expected to enroll in no more than 8 credits a term. Students who want to enroll for more than 8 credits a term must apply for regular admission.

Nondegree enrollment status requires no formal admission process and has no requirements for entrance. Nondegree applications should be submitted electronically. Approval is granted for a specific term. Students who are unable to attend the specific term and want to enroll later should contact the Office of Admissions (undergraduate nondegree) or the Graduate School (graduate nondegree).

Nondegree students are given grades and academic records, and are reviewed according to university standards of good academic progress.

Nondegree students who wish to seek full admission and pursue a degree must do so by submitting an undergraduate, postbaccalaureate or graduate application for admission. In all cases, an admission application fee is required. Successful enrollment as a nondegree student does not guarantee regular admission. Credits earned while enrolled under nondegree undergraduate status will be applied to a student's record.

Nondegree graduate students who decide to seek admission to a specific degree program during the course of their studies should note that any credits taken as a nondegree student may or may not be applicable for that degree, depending upon a variety of factors, their chosen program, and the policies of the Graduate School. Graduate students are further advised that academic residency must be completed after full admission as a degree-seeking graduate student, regardless of the number of credits previously earned while in nondegree status. Please refer to Reclassification of Postbaccalaureate Students, Nondegree-Seeking Students, and Graduate Certificate Students on the Graduate School Admission page.

Nondegree students follow the registration procedures and policies as outlined on the Office of the Registrar website. The Schedule of Classes is available online. Registering students are expected to obtain a student identification card through the ID Center.

Tuition and fees for nondegree students enrolled in 8 or fewer credits are assessed at resident rates based on undergraduate- or graduate-course level. Payment of the health service fee is optional. Enrollment in excess of 8 credits as an undergraduate non-degree student requires that tuition and fees be assessed at the same rates as regular students and requires full admission as a regular student.

Registration holds in place prior to applying for nondegree status must be satisfied before registration as nondegree student will be allowed.

Academic Regulation 1 relates to admission of non-degree students.

Admission of Postbaccalaureate Students

Admission for postbaccalaureate applicants is determined by the department, not by the Office of Admissions. If you are interested in pursuing postbaccalaureate coursework, please consult the major department before applying for admission.

Degree Seeking Postbaccalaureate

Students who would like to earn a subsequent undergraduate degree from OSU may apply for degree seeking postbaccalaureate admission through the Office of Admissions. Postbaccalaureate applicants are asked to select a major in the application and must submit official transcripts of all college work by the application deadline. Generally, applicants must meet the following admission requirements:

  • Have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited institution
  • 2.25 accumulated GPA requirements. The GPA is computed on the first baccalaureate degree plus any subsequent credit earned.
  • Complete College Algebra and English Composition with a C– or better
  • Submit Statement of Objectives of 150 to 200 words with their application
  • Academic departments may impose additional requirements
  • Nonrefundable $65 application fee1

Please note that academic performance is not the sole criterion for admission to the university. The university may evaluate a person's behavior and background to determine their ability to maintain the standards of academic and professional conduct expected at the university.

You cannot earn a postbaccalaureate degree in the same field in which you earned your original degree. Students may change their major in consultation with an academic advisor.

1

Applicants wishing to be considered for admission to multiple programs must submit a new application and fee for each program.

Admission of Graduate Students

To be considered for admission to the Graduate School, an applicant must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university, as well as a scholastic record, background, or other evidence that indicates the ability to do satisfactory graduate work. See Graduate Admission Procedures in this Catalog.

Admission of International Students

International applicants should apply on the OSU Office of Admissions international admissions page, where deadlines, test score requirements, and additional information can be found. Refer to the International Admissions page of this Catalog for additional information.

Admission to Summer Session

Students who wish to begin work on a degree during summer session at OSU must satisfy regular admission requirements and apply by the specified deadlines.

Admission to Professional Programs

Professional programs are accredited according to requirements set by professional societies. These programs often have more rigorous requirements for admission, continuation in the program, and acceptance of transfer credit. Therefore, admission to OSU is separate from admission to a professional program and does not guarantee such admission.

OSU-Cascades

OSU-Cascades provides students personalized instruction and OSU's excellence in both academics and innovative research, as well as the lifelong advantages of a premier research university. OSU-Cascades is the only baccalaureate and graduate degree granting institution based in Central Oregon. OSU-Cascades expanded to a four-year university when it welcomed its first freshman class in fall 2015.

Born out of a 30-year grassroots effort put forth by Central Oregonians to bring a university to the region, the university opened its doors in September 2001 on the COCC campus, offering upper-division and graduate coursework toward bachelor’s and master’s degrees. 

After record enrollment growth and demonstrated financial support from the surrounding community, in August 2012 the Oregon University System endorsed OSU-Cascades’ expansion to a four-year university. In July 2013, the Oregon State Legislature approved capital funding that enabled the branch campus to establish its own campus. The branch campus completed the first phase of campus development in 2016.

OSU-Cascades features outstanding faculty in degree programs that reflect Central Oregon’s vibrant economy, abundant natural resources and commitment to sustainability. Twenty-four undergraduate majors, sixty minors and options, three graduate programs, and a Doctor of Physical Therapy program include fields such as arts, media and technology, computer science, energy systems engineering, kinesiology, outdoor products, and tourism and outdoor leadership. Experiential learning options include faculty research, internships and study abroad programs in over seventy countries – all on a growing campus community of more than 1,300 students.

Degree Partnership Programs – Dual Admission and Enrollment at Designated Community Colleges

Refer to the Degree Partnership Programs page of this Catalog for detailed information.

Credit for Military Experience

Students are recommended to seek advice from their Academic Advisor prior to transferring in their Military Credits. Oregon State University grants up to 45 credits for military education as recommended by the American Council on Education's (ACE) Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services. This is in accordance with transfer credit policies at Oregon State University. Students may request evaluation of military credit by furnishing the Office of Admissions with a Joint Services Transcript, Navy SMART transcript, or U.S. Coast Guard transcript. Transcripts may be obtained through these homepages:

  • JST: Some browser security settings may raise a caution message before entering these Department of Defense websites
  • CCAF (Community College of the Air Force)
  • Additional informational links to other service pages can be found on the ACE website

Oregon State University will grant 1.00 quarter credit for the course HHS 241 Lifetime Fitness Lab. For HHS 241 credit to be granted, please submit either the DD214 or an official ACE transcript. Credit will also be granted if one of the following military science courses has been completed successfully: Physical Fitness, Physical Education, or Physical Conditioning. To receive credit, please submit an official transcript from the institution.

Oregon State University will assess and award block transfer credit upon review of your military record. An evaluation report showing block transfer credits will be sent to you. For a better understanding of how the 45-credit block of general elective credits is applied, see the Military Experience Credit section of the Credit Opportunities page. In addition, if you believe a specific military course, training, experience, etc. directly relates to a university course, you can complete a form to petition for Military Credit Course Substitution.

Any student receiving GI Bill® education benefits while attending Oregon State University is required to obtain transcripts from all previously attended schools and submit them to the school for review of prior credit.

 

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website

Placement Assessments

New students are required to take an online Math Placement Assessment.

Students who enter the university with previous language training from another institution and who wish to continue their study of the language are required to take a language proficiency assessment to determine placement level. Please call the OSU School of Language, Culture, and Society at 541-737-4603. Other placement assessments may be required in certain majors.

Registration Procedures

Once admitted to Oregon State University, students are eligible for course registration. Complete registration instructions, procedures, schedules and deadlines are detailed in the Schedule of Classes. A student is officially registered and eligible to attend classes only when all procedures have been completed. Students who make arrangements to pay outstanding university debts and who do not adhere to the agreed upon plan may be dis-enrolled.

In addition to the basic information regarding registration, the Office of the Registrar website is an essential resource to the student for the academic calendar, fee schedule, academic and other student regulations and procedures, final examination schedule, and listing of baccalaureate core courses.

Re-Enrollment

Undergraduate students who wish to re-enroll in the university after an absence may do so providing they were eligible to re-enroll their last term of attendance. Students who have been absent four or more terms, not including summer terms, should contact the Office of the Registrar to reactivate their records, at which time the current catalog becomes their catalog of record for graduation requirements. The university reserves the right to consider a student's status with respect to voluntary or involuntary leave, as well as any existing student conduct issues when requesting to re-enroll. Students who have been absent less than four terms are still considered active and register following the registration instructions on the Office of the Registrar website. International students who wish to re-enroll after an absence should check with the Office of International Services (OIS) to make sure they have the required documents to return.

Re-enrolling students who have attended another college or university since their last term at OSU are required to report that enrollment at the time of re-entry. Official transcripts must be forwarded to the Office of Admissions. Returning students with an OSU cumulative GPA below or very near 2.00 are reminded of the OSU graduation requirement (Academic Regulation 25e), which stipulates 2.00 as the minimum OSU cumulative grade-point average required to earn a baccalaureate degree from OSU.

All re-enrolling students are reminded of their responsibility to update any outdated information, such as address, in their OSU records. Contact the Office of the Registrar to make changes.