OSU Admissions Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Quick Links:
General Admission Questions
First Year Student Admission Questions
Transfer Student Admission Questions
Campus Life Questions

General Admission Questions

What is the application deadline?
Applications for fall term admission to Oregon State University are processed beginning in September for the next year (e.g. September 2023 begins process for Fall 2024). Applications must be submitted on or before February 1 for regular admission consideration and consideration for university scholarships.
Oregon State accepts applications for all terms (fall, winter, spring, summer). Students who have applied by the Regular Application deadline of February 1, 2024 for Fall 2024 must have all supporting documents required to make their application file complete (official transcripts, official test scores, etc.) to the OSU Office of Admissions by February 14, 2024 to be considered.

How does my student get a paper application?
The Office of Admissions at Oregon State University moved to a paperless office in 2008 to streamline procedures, improve accuracy and reduce turn-around response time on first-year and transfer applications. We do not provide paper applications.  

How does my student get an application fee waiver?
OSU offers fee waivers to students who are eligible for a variety of financial-support options, TRIO-type programs and to active duty and U.S. veteran applicants.  A full list of what qualifies a student for a fee waiver can be found at the end of the undergraduate admission application by clicking on the “Request Fee Waiver” button.  We do not offer fee waivers on our non-degree and post-baccalaureate applications.

Are letters of recommendation required for applicants?
OSU does not require letters of recommendation, but if provided may be reviewed in our holistic review process. However, if the student was denied admission and is intending to petition the University Admission Committee (UAC) for admission by exception, the student will be asked directly to provide two letters of recommendation from academic sources. 

How can my student check their admission status?
Students will be provided a unique portal login (Beaver Basecamp) once they've created an application.  Details will be emailed to them with instructions.

How long does it take to receive an admission decision?
The Office of Admissions notifies students of admission decisions based on posted decision dates affiliated with application deadlines.  Students who meet OSU’s Fall 2024 Early Action deadline of November 1 will hear from the Office of Admissions no later than December 20th regarding their admission decision.  Those who complete their application after November 1, but meet OSU’s Regular Application deadline of February 1, will hear back no later than March 13.  A student may check the status of their application online using the email address and password that they created when they applied. If a student is denied, they have the right to go through the University Admission Committee (UAC).

How Do I Change My Admit Term?
"After submitting your application, you'll gain access to request a term change. To start a term change request, log in to your Beaver Basecamp portal, navigate to Application Details, and choose Change Term. Please note that processing times may take a few weeks. Ensure you adhere to the Admissions Deadlines by submitting your request before the deadline for the desired term of admission. For any questions you can reach out to the Admissions office at [email protected]."

Do you participate in Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
Yes!  Oregon State University participates in the WUE program. Residents of the following states may be eligible for tuition at 150% of resident tuition (renewable for 4 years):

Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Republic of Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, and the North Mariana Islands. 

WUE scholarship consideration is competitive and not all residents of a WUE state will qualify.

For non-resident students outside of WUE states, Oregon State offers the Provost Scholarship.  

How does my student become an Oregon Resident for tuition purposes?
In Oregon, as in all other states, tuition at publicly supported four-year universities is higher for non-resident students than for resident students. The rules used in determining residency seek to ensure that only bona fide Oregon residents are assessed the resident fee. Visit the residency page to explore the policy and learn how to submit the residency affidavit. 

My student received a financial aid package from Oregon State. Does that mean they have been admitted?
No. If you’ve completed a FAFSA and applied to Oregon State before February 1, your financial aid package may be processed before an admission decision has been made. You are not admitted until you have received a Letter of Admission and/or you’ve been notified through your online account. If you have questions about your application status, feel free to contact the Office of Admissions.

My student accidentally put down the wrong social security number – how do we fix it?
In order to have that changed, please contact us at [email protected].

My student has an IEP (or documented disability). Is there a different application?
All students applying to Oregon State must meet the same criteria and must apply using the same application. Extra documentation (e.g. doctor’s notes, IEP, etc.) should not be submitted in the initial application as it will not be considered as a part of the evaluation process. Students wishing to provide more information about specific circumstances like IEP and documented disabilities are encouraged to submit the optional Personal Statement included in the application. If a student is not admitted, they have the right to go through University Admission Committee (UAC) in order to appeal a decision. At that point, additional information can be submitted and will be considered.
Once admitted, Oregon State University is committed to providing equal opportunity to higher education for academically qualified students without regard to physical or mental disability. The Disability Access Services (DAS) department has been charged with the responsibility of maintaining and improving the overall quality of student life by providing a broad range of services, which help students to successfully achieve their academic goals. Assistance is available for students who have a hearing impairment, mobility impairment, learning disability, visual impairment, or other disability. If you are a student with a disability and you are considering enrolling at Oregon State, you should contact the DAS office as early as possible to receive full benefit of services available. Services are provided on a case-by-case basis. The types of services provided are dependent on the nature of the student’s disability. For more information, please contact Disability Access Services.

Can my student use a nickname on the application?
No. All students should use their full legal name when applying for admission to Oregon State.  Students may provide a preferred name for communications.


 

First Year Student Questions


Is the writing section of the SAT or ACT test required for first-year students?
No, OSU has adopted a test-optional admission policy. 

Is it better for first-year students to only send Oregon State the highest ACT or SAT score if a test is taken more than once?
You are welcome to have your test information sent as they are scored. We will take your highest score in one sitting into consideration.  Oregon State doesn’t calculate or accept ‘super scores’.

What is the minimum SAT/ACT score required for admission?
Oregon State does not have a minimum test score requirement; SAT/ACT tests are optional for students. Please review a complete list of admission requirements and criteria.

What are the admission requirements for out-of-state students?
The admission requirements are the same for all students, regardless of which state they reside in. 

Does Oregon State accept dual enrollment credit from high school students?
If you have received college credit from any community college or university, please have an official copy of the college transcript sent to our office for review. Depending on the class and credit received, we will be able to decide if you will receive Oregon State University credit. Generally speaking, most courses of 100 level or above and non-vocational in nature will be accepted for credit.

Does Oregon State accept pre-college credits from Advanced Placement (AP) and/or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program?
Yes. AP and IB Credit is granted based on your individual scores. Additionally, Oregon State offers a special scholarship for students completing the IB Diploma.

What is a partial high school transcript?
A partial high school transcript is one that is submitted for evaluation before a student has completed high school. Typically, this will include progress up through a student’s sixth or seventh semester in high school. We ask that all admitted students that plan to attend Oregon State submit a final transcript after they have graduated.


 

Transfer Student Questions


How do I know if my student is a transfer student?
If you have completed high school and have attended another college or university, then you are considered a transfer student. To learn more about the admission requirements for transfer students, please visit the transfer students requirements page

As a transfer student, does my student's GPA from previous college work transfer to Oregon State?
No. Any transferable credits will be applicable towards successful completion of your degree, but your Oregon State GPA remains separate from your GPA earned at any other academic institution.

When will my student find out how the credits transfer?

OSU provides several tools to help you understand how courses you've taken elsewhere may transfer to OSU. Check out our transfer credit page for more information.

A complete, official evaluation of all course work reported to Oregon State will be sent to you once you have been admitted, paid your $200 advance tuition deposit (ATD), AND registered for a START session. The ATD is required for all terms. This evaluation is referred to as an Advanced Standing Report. Your Advanced Standing Report will reflect all college and university courses taken, as documented from your academic transcripts. The report will show whether or not Oregon State accepted the course in transfer, and if accepted, how it will be counted at Oregon State.

Is there a limit to the number of credits my student can transfer into Oregon State?
Students transferring to Oregon State may have up to 135 term credits (90 semester units) from a regionally accredited institution accepted toward their bachelor’s degree. All acceptable transfer credits will be transcripted to a student’s account. If a student transfers more than 135 credits, the student may work with their academic unit to identify which 135 credits to apply towards their bachelor's degree. All students, regardless of number of transfer credits, must meet upper division credit requirements and at least 45 of the last 75 credits must be completed while in residence at Oregon State.


 

Campus Life Questions


Where is Oregon State located?
Oregon State is located in Corvallis, Oregon, and is about an hour and a half drive from Portland, an hour from the Pacific Ocean, and an hour from the Cascade Mountain Range. Corvallis is a small community of approximately 60,000 residents and is certainly considered a “college town.” Corvallis provides employment opportunities for students and supports many of the activities oriented through the University including guest speakers, athletic events, and theater and music performances, to name a few.

What is Oregon State’s campus like?
A traditional residential campus, many feel that Oregon State’s campus is “what a college campus should look like.” The Oregon State main campus is the heart of Corvallis, boasting more than 400 acres of elegant buildings, stately trees, colorful flowers, and wide expanses of lawn. It’s perfect for running, walking, bicycling, or just relaxing. As a land, sea, sun, and space grant institution, we have a very active and involved faculty. Students are supported through their college journey by a faculty and staff who truly believe in the experience Oregon State offers.

Are first year students required to live on campus?
First-year students live on campus as part of a dedicated first-year experience for students. Studies show that students who live on campus their first year are more likely to persist to their second year.

What are the housing options on campus available to my student?
We have 16 living options on campus through University Housing and Dining Services. Students are encouraged to apply for housing early once they are admitted to OSU. Students who have applied for housing and confirmed their enrollment can participate in the Roommate Selection process. Students who do not select a roommate will be paired based on their profile and building preferences. 

What are the dining options on campus?
Oregon State has many great dining options. There are over 20 different places for students to eat on campus. You’ll find that it is not the traditional dining hall – but has been designed to model a food court where students can choose from a wide variety of dining options. Check out the University Housing and Dining Services menus to see some of what is available. You can also check additional dining choices offered through the Memorial Union Shops.

Can my student bring a car to campus?
Yes. It is important to understand that parking is not guaranteed near your place of residence. Also, all cars are required to post an official Oregon State student parking pass. You can find more information about where students can park and the assigned costs on the Transportation Services site

What is there for students to do on campus for fun?
Oregon State University is home to over 400 student organizations, the most of any college in Oregon. Students are sure to find people who share their interests as well as additional support networks through these organizations. Programs on campus are designed to encourage students to make friends, develop leadership skills, participate in sports and recreation activities, learn to work in groups, pursue professional interests, and enjoy music, art, drama, film and intercollegiate athletics.

Can students graduate in four years?
It is possible for students to graduate in four years. However, much of this responsibility is put on the student and the time it takes to graduate will depend on course load, whether or not a student changes their major, and the degree program they are pursuing. Most students can graduate in four years if they take an average of 15 credits per term. College advisors are present to help students stay on track for graduation and in many majors it is crucial that students meet with their advisor once a term. The College of Liberal Arts offers a '4-year Graduation Guarantee' program.

Does Oregon State have resources for students who are undecided?
Oregon State's University Exploratory Studies Program (UESP) is the academic home for students who consider themselves undecided or have chosen to explore their options before declaring a major. Here, students will work with highly qualified advisors who will help them discover the best academic journey for their future.

Where is the closest airport?
There are two airports students can use. Eugene is about 45 minutes away and has a small regional airport (EUG); but most students use Portland International (PDX) which is about an hour and a half away. Groome Transportation provides shuttle services from the OSU Campus to both EUG and PDX. 

How can we visit Oregon State & when is the best time to see campus?

Finding the right college fit is a process which can be greatly helped by a campus visit. We encourage you to visit Oregon State University to get a feel for the campus atmosphere and its wonderful amenities.

We offer 90-minute guided walking tours of campus led by a current student, which include viewing a residence hall room and campus housing and dining information. You can also customize your visit experience to add on an admission information session or a tour specifically about the academic major you might be interested in. Visits are available daily Monday through Friday.  Please note that meetings and college tours may not be available during OSU finals weeks and holiday breaks.

We also offer academic and admission appointments along with some specialty tours. See the registration form for all offerings.

We welcome you to join us for Beaver Preview or Beaver Open House during the fall. During the spring, we host Orange & Black Admitted Student Day programs that are designed to allow students an in-depth look at all of the opportunities and resources that await your arrival to Oregon State. 

How safe is campus?
Corvallis is routinely named a top-10 college town in the U.S. and was recently voted the safest small city in America by Farmers’ Insurance. One of the top priorities at Oregon State University is the safety of students, faculty, staff, and guests. The primary mission of Oregon State Public Safety is the protection and safety of persons, property, and buildings on campus and they are available 24 hours a day in conjunction with a number of other services offered to help you feel safe on campus. Oregon State campus crime activity reports are available from Oregon State Security Services. 

Do you recommend students work while going to school? If so, are there jobs available?
On and off-campus employment opportunities are a great way to earn money, build leadership skills, and get involved on campus. Many departments and programs have positions available on an hourly basis. Students will want to check with the Career Development Center for job listings either in the office or online once they have enrolled in classes. If a student is on work-study, they should check with the Financial Aid office to find out what type of positions may be available to them. Other off-campus jobs can be found through the Corvallis Gazette-Times classified ads. 

How do I pay my student’s tuition?
The Business Affairs office at Oregon State is responsible for providing accurate and efficient student financial transaction for the campus community. To view information specifically for parents of new students to Oregon State provided by the Business Affairs office, please head to the new parents page

Are there times during the year for me to visit my student?
Parents are welcome on campus year round, however Oregon State also provides planned opportunities to visit your student during the academic year. The two most popular are Dad’s & Family Weekend (Fall term) and Mom’s & Family Weekend (Spring term). These events are hosted by our Office of Student Orientation.

What kind of tutoring services are available at Oregon State?
There are many tutoring options available on campus. Some are free and others charge reasonable fees per session. Several colleges offer tutoring services for students within the college and there are also services available from many other offices on campus. The most utilized tutoring services on campus are offered through the Writing Center and the Mathematics & Statistics Learning Center.

University Housing & Dining Services
https://uhds.oregonstate.edu/ 
Financial Aid FAQ
http://financialaid.oregonstate.edu/faqs 
Disability Access Services
http://ds.oregonstate.edu/