Oregon State University has a holistic admissions process which looks at the following items for each of our applicants, with the goal of identifying and admitting students who have the skills, abilities, and drive to succeed at OSU:
Test scores, if submitted, are never the sole or primary reason for an admissions decision; they are always considered in context and as supplemental information.
OSU neither requires, nor accepts, letters of recommendation except when a student is appealing a denial.
Initial admission selections are competitive and based on a holistic assessment of the criteria listed below:
OSU is test-optional for Fall 2021 moving forward. Learn more about what your options are.
Note: If you choose to submit standardized test scores, Oregon State University prefers that scores are sent electronically from College Board (SAT) and/or ACT, but will also accept scores included on official high school transcripts.
It is not an advantage to pay extra for "rush" scores and in some cases may add to the time it will take to process the scores within our office.
The SAT college code for Oregon State University is 4586.
The ACT college code for Oregon State University is 3482.
High school students must graduate from standard (private) or regionally accredited (public) high schools. (See Home School Requirements for additional information.)
Preferred Subject Area Courses
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.
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 are unable to re-enroll at a previous college or university for academic reasons will be considered for admission only if they meet OSU’s minimum academic requirements.
Applicants who have already graduated high school or received a GED and have earned fewer than 24 transferable quarter college credits (16 semester credits) will be reviewed for admissibility based on BOTH high school work or GED scores, and any transferable coursework. Applicants who have already graduated high school are not required to submit SAT/ACT scores to be reviewed for admission. Learn more about transfer requirements.
Submit a complete application by: November 2, 2020 - Application, transcripts and test score deadline (for those not applying test-optional)
We notify you of status by: December 11
Submit a complete application by:
We notify you of status by: March 13
Submit a complete application by:
We notify you of status by: First decisions begin in December with later applicants getting decisions approx. 4-6 weeks later
Submit a complete application by: August 25, 2021 - Admission Deadline*
*Applicants are encouraged to contact the department that they want to apply for admission to determine the department's deadlines, notification times, and any other restrictions.
We notify you of status by: First decisions will be sent in December with later applicants getting decisions approx. 4-6 weeks later
Submit a complete application by: December 7, 2020
We notify you of status by: 3-6 weeks later
Submit a complete application by: March 1, 2021
We notify you of status by: 3-6 weeks later
Submit a complete application by: June 21, 2021*
* Freshmen who wish to apply for summer will be considered for admission in the same manner and with the same deadlines as freshmen applying for fall term.
We notify you of status by: 3-6 weeks later
Oregon State's Summer Session offers 1-week, 3-week, 4-week, 8-week, and 11-week accelerated section options. Given its unique format and modified services, is not recommended for traditional first-time freshman entry. Freshmen who wish to apply for summer will be considered for admission in the same manner and with the same deadlines as freshmen applying for fall term.
Oregon State's Early Action option provides some applicants with an earlier admission decision and scholarship notification (if eligible) and allows applicants more time to make campus visits and to consider their options.
It is important that applicants take the following steps: