A Complete Guide to Ohio State University

Ranked 208 among top public research universities in the United States, the Ohio State University (OSU) is an academic hub prioritising education, research, and development. It is located in Columbus, Ohio. The courses range from medicine to liberal arts and social work, thus making the Ohio State University one of the best institutions for academia and research. 

Apart from checking all the academia-related boxes, Ohio State Uni also offers great student accommodations. Read on to know all about the university’s courses, rankings, campus life, and more. 

How to Ace Ohio State University Admissions

The Ohio State University was founded in 1870. It is one of the largest and most comprehensive r1 doctoral universities, with over 60,000 domestic and international students enrolled across its campuses. It boasts a rich cultural and academic hub for students from all over the world.  

OSU offers over 200 undergraduate majors and has more than a dozen colleges, including the Fisher College of Business, the College of Engineering, and the College of Medicine. OSU has one of the largest study abroad programs and is a top-tier public research university, designated among r1 doctoral universities.

The Ohio State Buckeyes compete in the Big Ten Conference. The land grant university is especially famous for its football team, which plays at Ohio Stadium, one of the largest stadiums in the US. OSU boasts famous alumni like Jesse Owens (Olympic gold medalist), Jack Nicklaus (legendary golfer), and R.L. Stine (author of Goosebumps).

Key Highlights:

Ohio State University Courses

The Ohio State University Columbus, is highly regarded for its academic bandwidth. From undergraduate to doctoral programs, the university delivers top-tier education across various disciplines. Here are some of the most sought-after courses:

1. Undergraduate Programs

The Ohio State University Columbus offers a bunch of great undergrad programs that help students learn real skills and get ready for the future.

2. Postgraduate Programs

For postgraduate students, The Ohio State University offers top programs that focus on research, new ideas, and building strong leaders in different fields.

Admission Requirements

Getting into The Ohio State University means meeting a few important admission requirements. These help the university pick students who are ready to succeed on campus.

Required Documents

• Official Transcripts: Submit secondary school transcripts for grades 9–12. These must be sent electronically via the Common App/Naviance or by mail. Non-English transcripts require certified English translations.
• Standardized Test Scores: ACT or SAT scores must be sent directly from the testing agency. OSU uses superscoring.
• English Language Proficiency: Required for non-native English speakers. Accepted tests include:
  
  • TOEFL iBT: 79+
  • IELTS: 6.5+
  • Duolingo: 120+
  • SAT EBRW: 550+
  • ACT English: 21+

(Exemptions apply for students with three years of education in English-speaking countries.)

• Letters of Recommendation: Optional but recommended. Up to two letters can be submitted via the Common App or email.
• Proof of Financial Support: After admission, submit a Visa Request and financial documents to receive an I-20 or DS-2019.

Key Deadlines

• Early Action: November 
• Regular Decision: January 
• Financial Aid Priority: February 
• Acceptance Fee Deadline: May

(Note: First-year summer term applications are not accepted.)

The Ohio State University Application

OSU is constantly on the lookout for bright minds like you. OSU can be a great place for you to grow. Here’s how you can apply and shape your future for the better: 

Application Steps:

Step 1: Choose your program and review specific requirements.

Step 2: Submit the Common Application or the university’s online application.

Step 3: Pay the non-refundable application fee (around USD 70 for undergrads).

Step 4: Submit academic transcripts, standardised test scores (SAT/ACT or GRE/GMAT), and proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS).

Step 5: Write a personal essay and gather letters of recommendation if required.

The application deadlines are typically:

• November 1st (Early Action)
• February 1st (Regular Decision)

It’s advisable to start preparing at least 6–8 months in advance to ensure a smooth submission process.

Tuition Fees and Cost of Living

Living in Columbus, OH, is relatively affordable compared to other major U.S. cities. Here’s a breakdown of expected costs:

Scholarships and assistantships are available for meritorious students, particularly at the graduate level.

Career Opportunities for OSU Students

The State University of Ohio offers a variety of career opportunities for students to gain real-world experience. From on-campus jobs to internships, there are plenty of ways to build your career in the Ohio State.

1. Find jobs on Handshake: Go to handshake.osu.edu, log in with your lastname.#@osu.edu, and use the “On-Campus” filter to find student jobs.
2. Use Workday: Current students can log into Workday to view and apply for open positions.
3. Search by department: Visit department websites, email them, or stop by their offices to ask about job openings.

The university also hosts regular career fairs and networking events, helping students land internships and full-time roles with competitive salaries.

Ohio State University Campus Life

Life at The Ohio State University Columbus OH is a unique blend of tradition, diversity, and community. The 1,600-acre campus is a small city in itself, complete with cafes like Panera Bread, Berry Café, and Starbucks. Various recreation centres like libraries and theatres are also prominent.

Key Facilities:

• The Ohio State University Library System: One of the largest academic library systems in North America, the Ohio State University Library provides access to millions of books, journals, and digital resources.
• Recreation and Physical Activity Center (RPAC): Offers gyms, swimming pools, and fitness classes.
• Student Union: A buzzing centre for clubs, events, and campus organisations.
• Dining Options: A variety of food courts like RPAC (Courtside Cafe), Sloopy’s Cafe, and Scott Dining Hall offer everything from American to international cuisine.

Student Housing Near Ohio State University Columbus OH

From world-class academics to vibrant student life and renowned institutions like the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Columbus OH, there’s no doubt that The Ohio State University stands out as a top-tier choice for aspiring students. Once you’ve decided to apply to the Ohio State University, the next step is finding a place that feels like home.  

With a wide selection of verified off-campus student housing near Ohio State University and end-to-end booking support, amber makes finding a home seamless, so you can focus on making the most of your college experience. Each property listed is verified for quality and reliability, so there are no surprises when you arrive. Here’s a list of properties for you to explore: 

1. The Griff, Columbus
2. Lumen on Ninth, Columbus
3. The View on Pavey Square, Columbus
4. Uncommon Columbus, Columbus
5. StateHouse Highline Columbus