Ohio State Reinstates SAT/ACT Requirement for Columbus Campus, Effective for 2026 Applicants
The major public flagship's policy reversal marks a significant shift in the post-pandemic testing landscape for the upcoming admissions cycle.
August 25, 2026 · 1 min read
Ohio State University has reinstated a standardized testing requirement for undergraduate applicants to its flagship Columbus campus, a significant policy reversal that takes effect for students applying for admission in fall 2026. The university announced that all new first-year applicants to the Columbus campus must submit scores from either the SAT or ACT, ending a multi-year test-optional period that began during the COVID-19 pandemic. The change was reported by the university's official news outlet and detailed in admissions materials.
According to Ohio State's announcement, the requirement applies specifically to applicants to the main Columbus campus. The university's regional campuses, including Ohio State ATI, will maintain a test-optional admission pathway for first-year students. This creates a tiered policy within the same university system, placing a premium on test scores for entry to the most selective and sought-after campus.
The move by Ohio State, a top-tier public university and a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), signals a continued reassessment of test-optional policies at large, selective institutions. It follows a wave of reinstatements at elite private universities, including all eight Ivy League schools. As noted by Compass Prep and Collegewise, the broader trend sees "several elite schools" reinstating test-required policies for 2026. Ohio State's decision is particularly notable because it involves a public institution with a high-volume applicant pool, potentially influencing other flagship public universities.
Prospective students targeting Ohio State's Columbus campus for fall 2026 entry must now factor standardized testing into their preparation plans. The university's admissions website confirms that "standardized test scores from ACT or SAT are required" for these applicants. Students should consult the official SAT and ACT testing schedules for 2026-2027 to ensure they meet application deadlines.
This analysis may include estimates and projections compiled from public and primary sources. Figures can change — verify deadlines and policies with each school before acting on them.