Ohio State Reinstates SAT/ACT Requirement for Fall 2026 Applicants
The Columbus campus will require standardized test scores from first-year applicants for the 2026-27 admission cycle, joining a growing list of selective institutions.
July 28, 2026 · 1 min read
Ohio State University has announced a major reversal in its admissions policy, reinstating the ACT/SAT test requirement for new first-year undergraduate applicants to its flagship Columbus campus for the 2026-27 admission cycle, according to a policy update from Compass Prep. This move aligns Ohio State with a growing cohort of selective public and private universities that have ended pandemic-era test-optional policies.
While the university's other campuses will maintain test-optional policies, the requirement for the main Columbus campus underscores a significant shift for a top-tier public institution. As noted by Collegewise, several elite schools have reinstated test-required policies in 2026, and many others strongly encourage scores even while remaining officially optional. This trend includes six of the eight Ivy League schools, as reported by Carnegie Prep, and other selective institutions like Stanford, Georgetown, and Notre Dame.
The reinstatement at Ohio State reflects a broader reassessment of standardized testing in holistic admissions, particularly at large, selective universities where metrics can aid in managing high application volumes. The policy change is effective immediately for students targeting entry in Fall 2026, who must now plan accordingly for upcoming test dates.
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.