1. Graduate admissions
  2. Steps to apply
  3. Prepare required materials

Graduate admissions Steps to apply 4. Prepare required materials

Required of all applicants

Transcripts

Ohio State only accepts official transcripts. Read transcript requirements to learn what and when to submit.

Letters of recommendation

When you complete Ohio State's application for admission, we'll ask you to provide references, and we'll invite these individuals to submit a letter of recommendation for you. Read more about recommendation letters, including the timeline and submission process.

Important notes:

  • If you are applying to more than one program (you may apply to three in a term), a separate application and fee are required for each program, as are separate recommendation letters. Only one set of transcripts and test scores is needed, however, unless otherwise requested by a program.
  • You are advised to keep a copy of your application materials. The application and all supporting documents become the property of Ohio State and cannot be returned to the applicant, forwarded to another institution, or duplicated for any purpose other than the Ohio State application review and admission process.

Required of some applicants

Standardized test score

A test score (GRE or GMAT) is recommended if:

  • your last degree earned is from an unaccredited college or university and your program requires the score
  • the cumulative GPA for your last degree earned is below 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale or equivalent) and your program requires the score

Test scores (GRE or GMAT) must be sent electronically from the testing agency. Faxed or emailed scores are not considered.

  • Ohio State’s institutional code: 1592
  • Exception: Fisher College of Business applicants should use: 3546

Plan to test no later than six weeks prior to your application deadline to allow official test scores to arrive in time. Note: Scores are valid for five years after your test date.

Curriculum vitae/resume

If your program requests it, you may submit a CV or resume of no more than two pages on the online application. Note: A CV/resume is required for all applicants who wish to be considered for a fellowship.

Statement of purpose

If your program requests it, you may submit a brief autobiographical statement on the online application describing your educational and professional goals and objectives. 

Considering using AI? You are responsible for developing your own ideas in your statement of purpose, admissions essay and CV. If you’re considering using AI to help, you are advised to ask the program you’re applying to if this is permitted and, if it is, what their policy is for proper use.

Additional application requirements

Some programs may also require a portfolio, an audition, writing samples, specific tests or a departmental application. Refer to your program for details.

Required of international students

Please read about additional requirements for international students.