OSU Application Process

Overview of the application process

step 1

Noting key deadlines

Follow and prepare for admissions deadlines for the term you wish to begin. Admission deadlines apply to all application documents.

step 2

Identifying “initial” program of study

Your application will ask you to identify your College of Business program of study. This is can be adjusted if your interests shift while you are studying.

step 3

Choosing application type

OSU segments its applications according to the type of student applying, for example, for international, transfer or first-year students.

step 4

Selecting application platform

For convenience, OSU coordinates and integrates applications from a few different application system platforms, and you can choose which platform will work best for you.

step 5

Collecting records & documents

The online system will ask for your academic transcripts and diplomas, and include fields for personal statements, essays and allow for optional test score submission.

step 6

Submitting the application

The system allows for you to save and pick back up on the application. Copies of official transcripts can be shared, but official copies must be received prior to enrollment. Unless waived, there is an application fee, that is typically non-refundable.

step 7

Applying for scholarships

Consideration for certain merit-based scholarships occurs automatically with your application. Use OSU ScholarDollars for additional opportunities after admission (and note scholarship deadlines).

step 8

Confirming enrollment

After you are accepted to OSU and the College of Business, there is a timeframe for you to confirm your enrollment, and commit with a tuition deposit. From there, we'll communicate via about all the exciting next steps!

Remember: We are flexible

Closer look: Identifying “initial” program of study

After you've spent time exploring program degree types, options and minors on the College of Business website, it's time to apply to OSU.

1. Don't worry when or if you see a non-exact match for your program of study. What do we mean? For example, if you loved one of our "options" like financial planning, you will apply to its associated major program of study, finance. You won't see "financial planning" on the application. Or MBA applicants will choose the MBA major program, business administration.

2. We call this "initial" program of study, because we are flexible, like you. Many students shift their majors, and we are very prepared and practiced at making this work efficiently for you.

Explore OSU resources

Closer look: Choosing application type

OSU has a diverse community of students, and we welcome all learners with degrees and programs designed to advance your career and life goals. Choosing your application type has a number of variables, and OSU has excellent resource to help you discern.

For example, if you're in high school or have fewer than 24 quarter credits, you are a first-year student, so choose that application. You are a transfer student if you’ve completed 24 or more quarter credits at a college.

Going to OSU "Apply Now"

Closer look: Selecting application platform

Once you have identified the type of application you need, based on the type of student you are and the degree or credential that you want, you will choose an entry point into the application platforms.

OSU integrates a number of platforms, for example, the Common Application (which allows undergraduates to apply to multiple institutions with just one form) is a common choice for first-year students.

The system will prompt you to get to the right spot!

Year-round admissions and starting terms

Closer look: Deadlines

Many of our published deadlines are in coordination with the classic, traditional fall term start of the school year. This includes timelines for those who want to apply and get accepted early as well as achieving coordination with financial aid and scholarship timelines posed by the university and the federal government.

However, we accept students and applications year round. Online students have even greater flexibility.