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Graduate Admissions

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Frequently Asked Questions

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BEFORE YOU APPLY [Return to top of page]

| Admissions Process | Application Fee | English as a Second Language | Financial Aid | Graduate Programs | Immigration | Letters of Recommendation | Miscellaneous | Requirements/Deadlines | Testing | Transcripts |



ADMISSIONS PROCESS   [Return to Subject List]

DO I HAVE TO SUBMIT MY SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER WHEN I APPLY?

No. You do not have to enter your social security number when creating an on-line application account. If you enter nothing, an application number will be assigned to you and sent to you via email.

By opting not to include your social security number on your admissions application, this will affect your eligibility for US Federal & State Aid (only US citizens and permanent residents qualify).

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A SECOND GRADUATE PROGRAM?

To be considered for a second graduate program, whether for a new quarter or the same quarter, please re-apply at http://gradapply.osu.edu. An application fee is required for each graduate program application you complete. Update any address information that has changed, and select a new graduate program. You are only permitted to apply for a maximum of three graduate programs.

Please do not complete an admissions application if you have ever attended and paid tuition for graduate school at Ohio State. However, you should contact the Graduate School at gs-regsrv@osu.edu to enroll in a graduate program. If you were already admitted and wish to defer, please contact your graduate program office before reapplying.

I CAN'T ACCESS THE ONLINE APPLICATION. I CREATED AN ACCOUNT, BUT I CANNOT LOG IN. HOW DO I LOG IN?

Please check that your browser security is set low enough to allow pop-up windows. After creating an account, you must log in through a pop-up window.

WHAT ARE THE STEPS OF THE ADMISSION PROCESS?

An applicant should apply online at http://gradapply.osu.edu. You will receive an email acknowledging the receipt of your application. Students are required to send application materials to the Graduate Admissions Office and their program office. Please refer to the checklist on our website at http://gradadmissions.osu.edu/download_materials.htm for information on where to send application materials. Once the Graduate Admissions Office and graduate program has received all required application materials, the Graduate Studies Committee of your program will review your application and make an admissions decision.

The Graduate Admissions Office will prepare and send either a Notice of Admission or non-selection letter.

For admitted international students, the Graduate Admissions Office reviews all financial documents before issuing the Notice of Admission and visa documents.

The entire application process may take several months. Applicants are urged to apply in fall and decisions are made between January and April.


APPLICATION FEE   [Return to Subject List]

CAN A FRIEND IN THE UNITED STATES PAY MY APPLICATION FEE FOR ME?

Yes, a third party can pay your application fee. You must give a friend access to your online application where they can pay using Visa, Discover, American Express or Mastercard.

CAN I PAY THE ON-LINE APPLICATION FEE WITH AN AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CARD?

Yes. We can accept Visa, Discover, MasterCard or American Express cards.

CAN I USE THE ON-LINE APPLICATION AND THEN PAY THE FEE WITH A PAPER CHECK?

No. Do not fill out the on-line application and then send a paper check in the mail to the Graduate Admissions Office or Apply Web.

While you cannot send us a paper check, you can select the "Pay Online with Electronic Check" option if you have a U.S. bank account. No paper checks can be accepted by regular mail.

When you pay by check on-line, it is similar to using a debit card (http://www.applyweb.com/documentation/check.html) Use the Apply Web Secure Check Input Form, fill in your check account number and the bank routing number, along with, all other required information.


Please note: The preferred method of payment is a credit card so, using the online check feature can delay the processing of your application by several business days (we must wait for the check to be cleared by your banking institution).

CAN I USE THE ON-LINE APPLICATION WITHOUT A CREDIT CARD?

Yes, but only if you intend to pay by electronic check. Pay By Check is available to those with U.S. Bank accounts only. See http://www.applyweb.com/documentation/check.html

Please note that payment by electronic check may delay the initial processing of your application by several business days while your check clears the bank.

HOW CAN I PAY THE APPLICATION FEE?

Payment of your application fee must be made on-line in order for your application to be submitted. When you have completed the application and are ready to send it to Ohio State, click 'Save/Pay/Send' at the bottom of the last page. This saves your data in its final form and takes you to the payment page where you pay your application fee online. Your application is not sent to Ohio State University until you pay your application fee and it is authorized. On the payment page, you can pay your application fee by debit/credit card or check (US bank accounts only). If you are paying by debit or credit card: Fill in all information, including the complete credit card number, expiration date, and card billing information. Click the 'Submit this information' button. Pay by Check is available online to those with U.S. bank accounts only. Do not send a paper check or credit card information by mail when applying online.

HOW MUCH IS THE GRADUATE APPLICATION FEE?

The application fee is US$40 for US citizens, permanent residents or asylees, and US$50 for International students. The fee is paid by credit card at the time that an applicant submits the online application. It should not be sent separately to the Graduate Admissions Office.

I CANNOT AFFORD THE APPLICATION FEE. CAN THE APPLICATION FEE BE WAIVED?

No. University policy states payment of the application fee must be received with the application and cannot be waived or postponed. Many international applicants resolve this difficulty by having a friend or relative outside their country pay the application fee for them, and they repay that person after arriving here.

I FORGOT MY PASSWORD OR USERNAME. WHAT DO I DO?

You can write help@applyweb.com or if you have lost your username please visit https://www.applyweb.com/public/lostlogin If you have lost your password please visit https://www.applyweb.com/public/lostpass

WILL MY APPLICATION BE PROCESSED IF I DO NOT SEND THE APPLICATION FEE? CAN I PAY IT AFTER I AM ADMITTED?

No. University policy states payment of the application fee cannot be waived or postponed. Your application materials will not be received, nor processed without the online payment of the application fee.


ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE   [Return to Subject List]

ENGLISH IS MY SECOND LANGUAGE AND I WANT TO IMPROVE MY LANGUAGE SKILLS BEFORE I BEGIN MY ACADEMIC STUDIES. WHERE CAN I DO THIS AT OHIO STATE?

Our on-campus intensive English language program is called the American Language Program (ALP). Answers to most of your questions can be found on their website. http://www.esl.ohio-state.edu/ALP/Index.html

I NEED TO IMPROVE MY ENGLISH AND/OR MY TOEFL SCORE. HOW CAN I APPLY ON-LINE TO YOUR INTENSIVE ENGLISH LANGUAGE TRAINING PROGRAM?

The intensive English language training program at Ohio State is called The American Language Program. To apply, visit http://www.esl.ohio-state.edu/ALP/IE/Admission/Apply.html

IF I ENROLL IN THE AMERICAN LANGUAGE PROGRAM, AM I GUARANTEED ADMISSION TO THE UNIVERSITY?

Please be aware that admission to or enrollment in the American Language Program (ALP) does not assure admission to an academic program at Ohio State. You will not be able to register for courses outside the ALP curriculum during your enrollment in ALP. If you have any questions, please contact:

American Language Program
The Ohio State University
60 Arps Hall
1945 N. High Street
Columbus, OH 43210, USA
Phone: 614-292-1364
Fax: 614-292-4054
e-mail: alp@osu.edu

WILL I BE ABLE TO TAKE INTENSIVE ENGLISH LANGUAGE TRAINING CLASSES AND REGULAR ACADEMIC CLASSES AT THE SAME TIME?

Admission or enrollment in the American Language Program (ALP) does not assure admission to an academic program at Ohio State. Also, you will not be able to register for courses other than the ALP curriculum during your enrollment in ALP. If you have any questions about the program, please contact ALP at: ALP@osu.edu or view their website.


FINANCIAL AID   [Return to Subject List]

HOW CAN I BE CONSIDERED FOR FINANCIAL AID? IS THERE A SEPERATE APPLICATION FORM TO FILL OUT FOR FINANCIAL AID?

No, there is no seperate application form to fill out. For graduate applicants, most financial aid is available in the form of University Fellowships and graduate associateships. To apply for Fellowships and associateships, check the appropriate box(es) on the admission application. You may also want to contact your graduate program to express your interest in financial support. Contact information may be found at http://gradadmissions.osu.edu/gri.asp However, please be aware that only a limited number of awards are available; therefore, not all those who apply for Fellowships or associateships receive them.

I HAVE AN H VISA. AM I ELIGIBLE FOR FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID?

No, H visa holders are not eligible for federal financial aid from the U.S. government. Since the H1 visa holder pays taxes in the State of Ohio, they may be eligible for in-state tuition. See the Office of the Registrar's website for information on the Ohio residency criteria at http://www.ureg.ohio-state.edu. For information on how to change your visa type, contact the International Students and Scholars Office.

WHAT ARE YOUR CRITERIA FOR A UNIVERSITY FELLOWSHIP?

For information on University Fellowships, please visit the website of the Graduate School. http://www.gradsch.ohio-state.edu

WHAT FINANCIAL AID IS AVAILABLE TO GRADUATE STUDENTS AT OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY?

Please refer to our website (http://gradadmissions.osu.edu/BufferCosts.htm), concerning additional information on types of financial aid available to international and domestic graduate students.

WHAT IS THE DEADLINE IF I WANT A FELLOWSHIP?

The final deadline for the Graduate Admissions office to receive an admissions application, along with, supporting documents for Fellowship consideration is: January 15 for domestic applicants and November 30 for international applicants. Contact your prospective program directly concerning their Fellowship deadline. Please be aware there are a limited number of awards available, and they are very competitive; therefore, not all applicants who apply for Fellowships or associateships receive them.

Note: The Fellowship deadlines are receipt deadlines, not postmark deadlines. Any application arriving in our office after the deadlines will not be considered in the University Fellowship competition.


GRADUATE PROGRAMS   [Return to Subject List]

DOES OHIO STATE OFFER HOTEL AND RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT AT THE GRADUATE LEVEL?

Yes. Graduate programs in Hotel and Restaurant Management are available at Ohio State through the Hospitality Management Program. http://ehe.osu.edu/cs/programs/hm/graduate.cfm Hospitality Management has moved from The Department of Human Nutrition and joined with The Department of Consumer Sciences. Prospective graduate applicants should complete the application using Graduate Program: Hospitality Management Program Code: 642.

DOES OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY OFFER COURSES VIA THE WEB, OR VIA CORRESPONDENCE?

Ohio State has begun a comprehensive program to bring distance education offerings to both existing and potential Ohio State students. As new courses are developed, they are listed at the Technology Enhanced Learning and Research website: http://telr.ohio-state.edu. At this site, you will not only find a listing of distance education courses, you will find information about other ongoing work in this area.

HOW DO I APPLY TO THE MBA PROGRAM?

There are several ways to obtain application materials for the MBA program at Ohio State. Visit the Fisher College of Business website for more information at http://fisher.osu.edu

I WANT TO STUDY LIBRARY SCIENCE.

The Ohio State University does not offer a graduate degree program in Library Science. However, the Kent State University School of Library and Information Science has a Columbus Campus at Ohio State. They offer a Master of Science degree program.

The contact information for this program is listed below:

Columbus Campus of Kent State School of Library and Information Science 124 Mount Hall 1050 Carmack Road Columbus, OH 43210 (614) 292-7746 http://www.slis.kent.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=55&Itemid=133 email: dbanks2@kent.edu

I WANT TO STUDY MEDICINE AT THE GRADUATE LEVEL AT OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY.

The Ohio State University's graduate program in Medicine limits its admission to a very small number of students. Students who are considered for admission have either completed a M.D. here at Ohio State or, have gained status as a Fellow in our Department of Medicine. If you do not meet these criteria, you may wish to pursue other Ohio State graduate programs related to medicine.

MY GRADUATE PROGRAM IS NOT OFFERED.

The following website contains a list of graduate programs offered at Ohio State http://gradadmissions.osu.edu/gri.asp. While the specific program of study you are interested in might not be available, your area of interest may be found in one of the other graduate programs offered at Ohio State. To get more information about a particular graduate program, please visit their website. If you feel your educational objective can be met at Ohio State, we encourage you to apply at http://gradapply.osu.edu


IMMIGRATION   [Return to Subject List]

I HAVE AN H VISA. AM I CONSIDERED A "DOMESTIC STUDENT?"

No. You must use the international graduate application or international graduate non-degree application to be considered for admission. Also, you must meet the English language requirements for international students seeking enrollment at Ohio State. If you do not intend to change your visa from an H to an F or J visa, then you do not have to submit financial documents. If you have an H4 visa, and wish to obtain a graduate associateship; you will need to change your visa. If you have an H1, and wish to enroll full-time and quit your job; you will have to change your visa. You can find contact information for the Office of International Affairs; International Students and Scholars Office at http://oia.osu.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=99&Itemid=140 for assistance with visa questions.

I WOULD LIKE TO APPLY TO THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY, BUT I HAVE AN URGENT QUESTION REGARDING MY VISA STATUS IN THE UNITED STATES.

If you are an international student who would like an answer to your immigration-related question, please contact the Office of International Affairs; International Students and Scholars Office. Their contact information is: International Students and Scholars Office, Oxley Hall, 1712 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210-1219 USA, telephone number 614-292-6101, fax number 614-292-4725, e-mail: iss@oia.osu.edu or website http://oia.osu.edu/. In addition, ISS advisors would be glad to discuss the services they give to the over 5,000 international students and scholars at Ohio State.


LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION   [Return to Subject List]

CAN I USE AN EMPLOYER TO WRITE A RECOMMENDATION LETTER FOR ME?

You should contact your prospective graduate program to determine suitable recommenders for your admissions application.

HOW DO I USE THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY GRADUATE SCHOOL REFERENCE FORM?

You should complete the front side of the Ohio State University Graduate School Reference Form http://admissions.osu.edu/apps/pdfs/refer.pdf and request that your recommenders complete the back of the form, and attach it to the recommendation letter. Be sure to provide the direct contact information so, the graduate program can contact your recommender via phone, mail, e-mail, or fax to ask questions. The completed reference forms and letters should be sent directly to your intended graduate program by your recommenders.

WHERE SHOULD I SEND MY REFERENCES AND STATEMENT OF PURPOSE? MAY I SEND EVERYTHING TO THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE?

Graduate Admissions needs the following items :
1. Admissions application and fee
2. Official test scores
3. Official transcripts

All other documents should be sent directly to your prospective graduate program, including transcripts, reference forms, statement of purpose and, any other supplemental application materials. If you send documents required by your prospective graduate program to Graduate Admissions, we do not retain copies of these documents in our office. Please be aware; sending application materials that are required by your prospective graduate program to Graduate Admissions will delay or impede the processing of your application. To ensure that your department receives your materials promptly, please send supporting material directly to the Graduate Studies Chair of your prospective department. Their address can be found on our web site at http://gradapply.osu.edu/gri.asp.


MISCELLANEOUS   [Return to Subject List]

CAN I HAVE PRINTED MATERIALS MAILED?

In the past, we did have printed application forms and bulletins; however, these materials are no longer available. Due to the push for paperless offices, we are now referring prospective students to our website at http://gradadmissions.osu.edu; or, to directly contact the Graduate Admissions office for assistance.

HOW DO I FIND OUT ABOUT OPENINGS FOR ON-CAMPUS OR OFF-CAMPUS POSITIONS?

If you want to find out about available positions, please visit www.sfa.osu.edu/jobs.

I AM A POST-DOCTORAL STUDENT AT OHIO STATE; HOW DO I ENROLL IN GRADUATE COURSES?

1. If you want to enroll in graduate level courses, you will have to apply to the Graduate Non-Degree program. You can find the application for the Graduate Non-Degree program online at http://www.gradadmissions.osu.edu/nondegree.html

2. If you are applying to the Graduate Non-Degree program, you must have completed at least a Bachelor’s Degree. You must supply official transcripts and degree statements from all previous universities that you attended.

3. If you are an international student or recent immigrant, refugee or asylee, and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree outside of the United States, you are required to take the TOEFL. You can take the TOEFL through our American Language Program (ALP). Please contact ALP at alp@osu.edu to setup at time to take the TOEFL.

4. International graduate non-degree applications are subject to a graduate school review. Remember to mention that you are doing research work for Ohio State University in your application.

I AM CONSIDERING POST-DOCTORAL WORK; WHO DO I NEED TO CONTACT?

1. You will want to contact a professor in a department that shares your research interest to inform them that you want to determine what research opportunities are available for you within their department.

2. You will want to contact The Office of International Affairs-International Student Services (OIA-ISS) for assistance in obtaining an Exchange Visitor Visa(J). OIA-ISS can be contacted via e-mail at iss@oia.osu.edu

I AM PLANNING TO VISIT THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY AND I WOULD LIKE TOUR INFORMATION.

If you would like to visit campus, please contact the graduate program to which you plan to apply. Contact information may be found at http://gradapply.osu.edu/gri.asp

MAY I WRITE TO THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY IN A LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH?

The Ohio State Graduate Admissions Office cannot respond to correspondence written in a language other than English.

WHAT SERVICES ARE OFFERED TO DISABLED STUDENTS AT OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY?

Applicants with any disability, permanent or temporary, who may require special assistance, are urged to contact the Office for Disability Services, 150 Pomerene Hall, 1760 Neil Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210-1297, telephone: (614) 292-3307. http://www.ods.ohio-state.edu This office coordinates academic support services and accommodations for individuals who have special needs as a result of a permanent or temporary disability. Individuals eligible for services include, but are not limited to, those with attention deficit disorder, mobility, hearing, visual, speech, psychiatric, or learning disabilities. If you want more information about these support services and accommodations, please contact the Office for Disability Services at http://www.ods.ohio-state.edu Your self referral is the only indication of your interest and need of these services.


REQUIREMENTS/DEADLINES   [Return to Subject List]

AM I ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR ADMISSION WITH MY THREE YEAR DEGREE?

The Ohio State University does not recognize a 3 year bachelor's degree to be comparable to the American bachelor's degree. One of the basic requirements for admission to Graduate School is the completion of an American bachelor's degree or its equivalent prior to matriculation. To determine if you meet the degree requirements for admission to The Ohio State University, please contact the Graduate Admissions Office. Our contact information can be found online at http://gradadmissions.osu.edu/gpcontacts.html.

I WANT TO KNOW MY CHANCES OF BEING ADMITTED? WHAT ARE YOUR ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS?

Admission criteria are established both by the Graduate School and by the graduate program. An applicant must submit documentation that demonstrates fulfillment of the following admission criteria:

* Credentials documenting prerequisite academic work that gives evidence of ability to pursue a graduate program in your chosen area.

* A four-year baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited college or university prior to beginning graduate studies.

* At minimum, a cumulative grade point average equivalent to at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (B grade) in all prior undergraduate and graduate level course work. The university uses the following grades to reflect academic level of performance: A=excellent, B=good, C=fair or average, D=poor, and E=failure.

*You are required to submit GRE or GMAT scores if your undergraduate GPA is below the minimum of 3.0, or if you hold a degree from an unaccredited college of university.

*International applicants and applicants who have held U.S. asylee, refugee or permanent resident status for less than one year must also provide a 550 on the paper based TOEFL test, a 213 on the computer based TOEFL, 79 on the Internet Based TOEFL or 7 on the International English Language Testing System(IELTS)exam.

Applicants who are citizens of or who have received a bachelor's degree or higher in one of the following countries are exempt from the English proficiency requirement: Australia, Belize, the British Caribbean and British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States, and Wales.

All other requirements are set by the graduate programs themselves, and are often much higher than these minimum requirements. To know their exact admissions requirements go to: http://gradadmissions.osu.edu/gri.asp

WHAT ARE YOUR GRADUATE ADMISSION DEADLINES?

Deadlines are set by individual graduate programs and those deadlines may be found at http://gradadmissions.osu.edu/gri.asp


TESTING   [Return to Subject List]

ARE OFFICIAL TEST SCORES REQUIRED FOR FELLOWSHIP APPLICANTS?

Yes. To receive consideration for University Fellowships, applicants are required to have the testing agency report their scores directly to the The Ohio State University (ETS institution code #1592). Photocopies of TOEFL, IELTS, MELAB, GRE or GMAT scores are not considered to be official and are not acceptable substitutes for official scores. Only "new format" GRE scores (used since October 2002) can be used to support your Fellowship application. The only exceptions to this policy are for those applying to the MFA in Dance, Art or Theatre, the Master of Music, and Doctor of Music.

CAN I DEFER TAKING THE TOEFL?

The Ohio State University does not admit applicants who have not met the requirement for proof of English proficiency. If your TOEFL score might (or will) arrive after a published application deadline, you should discuss this matter with your program. See http://gradapply.osu.edu/gri.asp for contact information.

CAN THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE WAIVE MY GRE OR GMAT SCORE REQUIREMENT?

No. The Graduate Admissions Office can not waive a GRE or GMAT test score requirement. When your prospective graduate program has listed the GRE or GMAT as an admissions requirement it is expected that you will take the test. It is only under rare circumstance that a program may waive it. You may contact the Graduate Studies Committee Chairperson to discuss whether your application will be considered without the test scores.

Note: If you have below a "B" average on all undergraduate and graduate university level work, then a GRE or GMAT score is absolutely required and cannot be waived under any circumstances.

CAN YOU FORWARD A COPY OF THE TOEFL OR GRE SCORE REPORT THAT I SENT YOU TO ANOTHER INSTITUTION?

We will not forward a copy of your score report to another institution and will not accept one from another institution.

Official scores are reported to OSU in electronic format, without paper copy. A score report is considered to be official only if it is sent directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). If you need to order additional score reports, you can contact ETS.

Please be aware that TOEFL and IELTS test scores are only valid for two years, and may not be re-ordered. GRE and GMAT scores may be re-ordered for 5 years.

DO I HAVE TO TAKE AN ENGLISH PLACEMENT TEST?

Most international students are also required to take a written English composition placement test when they arrive at Ohio State. You may be exempt from this requirement if you: 1) Were previously enrolled in an academic program at Ohio State 2) are a citizen of the following countries or regions: Australia, Belize, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, Liberia, United Kingdom (English, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland), The Commonwealth Caribbean, and the United States 3) score 650 on Paper-based TOEFL(PBT); 280 Computer-based(CBT); 114 new Internet-based TOEFL(iBT) 4) score 95 on the MELAB test, or 90 overall and 90 writing subscore 5) score 9.0 on the IELTS (Overall Band Score) 6) score 8.0 on the IELTS (Overall Band Score) and 8.0 Academic Writing module

DOES OHIO STATE ACCEPT GRE SCORES TAKEN BEFORE OCTOBER 2002 THAT CONTAIN THE OLD FORMAT GRE ANALYTICAL TEST?

We require new format GRE test scores for OSU Graduate Fellowship consideration. GRE scores are available to be sent to us from ETS for five years after your test date. Individual graduate programs may set their own policy regarding the acceptance of old format scores for admission and financial aid consideration. Contact your graduate program to confirm whether or not they will accept scores that contain old format. Contact information may be found at http://gradadmissions.osu.edu/gri.asp.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I MUST TAKE THE GRE OR GMAT TEST?

To determine if Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) scores are required to support your application, contact your graduate program. Graduate requirements, deadlines and contact information may be found at http://gradadmissions.osu.edu/gri.asp .

You are required to submit GRE or GMAT scores if your undergraduate GPA is below the minimum of 3.0/4.0, or if you hold a degree from an unaccredited college of university. In this case, the Graduate School requires a GRE or GMAT score, even if the graduate program does not, and the score requirement may not be waived.

MAY I BE CONDITIONALLY ADMITTED BEFORE RECEIVING AN ACCEPTABLE SCORE ON THE TOEFL, MELAB OR IELTS TESTS?

No. The Ohio State University does not admit applicants who have not met the requirement for proof of English proficiency. Those applicants required to submit TOEFL, MELAB or IELTS scores must do so before they can be officially admitted.

MY ENTIRE EDUCATION WAS IN ENGLISH. MUST I TAKE THE TOEFL TEST?

You are exempt from taking an English proficiency test, such as, TOEFL, MELAB, or IETLS, if you have established citizenship in one of the following countries: Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, Wales, and The United States. US Green Card holders are exempt from taking an English proficiency test if they have held the Green Card at least one year prior to their quarter of enrollment.

If you are eligible to receive a bachelor’s degree of higher from one of the countries listed above, then you are exempt from taking an English proficiency test. Please note: It is not required that you must have your degree completed from one of the exempt countries at the time you are applying for admission. However, you must have completed your degree prior to your quarter of enrollment.

If your country is not listed as any of the exempt counties, you must take the English proficiency test.

WHAT IS THE MINIMUM GRE OR GMAT SCORE REQUIRED BY THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY?

The Ohio State University Graduate School does not specify minimum scores on the GRE or GMAT. However, the graduate program to which you are applying may have a minimum test score requirement. Contact information for all graduate programs may be found at http://gradadmissions.osu.edu/gri.asp

WHAT IS THE TOEFL/ENGLISH REQUIREMENT OF OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY?

Success at Ohio State depends upon the student's ability to converse in, write, and understand English. To assure such competence, the university normally requires any applicant whose native language is not English, and who has been educated primarily outside of the U.S., to submit recent, official scores of
  • at least 550 on the paper-based (213 on the computer-based, 79 on the Internet Based TOEFL) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
  • or at least 82 on the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB),
  • or 7 on the International English Language Testing System(IELTS)exam.
The test must have been taken within the last two years.

Your intended graduate program may require a higher score. Ohio State does not conditionally admit applicants who have not met the requirement for proof of English proficiency.

Applicants who have been educated primarily in one of the following countries are exempt from the TOEFL or MELAB requirement: Australia, Belize, the British Caribbean and British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States.

WILL THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY ACCEPT AN INSTITUTIONAL TOEFL, MELAB, IELTS TEST THAT I TOOK AT ANOTHER UNIVERSITY?

No. We do not accept score reports of institutional tests from other institutions.


TRANSCRIPTS   [Return to Subject List]

CAN I BRING IN DOCUMENTS TO FUFILL THE PROVISION OF MY ADMISSION AND HAVE THE GRADUATE ADMISSIONS OFFICE STAFF TO MAKE COPIES OF THEM?

No. We do not make photocopies of official documents. We consider documents to be official if they are sent to us directly by the issuing institution and arrive in our office in a sealed envelope. If you were provisionally admitted, you must provide official certified, or attested copies of all marksheets, graduation certificates, diplomas or degree certificates needed to fufill the provision of your admission. We strongly reccomend that you obtain copies of the needed documents before leaving your country. If you are provisional for a U.S. final degree granting transcript, or other transcript from a US school, simply order a transcript to be sent to us directly from your Registrar's Office.

Documents given to the Graduate Admissions Office become our property and may not be returned or forwarded.

CAN I SEND FAXED OR ELECTRONIC TRANSCRIPTS TO OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY IN SUPPORT OF MY GRADUATE APPLICATION?

No. We do not accept faxed or electronically delivered transcripts to be official. Please order official transcripts to be sent to us directly from the Registrar's Office of your current institution, directly to the Graduate Admissions Office and the Graduate Program to which you are applying.

CAN I SEND MY TRANSCRIPT TO OHIO STATE ELECTRONICALLY?

No. Some University Registrar Offices offer to send your official transcript electronically as an attachment to a designated recipient. The Ohio State University Graduate Admissions does not consider such transcripts to be official. Without exception, we require that you order "physical" transcripts to be mailed directly to the Graduate Admissions Office directly from the Registrar of your former or current University. Remember to send transcripts from each and every post secondary institution that you attended. Including Universities attended during high school, study abroad work, and transcripts previously submitted to Ohio State University as part of an freshman or undergraduate application.

DO I HAVE TO SUBMIT TRANSCRIPTS FOR CLASSES I DID IN HIGH SCHOOL?

Yes. If you received University credit for classes you took in High school, you must submit transcripts documenting that work.

DO YOU REQUIRE THE TRANSCRIPTS THAT I SUBMITTED WITH MY UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS APPLICATION TO THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY?

Yes. If you sent transcripts to The Ohio State University as part of an undergraduate application, those transcripts should be re-ordered and mailed to Graduate Admissions. One transcript should be mailed to Graduate Admissions and another transcript must be mailed to your prospective graduate program.

We require official transcripts from all post secondary institutions that you attended. This includes universities attended during high school or a study abroad program.

Coursework from one institution reported as transfer credit on another school's transcript does not meet Ohio State's requirement as an official transcript.



AFTER YOU APPLY [Return to top of page]

| Admissions Process | Application Status | Financial Aid | Immigration Visa Issues | Requirements/Deadlines |



ADMISSIONS PROCESS.   [Return to Subject List]

I HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT MY APPLICATION IS UNDER ACADEMIC REVIEW BY MY PROPOSED GRADUATE PROGRAM? WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

This means that the Graduate Admissions Office received your application, fee and transcripts and has notified your intended Graduate Studies Committee to begin the formal academic review process leading to a decision on your application. To check the status of your decision and to make sure that the program has received your letters of recommendation, personal statement and other required materials, please contact the graduate program to which you applied. When a decision is made on your application, you will receive a letter, or email. Prior to receiving a letter you may periodically check on your application status via our on-line service.

WHEN DO I RECEIVE MY VISA DOCUMENT AND NOTICE OF ADMISSION?

Domestic applicants are sent a Notice of Admission letter immediately from the Graduate Admissions Office.

The process for international applicants requires an additional step. If your graduate program has not informed us that you are to receive funding, we will send you an email message informing you that you have been academically admitted, but that you should send financial documents proving that you can afford to attend Ohio State. NOTE:Sometimes emails are sent by the Graduate Admissions Office before graduate programs have finished making funding decisions. It is always a good idea to check your funding status with your graduate program before sending financial documents.

The Graduate Admissions Office will compare your bank documents, sponsor letter, or university funding against the estimated budget ( http://gradadmissions.osu.edu/IGcosts.htm) to determine whether you have enough funding to live and pay tuition at The Ohio State University. If your documents pass this financial review, we will issue the form I-20 or DS-2019. If your documents do not pass the financial review, we shall send you an email asking for additional proof of funding.

WHO MAKES THE FINAL ADMISSION AND FINANCIAL AID DECISIONS ON MY CASE?

Your prospective graduate program makes the final admission and financial aid (funding) decisions on your case. The Admissions Office will send you a letter or email notifying you of your graduate program's decision.


APPLICATION STATUS   [Return to Subject List]

HOW CAN I KNOW MY STATUS IMMEDIATELY?

The status of your application can be viewed online at http://appstatus.osu.edu. You will need to use your student identification number or social security number, along with, your date of birth to access our on-line system. All students who do not have a social security number are assigned a student identification number with the submission of an online admissions application. If you cannot locate your student identification number, please request it by e-mailing graduate admissions. Please include your full name and date of birth in your e-mail.

WHEN WILL I KNOW MY ADMISSION DECISION?

After your graduate program has made an admission decision, the program informs the Graduate Admissions Office. We then send a letter or email informing you of the decision. To know if a decision has been made on your application, please go to http://appstatus.osu.edu You must reference your application number and date of birth to use the on-line status check webpage.

WILL I STILL BE ELIGIBLE TO BE CONSIDERED FOR A UNIVERSITY FELLOWSHIP IF MY GRE AND TOEFL TEST SCORES ARRIVE AT OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY AFTER THE FELLOWSHIP DEADLINE?

It is very important to get your official test scores reported on time. Official test scores are required of Fellowship candidates and it is your responsibility to make sure they are reported directly to Ohio State by the appropriate testing agency. It can often take a few weeks for scores to arrive in our office from Testing Services. This means that unless you order your scores to be sent to us well in advance of the fellowship deadline, you cannot be certain that they will arrive on time.

If your scores will not arrive before the fellowship deadline, contact your prospective graduate program. You may still be able to compete for research and teaching positions, which can have more flexible deadlines than fellowships.


FINANCIAL AID.   [Return to Subject List]

I WANT TO BE CONSIDERED FOR FINANCIAL AID, BUT I DID NOT MARK THE CORRECT BOX ON THE APPLICATION.

If you have already applied for graduate admission and did not request consideration, or wish to be considered for additional financial aid, contact your prospective department about Fellowships and associateships. If you are a domestic student, please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid about applying for federal loans.


IMMIGRATION VISA ISSUES   [Return to Subject List]

DO CANADIAN CITIZENS NEED A STUDENT VISA TO STUDY AT OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY?

Citizens of Canada are not required to obtain a U.S. visa at an Embassy or Consulate, to enter the United States. However, an officer of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will inspect your visa documents either at a pre-inspection site in Canada or upon entry to the U.S. You must have with you proof of Canadian citizenship, proof of admission to Ohio State University, your Ohio State Certificate of Eligibility Form I-20, and proof of financial support. Namely the bank statement or Fellowship or assistantship letter that is listed on your I-20 as your source of funding. It is imperative that you enter the U.S. as a "student" rather than a "tourist."

HOW DO I ASK AN URGENT IMMIGRATION QUESTION?

You should contact the International Students and Scholars Office as they have many counselors on staff, whose job it is to answer immigration questions. The Graduate Admissions Office does not answer immigration related inquiries. If you want to contact International Students and Scholars Office, the e-mail address is: iss@oia.osu.edu

HOW DO I TRANSFER TO OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY? I HAVE AN I-20 FROM ANOTHER UNIVERSITY.

The website of the International Students and Scholars Office http://oia.osu.edu/ provides information on this topic. Their e-mail address is iss@oia.osu.edu

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING THE VISA INTERVIEW AT THE U.S. EMBASSY?

The Office of International Affairs; International Students and Scholars Office has excellent information for new and prospective students regarding how to obtain a student visa for study in the United States. Go to http://oia.osu.edu/ for more information.


REQUIREMENTS/DEADLINES.   [Return to Subject List]

I CANNOT PROVIDE ALL OF MY MATERIALS TO THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE BEFORE THE DEADLINE. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Graduate deadlines and the published deadline for your graduate program may be found at http://gradadmissions.osu.edu. If you are unable to provide your application materials by these deadlines, please confer with your graduate program. It may be necessary to reapply for a future quarter.



AFTER YOU ARE ADMITTED [Return to top of page]

| Accept/Decline/Defer Admission | Admissions Process | Arrival Information | Bring Family Members | Financial Aid | Financial Documents | Housing | Immigration | Miscellaneous | Registration/Orientation | Transcripts |



ACCEPT/DECLINE/DEFER ADMISSION   [Return to Subject List]

HOW CAN I BE RECONSIDERED FOR A FUTURE ACADEMIC TERM OR DEFER ADMISSION?

In the event that you are denied admission, you need to re-apply to be reconsidered for a future term by the same graduate program. The transcripts you submitted with your original application are kept for one year in both the Graduate Program Office and the Graduate Admissions Office. You will need to have any transcripts containing new coursework sent to both offices.

If you were already admitted to a graduate program and your intention is to defer your admission, please contact the graduate program to see if they can accommodate your change in plans, as you may not need to re-apply. If deferral is approved, you will receive a new Notice of Admission and immigration document. Please return your original immigration document back to the Graduate Admissions Office.

HOW DO I ACCEPT OHIO STATE'S OFFER OF ADMISSION?

When you are admitted to The Ohio State University, an acceptance will be mailed to you. You must return the Acceptance Statement and check the box “Yes, I accept the offer of admission." Please return the original acceptance form, not a photocopy. Photocopied acceptance forms cannot be processed. Be sure the Retail Remittance Processing address on the Statement can be read through the window of the envelope.

If your program requires that you pay a tuition deposit, submit a check or money order for the indicated amount along with your completed Acceptance Statement by the due date indicated.

Please return the Acceptance Statement using regular mail to the Ohio State University Retail Remittance Center, not the Graduate Admissions Office. The Retail Remittance Center does not accept express mail packages.

If you are admitted for Summer Quarter 2009 or beyond, and your program does not require a tuition deposit, then you can accept your admission on-line by selecting “Check Application Status” from the following link http://www.osu.edu/futurestudents.

If you are concerned that your Acceptance Statement will not be submitted in time, please consult your graduate program office to inform them about your intention to attend Ohio State. It is important to inform your graduate program of your acceptance, especially if you were awarded financial aid.

HOW DO I DECLINE AN OFFER OF ADMISSION?

The Ohio State Acceptance Statement will be sent to you if you are admitted. Mark your intention to decline the offer on the form and return the form to the address provided using regular mail service to the Ohio State University Retail Remittance Center. The address is a PO Box, so please do not use an express mail service to send the form.

If you are admitted to Summer Quarter 2009 or beyond, and your program does not require a tuition deposit, then you may decline your admission on-line by clicking on the “Check Application Status” via the following link http://www.osu.edu/futurestudents.

If you wish to decline your admission and return your I-20 then please send the form to the:
Graduate Admissions Office
310 Lincoln Tower
Columbus OH 43210
using any mail service you wish.

It is also very important that you contact your graduate program to inform them that you are declining their offer of admission. We appreciate your interest, and we hope that you will consider re-applying to The Ohio State University in the future. We shall retain your file for approximately one year.

HOW DO I PAY THE SEVIS FEE?

Please visit the Office of International Affairs website at http://oia.osu.edu/content/view/135/213/ for information on paying the SEVIS Fee.

I HAVE BEEN ADMITTED TO A GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAM. DO I NEED TO SUBMIT ANY PAYMENT WHEN I RETURN MY OHIO STATE ACCEPTANCE STATEMENT?

There is no acceptance fee associated with your graduate program admission. Tuition deposits may be required by the MBA, MAcc, LHR, and Social Work programs, and the dollar amount appears on the Acceptance Statement. Be sure to include a check in that amount along with your statement.

I RECEIVED THE OHIO STATE ACCEPTANCE STATEMENT TOO LATE TO RETURN IT TO OSU ON TIME. IS MY ADMISSION CANCELED?

It may take the Ohio State Acceptance Statement some time to reach destinations overseas. We will not rescind your admission if we receive your Ohio State Acceptance Statement after the deadline printed on the form. Your admission is still valid. This does not extend to offers of financial aid, such as University Fellowships or associateships. If you were offered an associateship from your graduate program or a Fellowship from the University, it is very important to adhere to the deadlines written in the material. We recommend that you keep in close contact with your graduate program in regard to the acceptance of financial aid offers. You cannot register for class until you have formally accepted your admission.


ADMISSIONS PROCESS..   [Return to Subject List]

MY NOTICE OF ADMISSION SAYS THAT I WAS PROVISIONALLY ADMITTED? WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

An applicant receives a provisional admission when the Graduate Admissions Office admits an applicant before that applicant has provided all the necessary academic documents. Therefore, an admitted student may be provisional because the student has not supplied the Graduate Admissions Office with an official, complete transcript or with an official degree statement (diploma) or both. The academic documents for which the student is provisional are listed in the Notice of Admission. A student with a provisional admission must submit the missing document(s) by the first day of the student's first term at The Ohio State University. If a provisionally admitted student does not provide the Graduate Admissions Office with the missing document(s) by this deadline, the University will block the student's enrollment. In order to remove the provision, the university or institution which issues the provision-causing document(s) should mail the official document(s) directly to the Graduate Admissions Office. The Graduate Admissions Office makes no in person photocopies of documents and does not return submitted academic documents.

Applicants to graduate degree programs at The Ohio State University must provide the Graduate Admissions Office official transcripts, (lists of all courses attempted and grades received, marksheets etc) for all university-level academic work. If a graduate applicant has or will receive a diploma or degree certificate before beginning a graduate program at Ohio State University, the applicant must provide proof of graduation to the Graduate Admissions Office. This proof of graduation may be a degree statement, diploma, certificate or an official transcript stating that the university conferred a specific degree and giving the date of the conferral.


ARRIVAL INFORMATION   [Return to Subject List]

HOW CAN I ARRANGE A HOMESTAY OR AIRPORT PICK UP?

Ohio State University has over 800 student organizations. In some cases someone from your country’s student organization, an international or religious student organization, may be able to arrange temporary housing for your first night or arrange a homestay. Contact your organization to see if they might be able to help you. http://www.ohiounion.osu.edu/studentorgs/orgs.asp

In the event that no ethnic, international or religious student organization can provide you airport pick up or temporary housing, please refer to the Office of International Student and Scholar website at http://oia.osu.edu/content/view/121/235/

HOW DO I ARRANGE AIRPORT PICK-UP?

As tens of thousands of students attend Ohio State University we do not offer an airport pickup service. It is very easy, however, to reach campus from the airport by taxi or by the public bus system (COTA http://www.cota.com/ ).The COTA bus route is #052. The International Students and Scholars Office http://oia.osu.edu/ offers advice on how to get to campus from the airport.

SHOULD I BRING HEALTH/MEDICAL RECORDS WITH ME?

If you are an international student, it is a good idea to bring a record of your immunizations. During your orientation program at the International Students and Scholars Office, there is a scheduled international health screening at the Wilce Student Health Center. The website of the International Students and Scholars Office provides information on this topic http://oia.osu.edu/ The e-mail address is iss@oia.osu.edu

WHAT ARE SOME HOTELS IN THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY AREA?

There are many hotels in the Ohio State University area. http://www.osu.edu/visitors/accommodations.php

Most hotels are a 30-45 minute walk to the OSU campus on busy streets with limited sidewalks. Van service is listed if it is available. Taxi fare to OSU from most of these hotels is approximately $15. Rates may be higher on certain dates when special events are occurring in Columbus. Show your Notice of Admission or OSU student ID (when received) to prove OSU student status when an OSU special rate is available.

WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN I ARRIVE ON CAMPUS?

Domestic students are advised to report to their Graduate Program Office upon arrival, particularly if you have not received information regarding departmental orientation activities. If you plan to live on-campus, please be aware that residence hall space fills up quickly, so you should complete arrangements for on-campus housing before arrival in Columbus. The office of On-Campus Housing may be reached at (614)292-8266. Off-Campus Housing may be reached at (614)292-0100. International students who arrive in Columbus on a weekday between 8am and 5pm, should first come to the International Students and Scholars Office http://oia.osu.edu/ It is located on the first floor of Oxley Hall, 1712 Neil Ave. Columbus, OH. ISS is open Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm, except during the summer when the hours are 7:30am - 4:30pm


BRING FAMILY MEMBERS   [Return to Subject List]

HOW CAN I GET F-2 VISAS FOR MY SPOUSE AND CHILDREN TO ACCOMPANY ME TO THE UNITED STATES?

If you send the Graduate Admissions Office evidence of adequate funding for the living expenses and health insurance of your dependent(s), we will issue dependent I-20's for your family. See http://gradadmissions.osu.edu/IGcosts.htm

The U.S. embassy will issue F-2 visas to your spouse and children if you present the dependent form I-20 and proof of financial support for your family.


FINANCIAL AID..   [Return to Subject List]

I AM AN INTERNATIONAL APPLICANT WHO HAS RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF MY SELECTION FOR ADMISSION, BUT I HAVE NOT RECEIVED FINANCIAL AID. WHAT KIND OF FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO SEND THE GRADUATE ADMISSIONS OFFICE?

An email will be sent to you containing a blank Affidavit of Support form ( http://www-afa.adm.ohio-state.edu/apps/pdfs/ig-affad.pdf ) for you to complete and return along with a bank statement or sponsor letter. The Affidavit of Support is a signed promise by a person(s) or sponsor to support you throughout the duration of your studies and the bank statement is proof of funds available to cover the cost of the first year of your program's academic and living expenses at OSU (http://gradadmissions.osu.edu/IGcosts.htm). Financial documents should be faxed to the attention of Financial Review at (614) 688-3593. Originals should be mailed directly to Graduate Admissions.


FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS   [Return to Subject List]

HOW DO I COMPLETE THE AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT FORM?

To download a copy of the OSU Affidavit of Support Form go to: http://www-afa.adm.ohio-state.edu/apps/pdfs/ig-affad.pdf

After completing the form, please fax it to the attention of "Financial Review", at: (614)688-3593.


Please Note: The Affidavit of Support form and the accompanying certified bank statement must be in the same person’s name. If you have multiple sponsors, each sponsor needs to provide a set of financial documents in their name; i.e., whoever provides a bank statement must also sign and date the Affidavit of Support form. In completing the section entitled "Sponsorship" on the Affidavit, it is necessary to insert the amount of support according to the amount of years you will be enrolled in your degree program (The time frame to complete a Master's degree program is 2 years and a PHD program is 3 years at Ohio State). However, your certified bank statement and/or sponsorship letter only needs to document one year of funding.

Additional clarifications include:
-The date of financial support documents must be one year or less at the time of financial review.
-The available funding must be liquid; i.e., property titles, statements from chartered accountants, or salary statements are not accepted documentation.
-A Government or Sponsoring Agency (i.e., organization, institution, or employer) must provide the following information on a sponsorship letter:
• Are they paying all tuition and fees? How much?
• Are they covering your living expenses? How much?
• How long is your sponsorship valid?
• Will the sponsor be willing to provide extra support for dependent(s) or English preparation courses, if applicable? If so,how much?

I AM AN INTERNATIONAL APPLICANT WHO HAS BEEN FAVORABLY REVIEWED FOR ADMISSION BY MY GRADUATE STUDIES COMMITTEE BUT WILL NOT BE FUNDED FOR A FELLOWSHIP OR AN ASSOCIATESHIP. WHAT KIND OF FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS MUST I SUBMIT?

No action is necessary on your part until we contact you to begin the financial review process. Financial documentation will be required for the production of your official notice of admission and immigration document. An email will be sent to you containing a blank Affidavit of Support form ( http://www-afa.adm.ohio-state.edu/apps/pdfs/ig-affad.pdf ) which should be completed and returned,along with, a bank statement or sponsor letter. The Affidavit of Support form is a signed promise by a person(s)or sponsor(s) to support you throughout the duration of your studies. The certified bank statement or sponsor letter provide proof of funds available to cover the cost of the first year of your program's academic and living expenses at The Ohio State University (http://gradadmissions.osu.edu/IGcosts.htm). Please note: Both the Affidavit of Support and bank statement must be in the same person's name. Financial documents should be faxed to the attention of Financial Review at (614)688-3593. Originals should be mailed directly to Graduate Admissions.

I RECEIVED AN EMAIL SAYING THAT I NEED TO SUBMIT AN AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT FORM. HOW DO I OBTAIN ONE?

The email you receive should contain the necessary attachment. If you cannot open it, download a copy at http://www-afa.adm.ohio-state.edu/apps/pdfs/ig-affad.pdf Fax the completed form to the Graduate Admissions Office, attention Financial Review at (614) 688-3593. Mailing information is available at http://gradadmissions.osu.edu/gpcontacts.html

I RECEIVED AN EMAIL SAYING THAT MY BANK STATEMENT WAS UNACCEPTABLE. WHAT KIND OF BANK STATEMENT SHOULD I SEND?

The bank statement must be translated into English. It must specify the type of currency such as "U.S." dollars or another currency. The bank statement must show a balance of at least the total estimated budget for one year of your program. See http://gradadmissions.osu.edu/BufferCosts.htm The bank statement must be on official bank letterhead stationary, dated within the last year and and be signed or stamped by a bank official. If you have a sponsor, the owner's name of the account on the bank statement, must match the name of your sponsor as listed on the OSU Affidavit of Support Form. We do not accept, letters from chartered accountants, state-sponsored retirement accounts, salary statements, deeds to property or other non-liquid assets.

I RECEIVED AN EMAIL TELLING ME TO SEND SUPPORTING FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS. HOW DO I QUICKLY SEND MY ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS TO THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE?

The fastest methods to submit financial documents are via e-mail or fax.

*Fax your documents to (614)688-3593 attention Financial Review. Then send the originals to the Graduate International Admissions Office at the following addresses:

REGULAR POSTAL MAIL: Graduate International Admissions Office The Ohio State University, PO Box 182083, Columbus, OH 43218-2083

SPECIAL DELIVERY/EXPRESS MAIL: Graduate International Admissions Office, 3rd Floor Lincoln Tower, 1800 Cannon Drive, Columbus, OH 43210-1270, U.S.A.
*You can e-mail scanned financial documents to Graduate Admissions at gradadmissions@osu.edu.


HOUSING   [Return to Subject List]

HOW DO I APPLY FOR ON-CAMPUS HOUSING?

To apply for university housing simply mark your interest in a residence hall on the online application. If you are admitted, you will receive a housing contract around the same time that you receive your notice of admission. To apply for a residence hall, return the completed housing contract as soon as possible. Graduate residence hall space is limited and fills quickly.

HOW DO I CONTACT THE HOUSING OFFICE?

Housing information can be obtained by contacting the Office of Residence and Dining Halls at their web site. http://housing.osu.edu/default.asp

HOW DO I GET INFORMATION ON FINDING AN APARTMENT OR ROOMMATE? I DO NOT WANT TO LIVE IN A DORMITORY.

The Office of Off-Campus Student Housing exists to provide services and information to students of the Ohio State University who do not reside in the campus residence halls. Among other services, this office provides listings of apartments for rent on their website.

Office of Off-Campus Student Services The Ohio State University 15 East 15th Ave. Columbus, OH 43210 Tel. 614/292-0100; FAX 614/292-4786 website address: http://offcampus.osu.edu/default.asp Email address: ocss@studentaffairs.osu.edu

Clubs are another way to find a roommate or apartment. Nationality clubs may be found on the International Students and Scholars Office Web site http://oia.osu.edu/pdf/IntlOrgs.pdf, or go to the Ohio Union Student Organization web site http://ohiounion.osu.edu/studentorgs/default.asp to connect with other groups on campus.


IMMIGRATION.   [Return to Subject List]


MISCELLANEOUS.   [Return to Subject List]

CAN I PAY TUITION BEFORE COMING TO OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY OR IMMEDIATELY UPON ARRIVAL AT OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY?

It is not necessary to pay tuition until after registering for classes but if you wish to send payment of tuition and fees to The Ohio State University on behalf of a student, you will need the following information: OHIO STATE'S BANK: Bank One, Columbus, NA 100 East Broad St., Columbus, Ohio, USA FEDERAL I.D. #: 316025986 SWIFT NUMBER: BONEUS33 BANK ROUTING NUMBER: 044000037 FOR THE CREDIT OF: The Ohio State University ACCOUNT NUMBER: 981099911 REFERENCE: For Payment of Tuition and Fees (Please also include the student name, STUDENT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER OR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, and the quarter and year for which the student is paying fees.) The sending financial institution will provide you with a confirmation number, and will also charge you a fee for this service. To assure proper credit you should allow for changes in the rate of exchange and bank fees. As the receiving financial institution, Bank One, will charge a processing fee of $25 USD. If you wish to receive confirmation of the receipt of your tuition from Ohio State University, please write bursar@osu.edu.

HOW DO I ESTABLISH RESIDENCY IN THE STATE OF OHIO?

Please contact the Office of the University Registrar to know the residency rules. Their website address is www.ureg.ohio-state.edu

HOW DO I GET GRADUATE TRANSFER CREDIT FROM ANOTHER INSTITUTION?

The program to which you apply will determine if your previous graduate level coursework will apply to your program of study here. The Admissions Office does not make that determination. Likewise, we do not do course-by-course evaluations of graduate level courses.
Please fill out the Request for Transfer of Graduate Credit form which can be found online at http://www.gradsch.ohio-state.edu/Depo/PDF/TransferGradProgram.pdf. The form requires a signature from your Graduate Studies Committee Chairperson in your graduate program. Registration Services will review the request to ensure that the proposed coursework is graduate-level, that the student was in a graduate program when the coursework was taken, and that the grade earned was at least a B.

MUST I PURCHASE OSU HEALTH INSURANCE?

Health care costs in the United States are very expensive. For this reason, it is mandatory that international students and their families carry health insurance. For further information about health insurance plans, please visit the Student Health Center website. http://shi.osu.edu/articles.asp?ID=140


REGISTRATION/ORIENTATION   [Return to Subject List]

HOW DO I REGISTER FOR CLASSES?

Domestic students must contact their graduate program office or the Graduate School to get information on registration. There is also valuable information available on the website of the University Registrar. http://www.ureg.ohio-state.edu If your graduate program is unable to assist, and your questions are not answered on the web, you will then need to contact the main office of the Graduate School in Rm#247 University Hall. Their contact information is: phone, (614)292-6031; email, gs-regsrv@osu.edu.

Upon arrival, international students must go to the International Students and Scholars Office to check-in and receive orientation. The International Students and Scholars Office is located on the first floor of Oxley Hall, 1712 Neil Ave. and is open Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm, except during the summer when the hours are 7:30am - 4:30pm.

HOW MAY I KNOW WHICH CLASSES ARE CURRENTLY BEING OFFERED AT OHIO STATE?

The Ohio State University's list of courses and when they are scheduled can be found on the website of the University Registrar. http://www.ureg.ohio-state.edu/courses/


TRANSCRIPTS.   [Return to Subject List]

I WAS PROVISIONALLY ADMITTED, MAY I BRING IN MY DOCUMENTS AND HAVE THE GRADUATE ADMISSIONS OFFICE STAFF MAKE COPIES OF THE NEEDED DOCUMENTS ?

No. We do not make photocopies of official documents. We consider documents to be official if they are sent to us directly by the issuing institution and arrive in our office in a sealed envelopes. If you were provisionally admitted, you must provide official certified, or attested copies of all marksheets, graduation certificates, diplomas or degree certificates needed to fufill the provision of your admission. We strongly reccomend that you obtain copies of the needed documents before leaving your country. If you are provisional for a U.S. final degree granting transcript, or other transcript from a US school, simply order a transcript to be sent to us directly from the Registrar's Office of your previous institution. Documents submitted to the Graduate Admissions Office in support of a graduate application may not be returned or forwarded to another institution. Application documents are destroyed annually.



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Updated : 10/05/2006