Are the stories true?

Hello! I am a senior and I recently applied a few weeks ago. I’m eagerly waiting to here back about a decision, however, many people have told me that I shouldn’t count on being accepted. I’ve heard a lot of stories of people with high scores getting turned away and I am terrified of that happening to me. I’m planning on majoring in Architecture. I have a 32 on the ACT and a 3.95 weighted GPA. I am President of my class, an officer of National Honor Society, and a member of National Art Honor Society. I’m in the marching band at my high school and I do other extra circulars. I have done summer programs at this school and other universities for college credit as well. Even with all this, my counselor said that I shouldn’t be too confident about getting accepted and should look at other schools. Is she right? Is it really this competitive??

Everyone should have a safety school or two. You aren’t an exception.

I do have safety schools and I comprehend that I am not special. I’m extremely concerned about the fact that I’ve heard about people getting in with every combination of score, gpa, and extracurricular possible. I am just trying to hear a realistic answer, because so far, I haven’t been able to really get one.

I think you are overreacting to what your counselor and others are telling you. With those stats, you have a pretty good shot to get into OSU, but by no means do you, or anyone else, have a 100% chance of getting accepted. With that said, your counselor just wants you to look into safety schools if by chance you don’t get accepted. Look at this thread for seniors applying to OSU: http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/ohio-state-university-columbus/2107811-admissions-decisions-class-of-2023-p1.html

The reality is that you can never have any idea of who else is applying, or exactly what they’re looking for from one year to the next.

So, yes, I suspect the stories are true-- for every college in the country.

That’s the realistic answer.

If Architecture is a direct admit program, then you need to apply to several schools; if not, then you should be accepted to Ohio State based on your stats.

Ohio State looks at unweighted GPA’s. Your ACT score is excellent. They will also look at class rank and strength of schedule. Are you an in-state student? If you are in-state and not accepted to main campus, you may be given the option to attend one of Ohio State’s Regional campuses, and then you may transfer to main campus. If you look on the website, there are approximately 10 areas they consider when reviewing applications. Are you a first generation college student (neither parent graduated from college?). Your essays may contain details that impress the folks making admission decisions. There are many factors being considered. They are looking to create a diverse class. Remain hopeful but also have a plan B in place, as well. All the best to you!

You are fine unless you are applying to art or something. Good luck

Thank you! I’m out of state, so I’m a little anxious because i don’t really have that option. thanks for the help tho!

Being an out of state student significantly helps your chances. There’s no guarantees, but you’ll more than likely get it.

@posie15. Public universities typically favor their own in-state applicants over OOS. For example, last year, 2/3 of accepted students throughout the OSU system were in-state

http://enrollmentservices.osu.edu/report.pdf

@arylide - for this reason, you should apply to in state options as well. Also, in state publics are generally less expensive than OOS publics.

Do you know your unweighted GPA? If you want your chances weighed, that’s important information to provide.

Best of luck to you!