What is the difference between the Honors Program and the Scholars Program? 
The University Honors Program and the Ohio State Scholars Program are both programs for high ability students interested in joining academically stimulating, small, close-knit communities within the larger OSU community. The University Honors Program, which is open to students in any major, affords students more flexibility in fulfilling course requirements, offers a challenging curriculum, living learning communities and a myriad of opportunities to interact with top faculty. The Ohio State Scholars Program features 15 distinct programs that bring students together around a rather specific academic, career or special interest under the guidance of program coordinators. The Ohio State Scholars Program features clustered courses, living-learning communities and special programs that create ways for participating students to explore and further develop in their fields. The University Honors & Scholars Center oversees both the University Honors Program and the Ohio State Scholars Program here at Ohio State.

Can I be in both the Honors Program and the Scholars Program? 
You cannot initially enroll in both programs as an incoming freshman. The Scholars Program accepts only incoming freshmen who will begin their studies at Ohio State during Autumn Quarter. The Honors Program accepts transfer students as well as current students that have been at Ohio State for at least 2 quarters who meet the requirements in their discipline. Therefore, Scholars students who meet Honors Program criteria after being on campus for 2 quarters may seek Honors affiliation at that time by applying to their college Honors Program.

How do I apply for the Scholars Program? 
Please use the "Apply Now" link above to submit your application to the Ohio State Scholars Program.

How do I know if you have received my Scholars application? Once we receive your application we will acknowledge receipt via email if you provide an email address at the time of application. You can always contact our office if you want to make sure that we have your application. You can email us or you can call us at (614) 292-3135. The Center’s hours are as follows:

• Monday through Thursday: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Why doesn’t the online application ask for my test scores, class rank or GPA? 
The online application does not ask for test scores, class rank or gpa because we access that information from your official high school transcript and test scores that you submit to the university when you apply for admission.

What are the requirements to stay in the Scholars Program? 
In order to remain in good standing in the Scholars Program you must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be an active participant in your particular Scholars Program (i.e., Arts Scholars, Pharmacy Scholars, etc.) by meeting the expectations set by your program coordinators.

How are the Scholars Programs organized? 
The Ohio State Scholars Program is comprised of 15 focused groups. Each Scholars Program has at least one professional staff person that works to coordinate the activities and events designed to enhance each Scholars student’s learning and development in that particular program area.

Do I have to live in a Scholars residence hall if I am admitted to the Scholars Program? 
Yes, you have to live in the residence hall that is specific to your Scholars Program during your first year as a Scholar unless you are commuting to campus from home.

When is the application deadline? 
The deadline to apply to the Scholars Programs is February 2, 2009.

Is there a minimum test score or class rank/GPA to apply? 
There is no minimum set of requirements to be considered for the Scholars Programs. However, competitive applicants generally rank in the top 20% of their graduating high school class and fall into the following test score range: 27-29 ACT composite or 1220-1330 SAT Critical Reading and Math combined scores.  Please note that we will not assess your application unless you are admitted to the university.

When will I know whether I’ve been accepted to one of the programs? 
You will have a decision by the beginning of April.

When will I receive information about orientation? 
Orientation information is mailed to students from the Orientation Office based upon when students pay their $100 acceptance fee to the university. Students begin receiving information packets in early spring that will allow them to schedule orientation dates.

When will I get information about campus housing/selecting my room/who I will live with? 
Housing contracts are mailed from the Housing Office based upon when students pay their $100 acceptance fee to the university. Students may receive housing contracts as early as March and it is this document that students use to indicate the area of campus in which they would prefer to live. Actual housing assignments that specify rooms and roommates are emailed to student’s OSU email address in late August/early September.

Who do I call if I want information about...

• The status of my university application - (614) 292-3980
• The OSU Academy Program - (614) 292-3930
• Orientation - (614) 292-4161
• Housing Contracts/Assignments - (614) 292-8266
• Financial Aid - (614) 292-0300
• Young Scholars - (614) 292-4884
• Morrill Scholars Program (MSP) - (614) 292-0964

How much does it cost to go to Ohio State and are there extra fees to be in the Honors Program or the Scholars Programs?
There are no additional fees associated with being in the Honors Program or one of the Scholars Programs. Please visit http://undergrad.osu.edu/costs.html to learn more about the cost of attending Ohio State.