Ohio State University has issued a statement on the reinstatement of ACT/SAT test requirements for all first-year undergraduate applicants to its Columbus campus, starting from the 2026 admissions cycle.

Ohio State News reported that the action comes after a thorough analysis of student success metrics throughout the test-optional pilot at the university, which was initiated in 2020 to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Test-optional admissions' effects on students' academic performance and outcomes were evaluated by the university through the pilot.

Students with higher grade point averages and greater advancement through the university were doing better academically, according to Ohio State's research. This data informed the decision to reinstate the test requirement.

According to Ohio State News, Executive Vice President and Provost Ravi V. Bellamkonda stated, "Our goal is to find and admit students who will succeed at Ohio State. At our university, test results offer important insight into academic success."

The university explained that scores on the test will be one part of an overall review process, combined with other admissions factors. The overall approach is to try to gain a full view of each individual's potential.

The restored test requirement pertains only to first-year undergraduate applicants to Ohio State's Columbus campus. Ohio residents will have open access to Ohio State ATI and regional campuses, and test scores will not be taken into account for admission.