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November 1st is ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s application deadline for Early Decision and Early Action I.

• If you decide to apply for Early Decision, it is binding- meaning admitted students are contractually obligated to withdraw applications from other institutions and accept their ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú admission offer. Submit ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú's Early Decision Agreement [PDF] by Nov. 1.  Decision notifications are sent Dec. 1.
• If you decide to apply for Early Action I, it is non-binding- meaning admitted students are not contractually obligated to ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú. Decision notifications are sent Dec. 15.

December 1st is ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s application deadline for Early Action II and the Priority and Firm Scholarship Opportunities and Grants.

• If you decide to apply for Early Action II, it is non-binding- meaning admitted students are not contractually obligated to ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú. Decision notifications are sent Feb. 1.
• Priority Deadline:
  • Most of ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s merit scholarships.
  • Our most competitive opportunities, such as the Honors College, nursing, and majors within the Farmer School of Business.
• Firm Deadline:
  • The Presidential Fellows Program, our most selective merit scholarship.

February 1st is the deadline for the Regular Decision Application as well as the (FAFSA).

Applying to ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University through the Early Action process increases your chances of admission, merit scholarships, and acceptance into competitive programs. You’ll also receive an admission decision earlier than if you apply through Regular Decision. If you're not admitted during Early Action, your application will still be considered under the Regular Decision timeline.

ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú offers many resources to assist students with financial aid.  Use the Oxford campus student aid calculator for a preliminary estimate of federal and institutional financial aid eligibility. Estimates are based on median amounts of grant and scholarship aid awarded to first-year students. To apply for financial aid, (FAFSA) by Feb. 15.

ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú offers merit scholarships to qualified high school students who enroll full-time on ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú's Oxford campus beginning in the fall semester. Students will be considered based on scholarship availability at the time they apply. Dec. 1 is the priority application deadline to be considered for ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú's merit scholarships. ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú does not require the submission of ACT or SAT test scores for first-year students applying for enrollment.

• Ohio Governor's Scholarship
  • Ohio residents who apply for admission by Dec. 1 are automatically considered for ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s Ohio Governor’s Scholarship. This award covers full tuition and general fees for a top student from each of Ohio’s 88 counties. Course fees are not covered by this scholarship.
• Choose Ohio First Scholarship
  • The Choose Ohio First Scholarship is designed to significantly strengthen Ohio’s competitiveness within STEM disciplines and to increase the number of STEM teachers. Opportunities are available through the College of Arts and Science, the College of Engineering and Computing, and the College of Education, Health, and Society, for students studying engineering, data and science, health sciences, and other STEM areas.
• Honors College
  • When applying for admission, students may indicate their interest in the Honors College, which features the Presidential Fellows Program (PFP), a highly competitive scholarship for fifteen top students in the Honors College per year that covers tuition, fees, housing, and food and includes a $5,000 academic enrichment stipend, and the Prodesse Scholarship, a $1,000-$2,000 award for top students admitted to the Honors College who aren't also Presidential Fellows.

1. Apply Early for Maximum Consideration
   • Early Action Deadline: December 1
   • Applying by this date gives you the best chance for merit scholarships, honors program invitations, and competitive program consideration (like Nursing or Business Honors).
   • Regular Decision Deadline: February 1Have a Strong Academic Record
2. ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú uses a holistic review, but your GPA and course rigor matter most.
   • Take challenging classes (honors, AP, IB, dual enrollment) where possible.
   • The middle 50% of admitted students typically have a 3.5–4.1 weighted GPA.
3. Submit Optional Test Scores Strategically
   • ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú is test-optional, but submitting SAT/ACT scores can still help—especially for merit aid or competitive majors—if they’re strong.
     • Mid-range: ACT 26–31 | SAT 1200–1370
   • You can indicate different test score choices for admission vs. scholarships.
4. Write a Compelling Personal Essay
   • Use the Common App personal statement to show:
   • Who you are beyond your grades and scores
   • What drives you
   • How you’ll contribute to ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s community
   • Be authentic and reflective—not just impressive.
5. Get a Strong Letter of Recommendation
   • While only one letter is required, make sure it's from someone who knows your work well (usually a teacher or counselor).
   • They should speak to your character, leadership, growth, and academic ability.
6. Highlight Involvement, ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉúhip, and Service
   • ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú looks for well-rounded students.
   • Emphasize:
     • Extracurricular activities
     • Volunteer/service work
     • ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉúhip roles (clubs, sports, jobs, family responsibilities)
     • Teacher academy participation (if applicable)
7. Connect with ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Through Visits or Info Sessions
   • Visiting campus or attending virtual events shows demonstrated interest.
   • These interactions won’t make or break your application, but can:
     • Help you write a better “Why ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú?” essay
     • Show you’re serious about attending
8. Consider Honors and Special ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú
   • ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú like the Honors College, Prodesse Scholars, or TEACh Cincinnati require separate or supplemental applications—often due by December 1.
   • These programs often offer:
     • Priority registration
     • Special seminars
     • Additional scholarship opportunities
9. Final Tip:
   • Be yourself and tell your story clearly. ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú is looking for students who are ready to thrive in a rigorous academic environment and contribute to a vibrant, inclusive campus culture.