Can I pay tuition before coming to Ohio State or immediately upon arrival?
No, it is not possible to pay tuition until after registering for classes. Please do not send a tuition payment until you have registered for classes. You will not be able to register for classes until after you have checked in with the Office of International Affairs.
Do I have to take the English placement test?
Virtually all non-native English speakers are required to take a written English composition placement test when they arrive at Ohio State. You may be exempt from this requirement if you:
- score 650 (280 on the computer-based version) or higher on the TOEFL
- score 95 or higher on the MELAB
- score at least 610 (253 on the computer-based version) on the TOEFL and score 5.0 on the Test of Written English (TWE) or Essay or at least 90 on the MELAB and 90 on the writing subscore
- were previously enrolled in an academic program at Ohio State
Your scores on the placement test will determine whether you must take one or more special English courses concurrently with a reduced academic course load. English as a Second Language courses cannot be used as credit towards a degree.
Do I have to take the mathematics skills assessment?
Most undergraduate students have to take the math skills assessment online prior to orientation. Get more information at the Math Skills Assessment Information web site, including sample questions.
What does it mean to be provisionally admitted?
Many students are admitted to The Ohio State University with the stipulation that certain documents must be received by Undergraduate Admissions before the first day of classes in the first quarter of enrollment. If you have been admitted provisionally, you applied to Ohio State before you completed your studies at your previous institution. Your admission status will remain provisional until we receive an official final transcript from every previous institution which you attended. You may send the required document(s) before coming to Ohio State or bring them to Undergraduate Admissions once you arrive on campus.
If you are unable to provide the required documents before your first quarter at Ohio State, please have your home institution provide a letter indicating why your documents are unavailable and when they will become available. Failure to submit the documents may affect your ability to enroll.
Can I remove Ohio State health insurance from my bill?
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. If you have other insurance and you wish to have the Ohio State insurance charge waived, then you must contact the Office of International Affairs to determine whether the coverage provided is adequate. Go to OIA's Health Insurance web page.
How do I arrange airport pick-up?
It is very easy to reach campus from the airport by taxi or via the public bus system (COTA). The Office of International Affairs offers advice on how to get to campus.
What should I do when I arrive on campus?
International students who arrive in Columbus on a weekday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. should first go to the Office of International Affairs (OIA). OIA is located on the first floor of Oxley Hall, 1712 Neil Avenue, in Columbus. If you have further questions, e-mail OIA at iss@oia.osu.edu.
When should I arrive on campus?
If students hold an F-1 visa, they can arrive on campus no earlier than 30 days prior to the first day of classes. Many students find it helpful to schedule their arrival date in relation to the orientation they want to attend.
Should I bring health 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 Office of International Affairs (OIA), there is a scheduled international health screening at the Wilce Student Health Center. For more information, visit OIA's helpful points web page. If you have further questions, e-mail OIA at iss@oia.osu.edu.
What are some hotels in The Ohio State University area?
Ohio State's Visit Campus web site includes a list of hotel accommodations.
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