What is the difference between the Honors Program and the Scholars Program?
The University Honors Program and the Ohio State Scholars Program are specialized programs for high ability students interested in joining academically stimulating, close-knit communities within the larger Ohio State community.

Features of the University Honors Program include the following:

• Open to students in any of Ohio State’s 160+ majors
• Offers a challenging curriculum with opportunities to conduct research
• Learning community option within the designated Honors residence halls
• Myriad of opportunities to interact with top faculty, both inside and outside of the classroom

• Open to students in any of Ohio State’s 160+ majors
• 14 distinct programs that bring students together around a theme rather than a specific academic interest
• Scholars students are required to live in designated residence halls during their first year
• Special activities centered around the theme of the specific Scholars Program that create ways for students to explore and develop in their fields

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’s Columbus campus during the autumn quarter. Incoming freshmen who meet the criteria for the Honors Program are not eligible to apply to the Scholars Program.

The Honors Program accepts transfer students as well as current students who have been at Ohio State for at least 2 quarters and meet the requirements in their college. 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’s Honors Program. 

How is the Honors Program organized?
The University Honors & Scholars Center is the administrative hub of the University Honors Program at Ohio State and works closely with the College Honors Programs in which students are enrolled. Although these programs vary, the features of the Honors Program that are common to all Honors students include:

• Ability to take Honors courses
• Opportunity to live in Honors residence halls
• Encouragement to pursue original research with faculty
• Access to the programming and staff of the University Honors & Scholars Center
• University priority scheduling

When will I get information about campus housing, selecting my room, and learning who my roommate is?
Housing contracts are sent via email from the Housing Office based upon when students pay their $100 acceptance fee to Ohio State. 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. Students can also preference a space in an Honors residence hall or note their interest in living with someone that they already know. Actual housing assignments that specify rooms and roommates are sent to students’ Ohio State email address in late August/early September. 

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. 

How do transfer students get into the Honors Program?
Students transferring from other institutions should consult their intended college in which they plan to be enrolled for Honors admissions information. Click here for more information.

Do I have to live in an Honors residence hall if I am admitted to the Honors Program?
No, you do not have to live in an Honors residence hall if you are admitted to the program. However, the majority of our incoming freshmen choose to live in an Honors residence hall. 

Can I be guaranteed a space in an Honors residence hall?
No, Housing assignments are made based upon the date when students submit their residence hall contracts online. 

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 Ohio State. Students begin receiving information packets in early spring that will allow them to schedule orientation dates. 

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 

What is the Maximus Competition and how do I sign up for it?
The Maximus Competition is an essay writing competition for selected students. Maximus Scholars have, at minimum, a 32 ACT composite or 1420 SAT (Math and Critical Reading) AND rank in the top 3% of their graduating high school class. If you are invited to compete, you will receive information about registering in late December/early January.