GPA for OSU?

I'm currently a junior and I'm really interested in applying to OSU next year. Could anyone tell me the average GPA of admitted students? Also, how flexible are they about this? I mean, can other strong aspects of my application make up for a somewhat lower GPA?

The average GPA of admitted students to Ohio State University (OSU) tends to be quite high, generally around 3.8 on 4.0 scale. That being said, it is important to remember that this is an average, meaning some admitted students have GPAs that are lower, while some have higher.

Flexible admissions does not mean that students with a GPA substantially lower than the average can be admitted without demonstrating other strong aspects in their application. Admission officers at OSU, like at many other universities, do take into account the aspects of each applicant's portfolio in a holistic manner. This means that a somewhat lower GPA can potentially be balanced by other strong elements in your application, such as standout extracurricular activities, excellent letters of recommendation, or a compelling personal essay that effectively showcases your personality, strengths, and ambitions.

If you have displayed serious commitment and leadership in extracurricular activities or have unique personal experiences that you can articulate in your essay, these factors can certainly contribute positively to your application. For instance, if you are a member of a Tier 1 or 2 extracurricular, such as a student body president, or if you have won a national award like a Congressional Art award, these can be impressive to the admissions committee.

However, it's crucial not to underestimate the importance of a solid academic record. Good grades indicate that you are not only prepared for college-level courses, but also that you take your academic responsibilities seriously.

To boost your application, you could also consider applying Early Action, as this has been shown to increase the chance of admissions at many colleges including OSU.

All of these factors combined give a picture of you as a student and as a person, helping the admissions committee determine if you're a good fit for their institution.