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Freshman Profile

For the Fall 2021 semester, we received nearly 15,000 applications for an incoming class of just over 2,900. Approximately 70% of the incoming freshman class applied test optional. Of the remaining, the middle 50% of academic credentials for admitted freshman were:

• Weighted GPA: 3.05 - 3.86
• SAT: 1000 - 1210
• ACT: 19 - 26
  

Application Requirements and Recommendations

An application is considered complete once all required items are received.

• ODU Online Application or Common Application
• $50 fee (non-refundable)
• Official High School Transcript (or GED Transcript)*
• SAT/ACT (Official or Self-reported) Scores or Select Test Optional
  
• Strongly recommended (not required): Activity Resume (informs institutional scholarship matches), Letter(s) of Recommendation, and Personal Statement

*Official transcripts are defined as those sent directly from the high school or selected electronic service to Old Dominion University. Transcripts emailed from the student to ODU are not acceptable.

Let's Talk Tests

SAT/ACT

Although no longer an application requirement, students are encouraged to submit the results of either or both examinations if they deem their scores as increasing the competitiveness of their application.

Self-reported Scores

Students who have taken either the SAT or ACT may self-report those scores at the time of application. Students must validate their scores when confirming intent to enroll at ODU. Inconsistent scores may result in a change to merit-based scholarship amounts.

Test Optional

ODU's Test-Optional program allows freshman applicants seeking first-time entry to the university the option to be considered for admission without regard to SAT or ACT results whether the applicant took the exam or not. The selection of Test-Optional does not guarantee admission to the university. There is no minimum GPA requirement; however, applicants with a 3.3 or greater GPA are eligible for merit-based scholarship consideration.

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Scholarships - Merit, Institutional and Endowed

Merit-based Awards

All freshman applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships regardless of need. Review criteria include GPA, test scores (official or self-reported), or test-optional with a minimum 3.3 GPA. Awards are categorized as In-state (Monarch) or Out-of-State (Leo) and are:

• Distributed by the Office of Admissions and may be subject to revisions due to changes in residency (in-state vs. out-of-state) or official test scores that do not validate the applicant's self-reported scores.
• Renewable if the stated renewable criteria (minimum GPA and hours completed) are met.

Institutional, Endowed Awards

New, incoming freshman students can identify institutional scholarship interest by selecting "Yes" on the institutional scholarship section of the admissions application. Students may choose from various categories relative to their interests, accomplishments, activities, service, leadership, clubs, and more. Students are also strongly encouraged to submit an activity resume highlighting their high school involvements and experiences - curricular and non - for thorough consideration.

The Office of Student Financial Aid processes all institutional and endowed scholarships with awards made to eligible incoming first-year students beginning early April. Award types and award amounts are subject to availability.