For High School Counselors

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: 3.4
• SAT: 1030 - 1230
• ACT: 19 - 27

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-reporting Test Scores

Self-reported test scores are welcome but are not used in the admission decision process. Applications that include self-reported scores will be reviewed for admission based solely on GPA or GPA + official scores if submitted and received before a decision is rendered. Once the admission and scholarship offers are made, official test scores (original or updated) must be included in any merit-based scholarship increase appeal.

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.

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. (Undergraduate Admission)

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.