Ohio State Orientation

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General information

Program schedule
A tentative overview of orientation activities is outlined below. Times are subject to change. Please note that all sessions are required for students unless listed as optional.

Download a copy of a sample schedule

Day One

Time	Who should attend	Session
7:30-8:45 a.m.	students and family members	Orientation check-in at Morrill Tower 7:30 a.m. arrival required for students who need to complete English or Latin testing*
7:45 a.m.	students	Math testing for students with a "U" score from online mathematics skills assessment
8-9:30 a.m.	students and family members	University resource displays at Drake Performance and Event Center
8 a.m.	students	English testing (for students who have an 18 or lower on the ACT English or a 450 or below on the SAT verbal portion) Latin testing (only for students who took 2 or more years in high school Latin)
9:30 a.m.	students and family members	Opening session
10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.	students	Groups led by Orientation Leaders: Doing Business Buckeye Style Lunch Small group acquaintanceship
10:45-11:45 a.m.	family members	Families Matter
Noon-12:45 p.m.	family members	Family luncheon
12:45-1:45 p.m.	family members	Doing Business Buckeye Style
12:45-1:45 p.m.	students	Viewpoint tours ODI funded student session
2-4 p.m.	students and family members	Academic Advising Sessions (Part I) by area of study; family members' opportunity to interact with academic advisors
various times after academic advising session	students	Optional sessions for students and family members: Foreign language testing Tours BuckID Pre-professional drop-in sessions (pre-Health, pre-Law, pre-Veterinary, pre-Education--availability depends on date) Calculus options and Honors Mathematics opportunities
5 p.m.	students and family members	Dinner service available
6:15 p.m.	students	Student Involvement Session (last required session for students on Day 1)
7:30-10:30 p.m.	students	Evening activities, including: InMotion at the RPAC Moonlight campus tours Orientation Night Live

Day Two

6:45-8:15 a.m.	students and family members	Breakfast service available
8 a.m.	students and family members	Optional information sessions: Office for Disability Services tour Computing 101 ROTC Office of Diversity and Inclusion Bridge Program Honors Scholars
9 a.m.	students and family members	Life Outside of the Classroom
10 a.m.	students	Residence education and commuter discussion sessions for students
10 a.m.	family members	Student life discussions for family members
11:15 a.m.-2:15 p.m.	students only	Academic Advising Appointments and Course Registration (appointment times will be assigned on Day One, students should plan on staying on campus until 3:30 p.m.)
11:15 a.m.-2:15 p.m.	students (if they are not in advising appointments) and family members	Optional activities: Lunch on your own Financial Aid counseling Faculty Club open house Tours of Younkin Success Center Buck-ID center open Career Services Office drop-ins (selected colleges)

Frequently asked questions

How much does orientation cost?
On your first term statement of account, you will be assessed the $50 University Orientation Fee which covers all orientation costs except orientation housing and meals. The cost of orientation housing and a full meals package is $50 per student, payable upon arrival on day one (cash, check, Visa, and Mastercard accepted).
Parking is $12 ($6 per day).

How will I know which orientation program to attend?
Orientation sessions are arranged around academic programs. There are also orientation sessions for Honors students and students involved in the Scholars programs. More information about which program you should attend will arrive with your University Orientation mailing package.

Do I have to take placement tests?
Most students need to take some placement tests before they are able to schedule classes. Testing is offered in mathematics, English, and foreign languages. Please note that, if required, mathematics is to be completed before you attend orientation.

Learn more about placement testing

What if I took Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) tests in high school?
Ohio State awards credit for scores of 3 or higher on AP and IB exams (4 or more on the higher level). Be sure to have an official copy of your scores sent directly to Ohio State, as credit cannot be awarded without an official copy. To request an official copy of your scores, call the AP Office at 1-888-CALL4AP or the IB Office at (301) 202-3000.

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