ou essay requirements

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

How to Write the University of Oklahoma Essays 2021-2022

The University of Oklahoma (OU) is a large public research university in Norman, Oklahoma. OU has an active student body and is known for its competitive football team and strong campus community. 

Any student hoping to be a Sooner is required to respond to one of the Common Application Essay Prompts . Additionally, on your OU application you will see the optional scholarship section. Answering these scholarship questions—which address the topics of leadership, community service, and career interests—will put you in the running for a variety of scholarships that can help out with the cost of attendance.

Want to know your chances at OU before getting started? Calculate your chances for free right now.

University of Oklahoma Scholarship Prompts

Prompt 1: The University of Oklahoma believes strongly in educating leaders of communities in Oklahoma, as well as across the country and the world. Please share your leadership experiences and why they are important to you. (650 words)

Prompt 2: The University of Oklahoma is the home of a vibrant, diverse and compassionate University community that is often referred to as “the OU family.” Please describe your cultural and community service activities and why you chose to participate in them. (650 words)

Prompt 3: What is your career area of interest, and why do you have a desire to work in this particular field? (650 words)

The University of Oklahoma believes strongly in educating leaders of communities in Oklahoma, as well as across the country and the world. Please share your leadership experiences and why they are important to you. (650 words)

These essays have high word counts, which means they have potential for greatness, but also means that you need to stay focused and organized. 

Start by brainstorming your leadership experiences. Common responses include holding a leadership position in a school organization or being captain of a school team, but keep in mind that the word “leadership” can encompass many other experiences. The admissions committee will be drawn to students who are leaders inside and outside of the classroom, so try including examples of both!

A leadership experience can include any time you “took the initiative” or served as a positive role model for your community (at your church, at your after-school job, at a place you volunteer, or in your apartment complex or neighborhood). Some examples:

• You noticed that the students at your school weren’t properly identifying recyclable materials and printed posters explaining the difference between trash, recycling and compost
• You heard some girls talking about how their homes are loud and they have nowhere to study and organized a Tuesday night study group at the coffee shop down the street from your school
• You have been a VBS counselor for eight years and one of your students made you a card with all the reasons they want to be like you when they grow up
• Your apartment complex wasn’t accessible to your neighbor’s mother who uses a wheelchair so you wrote your landlord a letter and got automatically-opening doors installed 

After figuring out what experiences you want to talk about, you need to find a way to organize your essay. This might take a few tries and some creativity!

One way to organize your essay is to center it around one or two defining values. Ask yourself: why do I value leadership? Some examples of centering your essay around values could include writing about:

• How you feel it is important to give back to your community. You could discuss your experiences as a charity organizer and as the director of your school’s peer mentoring program.
• How leaders are important for creating positive work environments. You could describe the open forums you led for your school’s advisory board.
• How leaders are important for making sure things run efficiently. You could share the ways you delegated tasks when leading your school’s robotics team to nationals, as well as the system you organized at work that allows coworkers to easily trade shifts.

Another option is to organize your essay through a central anecdote. This is valuable if one of your examples is stronger than the others because you can focus on one experience and use the others as supporting evidence. This could look like:

• Sharing your experience as a camp counselor and how, when you noticed your campers uninterested in the camp’s activities, you integrated activities you learned at the daycare you worked at to keep them interested
• Writing about your experience as the captain of the school’s swim team and how, when interpersonal drama started affecting the team, you used the skills you learned working on a restaurant staff to help your team learn to separate personal life from work life

If you are really stuck, you might want to spend some time thinking about the qualities of a good leader, then thinking about how you can show admissions officers that you embody those qualities. Some qualities of a good leader include:

• Having strong communication skills
• Knowing how to utilize the strengths of your team
• Creating a positive working environment for others
• Showing compassion
• Looking for opportunities to grow
• Being committed to inclusive and ethical practices

If the university selects you for a leadership scholarship, they are saying that you represent the university’s value of leadership. Make sure to present your leadership experiences as fundamental to your identity and leave them thinking “now that’s someone who really sees the value of being a good leader!”

The University of Oklahoma is the home of a vibrant, diverse and compassionate University community that is often referred to as “the OU family.” Please describe your cultural and community service activities and why you chose to participate in them. (650 words)

Responding to this prompt will put you in the running for community service-based scholarships, so you should try to show admissions officers that you have been extensively involved in community service and are passionate about it. While this essay invites students to explore cultural activities, it is important to make sure you ultimately bring your essay back to ideas of service .

In the same way that “leadership” can be broadly-defined, “community” can be broadly defined. Your community can be your neighborhood, your school, a sports team, a cultural community, a church body, or any other group. You have freedom to stretch this prompt and talk about unconventional ways that you have served unconventional communities—maybe you help the elderly people in your apartment bring their groceries upstairs or you take candy to the altar boys at church on Sundays. 

That being said, it will also be valuable to ground your essay with some examples of typical community service. These include:

• Being involved with an in-school community service organization
• Volunteering outside of school at a local community service organization
• Participating in events that involve giving back to your community
• Identifying the needs of your community and taking the initiative to satisfy those needs

As you identify the ways you give back to your community, you may start to see a central theme emerge. Students often get involved with things they care about, so lean into those themes and show your passion around them.

For example, a student who is part of a cultural assembly at their school might also be involved with activism regarding racial equity. A different student might be involved with the feminist club at their school and volunteer at Planned Parenthood on the weekends. Identifying a theme like racial justice, women’s rights, animal activism, sustainability, or decreasing the suffering of poverty can lead to a structured and compelling essay. (Though, keep in mind that OU is a more moderate school, and plan your essay accordingly).

If you don’t notice themes that connect your community service experiences, try focusing on your values or organizing your essay around an anecdote about a formative experience serving your community or the origin story of how you became involved with community service.

The goal of this essay is to position yourself as dedicated to community service and passionate about the community that you serve, so write with intensity and make sure your essay shows how much you really care.

What is your career area of interest, and why do you have a desire to work in this particular field? (650 words)

Only students whose majors offer major-specific scholarships will have the opportunity to answer this prompt. The prompt may or may not appear in your scholarship section depending on the academic preferences you list in your application. 

If you do have this prompt, your first step should be identifying your career area of interest and making sure that it connects to your future major and the academic preferences you indicated. With a deeply personal prompt like this one, it is important to identify your initial responses to the question: why do you have a desire to work in your particular field? 

Some other questions that might help guide you include:

• When did you first become interested in your chosen field?
• What part of your future career gets you excited?
• What do you value that aligns with the values of your future field?
• Why do you think your career will make you happy?
• What is your dream job?
• What do you picture when you picture your future career?

One of OU’s essay writing tips is to “Be Open, Be Honest.” This advice is particularly important for this prompt. While you should be honest about your passions and motivations, there are some answers you should avoid when responding to this prompt. Do not write about financial stability. Do not write about job security. Write about your passions, your interests, your curiosities. If you write about aspects of your future career that excite you and the stories behind them, your passion will shine through. Just be sure to tie in your personal experiences, as it can be easy to write a general essay about the benefits of this career, which doesn’t tell admissions officers more about you . 

An easy format for this essay would be to start with an anecdote, include some reflection, and look towards the future. For example, a student who wants to be a teacher might share an experience where they were really struggling in school because of their family’s financial instability, but their English teacher went out of her way to check in, provide resources to help meet basic needs, and advocate for the student when administration wanted to fail them. The student could share how they later went on to get an A and become an English tutor. From there, they could discuss how they feel it’s important for teachers to understand barriers to education and nurture students where they are. That’s why this student wants to become a teacher in a high-need area and eventually create educational policy to support low-income students.

Another potential format is to envision yourself in your future career. What will your day look like? What will you be doing, what will you be feeling, and how will you be making a difference? How did you get here, and why did you work towards this goal?

Of course, you can use any format that suits you as long as your career interest and reasons for pursuing that career are clear. For this prompt, you have complete freedom to show your passion! 

Where to Get Your OU Essays Edited for Free

If you’ve already written your OU scholarship essays, it is time to get them edited. Having peers read your essays will help you to identify areas for improvement and, ultimately, will help you maximize your chances of getting a scholarship at OU. By creating a free CollegeVine account , you will have access to CollegeVine resources like our free peer-review service. We also recently added a paid expert option with College Essay Guy’s team.

We’re here to help you put your best foot forward and feel prepared throughout this application season—because we know how overwhelming it can get.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

University of Oklahoma (OU) Requirements for Admission

Choose your test.

What are University of Oklahoma (OU)'s admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

• GPA requirements
• Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
• Application requirements

In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into University of Oklahoma (OU) and build a strong application.

School location: Norman, OK

This school is also known as: OU, University of Oklahoma

Admissions Rate: 72.9%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at University of Oklahoma (OU) is 72.9% . For every 100 applicants, 73 are admitted.

This means the school is lightly selective . The school will have their expected requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores. If you meet their requirements, you're almost certain to get an offer of admission. But if you don't meet University of Oklahoma (OU)'s requirements, you'll be one of the unlucky few people who gets rejected.

We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies . We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools , from state colleges to the Ivy League.

We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools.

Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.

University of Oklahoma (OU) GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 3.67

The average GPA at University of Oklahoma (OU) is 3.67 .

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.

With a GPA of 3.67, University of Oklahoma (OU) requires you to be above average in your high school class. You'll need at least a mix of A's and B's, with more A's than B's. You can compensate for a lower GPA with harder classes, like AP or IB classes. This will show that you're able to handle more difficult academics than the average high school student.

If you're currently a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3.67, you'll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate . This will help you compete effectively against other applicants who have higher GPAs than you.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

University of Oklahoma (OU) hasn't explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, but because it's published average SAT or ACT scores (we'll cover this next), it's likely test flexible. Typically, these schools say, "if you feel your SAT or ACT score represents you well as a student, submit them. Otherwise, don't."

Despite this policy, the truth is that most students still take the SAT or ACT, and most applicants to University of Oklahoma (OU) will submit their scores. If you don't submit scores, you'll have one fewer dimension to show that you're worthy of being admitted, compared to other students. We therefore recommend that you consider taking the SAT or ACT, and doing well.

University of Oklahoma (OU) SAT Requirements

Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school's average score.

Average SAT: 1210

The average SAT score composite at University of Oklahoma (OU) is a 1210 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes University of Oklahoma (OU) Competitive for SAT test scores.

University of Oklahoma (OU) SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1130, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1320. In other words, a 1130 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1320 will move you up to above average .

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SAT Score Choice Policy

The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.

University of Oklahoma (OU) has the Score Choice policy of "Contact School."

This means that the school wants you to contact them to learn more about their Score Choice policies. Keep reading - we may have extra notes about this from our own expert research.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

University of Oklahoma (OU) ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, University of Oklahoma (OU) likely doesn't have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.

Average ACT: 26

The average ACT score at University of Oklahoma (OU) is 26. This score makes University of Oklahoma (OU) Moderately Competitive for ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 23, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 29.

Even though University of Oklahoma (OU) likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 23 or below, you'll have a harder time getting in, unless you have something else impressive in your application.

ACT Score Sending Policy

If you're taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.

Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.

This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 23 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you're happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.

ACT Superscore Policy

By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.

We weren't able to find the school's exact ACT policy, which most likely means that it does not Superscore. Regardless, you can choose your single best ACT score to send in to University of Oklahoma (OU), so you should prep until you reach our recommended target ACT score of 23.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and ACT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

University of Oklahoma (OU) considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

Final Admissions Verdict

Because this school is lightly selective, you have a great shot at getting in, as long as you don't fall well below average . Aim for a 1130 SAT or a 23 ACT or higher, and you'll almost certainly get an offer of admission. As long as you meet the rest of the application requirements below, you'll be a shoo-in.

But if you score below our recommended target score, you may be one of the very few unlucky people to get rejected.

Admissions Calculator

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are. Pick your test: SAT ACT

• 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
• 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
• 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
• 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
• 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in

How would your chances improve with a better score?

Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?

At PrepScholar, we've created the leading online SAT/ACT prep program . We guarantee an improvement of 160 SAT points or 4 ACT points on your score, or your money back.

Here's a summary of why we're so much more effective than other prep programs:

• PrepScholar customizes your prep to your strengths and weaknesses . You don't waste time working on areas you already know, so you get more results in less time.
• We guide you through your program step-by-step so that you're never confused about what you should be studying. Focus all your time learning, not worrying about what to learn.
• Our team is made of national SAT/ACT experts . PrepScholar's founders are Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers . You'll be studying using the strategies that actually worked for them.
• We've gotten tremendous results with thousands of students across the country. Read about our score results and reviews from our happy customers .

There's a lot more to PrepScholar that makes it the best SAT/ACT prep program. Click to learn more about our program , or sign up for our 5-day free trial to check out PrepScholar for yourself:

Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We'll cover the exact requirements of University of Oklahoma (OU) here.

Application Requirements Overview

• Common Application Accepted, supplemental forms required
• Electronic Application None
• Essay or Personal Statement Required for all freshmen
• Letters of Recommendation 1
• Interview Not required
• Application Fee $40
• Fee Waiver Available? Available
• Other Notes 15

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT Considered if submitted
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
• SAT Subject Tests
• Scores Due in Office April 30

Coursework Requirements

• Subject Required Years
• Foreign Language
• Social Studies 1
• Electives 2

Deadlines and Early Admissions

• Offered? Deadline Notification
• Yes February 1 September 1
• Yes November 1

Admissions Office Information

• Address: 660 Norman, OK 73019-0390
• Phone: (405) 325-0311 x0311
• Fax: (405) 325-7124
• Email: [email protected]

Our Expert's Notes

We did more detailed research into this school's admissions process and found the following information:

• You have an ACT Composite of 30 or higher OR a SAT Critical Reading and Mathematics Total of 1330 or higher (not superscored).
• You have an unweighted high school GPA of 3.75 OR rank in the top 10% of graduates of your high school class.

Scholarship consideration is automatic, but you must turn in your application by February 1st to be considered. Learn more about scholarships. In addition, the University of Oklahoma has the greatest amount of National Merit Scholars of any university in the country. For more info on the benefits National Merit Scholars receive, see this page.

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in University of Oklahoma (OU), you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. We've divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to University of Oklahoma (OU).

Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than University of Oklahoma (OU). If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

If you're competitive for University of Oklahoma (OU), these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for University of Oklahoma (OU), you should have no problem getting into these schools. If University of Oklahoma (OU) is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.

If You Liked Our Advice...

Our experts have written hundreds of useful articles on improving your SAT score and getting into college. You'll definitely find something useful here.

Subscribe to our newsletter to get FREE strategies and guides sent to your email. Learn how to ace the SAT with exclusive tips and insights that we share with our private newsletter subscribers.

You should definitely follow us on social media . You'll get updates on our latest articles right on your feed. Follow us on all of our social networks:

• OU Homepage
• OU Social Media
• The University of Oklahoma

Office of Admissions & Recruitment

Jeff Blahnik Vice President for Division of Enrollment Management; Executive Director of Admissions & Recruitment

Office of Admissions & Recruitment Jacobson Hall 550 Parrington Oval, Room L-1 Norman, OK 73019 Phone: (405) 325-2151 [email protected] www.ou.edu/admissions

Undergraduate Admission

The admissions process at the University of Oklahoma seeks to identify applicants who will successfully complete a college preparatory academic program and contribute to the diverse intellectual, cultural and social environment of the University. The University of Oklahoma welcomes inquiries regarding admission requirements and application procedures. The Office of Admissions & Recruitment assists prospective undergraduate students — both freshman and transfer — with the admissions process by providing information on admission requirements, financial aid, scholarship opportunities, housing, and student life. This office also serves as a visitor information center and provides tours of the campus to prospective students, their families, and other university guests.

Application Deadlines

Freshman application deadlines.

Undergraduate, U.S. citizens, and permanent residents applying for freshman admission should submit applications as early as possible (please refer to When To Apply), but applications must be received by the Office of Admissions & Recruitment by the following dates:

• February 1 - summer session
• February 1 - fall semester
• November 1 - spring semester

See Freshman Admissions for more information.

International Students applying for freshman admission must also observe the following deadlines to submit application support materials:

• March 15 - summer session
• April 15 - fall semester
• November 15 - spring semester

See International Undergraduate Admission for more information.

Transfer Application Deadlines

Undergraduate, U.S. citizens and permanent residents applying for transfer admission:

• April 1 - summer session
• June 1 - fall semester

See Transfer Admissions for more details.

International students applying for transfer admission:

• April 1 - fall semester
• September 1 - spring semester
• March 1 - summer session
• May 31 - fall semester

See International Undergraduate Admission for more information. International students are considered to be those applicants who require a temporary, non-immigrant United States visa or immigration status. Students who have established permanent resident status in the United States are not considered international students.

Credentials

To be considered for admission, applicants must submit official and complete academic credentials.

Applicants may not disregard any part of their educational history, and failure to report all institutions previously attended will be cause for cancellation of the admissions process or for dismissal. All credentials submitted for admission to the University of Oklahoma become the property of the University and will not be returned or released.

Application Fee

Applicants to the University of Oklahoma must pay a non-refundable application-processing fee.

Resident Status

All applicants are classified as resident or non-resident for purposes of admission and tuition based on information provided on the application for admission. Applicants may be required to submit evidence to substantiate their claim to resident classification.

A uniform policy concerning resident status exists for all state-supported institutions of higher education in Oklahoma. See the OU In-State/Out-of-State Tuition Policy for resident status information.

Questions concerning resident status should be directed to the Office of Admissions and Recruitment, (405) 325-2151.

English Proficiency

All new applicants to the University for whom English is a second language, including those holding permanent resident status, are required to present evidence of proficiency in the English language prior to admission. The intent of this policy is to ensure that students for whom English is not a native language have a reasonable chance to succeed academically based on their ability to comprehend and use spoken and written English.

Undergraduate applicants may satisfy the English proficiency requirement in one of several ways which are stated in English Proficiency section on the International Undergraduate Admission web page.

Admission of Freshmen

How to apply.

Apply online through the Common Application , Apply Coalition with Scoir , or the OU Application and submit the following credentials:

• Official high school transcript reflecting at least six semesters of work completed
• Self-reported ACT and/or SAT scores; official copies of ACT and/or SAT scores will be required at a later date for all who enroll (optional)
• Letter of Recommendation (optional)
• An official transcript from any collegiate institution you have attended as a concurrently enrolled/dual credit student
• Official copies of any AP or CLEP test scores

When to Apply

Prospective students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible after August 1 at the start of their senior year of high school in order to maximize opportunities for housing, financial aid, scholarships, and early enrollment. The OU application for incoming freshmen opens on August 1.  The University of Oklahoma has an early action application date of November 1 ; students applying by November 1 are given priority consideration for admission, housing, financial aid, scholarships, and enrollment.

Criteria for Admission of Freshmen

To be considered for admission to the University of Oklahoma, applicants:

• Must not have completed seven or more semester hours of college-level work after graduating high school (six hours or fewer is allowed).
• Must have graduated from an accredited or unaccredited high school*.

*Applicants who have received a General Education Development (GED) or are home-schooled will also be considered. Your high school class must have graduated by the time you plan to enter OU.

Applicants will be considered for admission using a holistic review and selection process which considers several factors that predict academic success (i.e. high school grade point average, high school course rigor, academic engagement, writing ability, leadership, and ACT/SAT scores if reported). The University of Oklahoma is test optional for admissions purposes. See requirements and other factors for admission decisions for more information.

Admission requirements are subject to change annually by the University of Oklahoma with the approval of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, when it is determined to be in the best interest of the University and its students to do so. If it becomes necessary to limit enrollment, preference will be given to residents of Oklahoma. For the most current information on admission requirements, contact Admissions & Recruitment, (405) 325-2151 or visit the Admissions website .

Minimum High School Performance

Because success in college is enhanced by solid academic preparation in high school, completion of the following courses in high school is required before entering the University.

• English — four units: Grammar, composition, and literature only.
• College Preparatory Mathematics — three units of prep math (four recommended): algebra I, algebra II, geometry, trigonometry, math analysis, calculus, or Advanced Placement statistics.
• Laboratory Science — three units (four recommended): Does not include general science, with or without a lab. One year of principles of technology may substitute for one of the lab science courses, provided that the student also completes two traditional laboratory science courses.
• History and Citizenship Skills — three units: One unit must be American history and two additional units selected from the subjects of history, economics, geography, government, or non-western culture.
• Additional Subjects — two units: from any of the subjects previously listed or computer science or world language. Two years of the same world language will satisfy the University's language general education requirement. Any AP course not already used to satisfy the curricular units mentioned previously may be used to satisfy the two additional units except AP courses in Studio Art or International English. Coursework in music, art, drama, or speech is also recommended.

Adult Admission

Applicants who are 21 years of age or older or on active military duty may be considered under the Adult Admission category. Careful attention will be given to an applicant’s written comments concerning background and educational goals, personal interviews, as well as letters of recommendation from school counselors, teachers, principals, employers, or supervisors attesting to the applicant’s motivation and potential for academic success. An applicant’s academic record will also be reviewed for completion of the high school curricular requirements. Students admitted under the Adult Admission category must demonstrate proficiency to the satisfaction of the entering institution in the curricular area the student desires to pursue. Prospective students should contact the Office of Admissions & Recruitment at (405) 325-2151 for further information.

Concurrent Enrollment

Concurrent Enrollment at the University of Oklahoma is a program designed to allow high school juniors and seniors with exceptional abilities to enroll in college courses on a limited basis. High school students may thus accumulate college credits prior to completing high school.

To be eligible for the Concurrent Enrollment Program, students must be enrolled in an accredited high school and meet the following requirements:

• You must have achieved junior or senior standing and be eligible to complete requirements for graduation from high school no later than the spring of your senior year, as attested by your high school principal.
• You must meet the requirements found on the Concurrent Enrollment website .

Interested students should apply online, and submit a completed Concurrent Enrollment Recommendation form signed by the high school principal, or counselor, and parent, an official high school transcript, and other application support documents as required.

Once admitted, a student’s combined enrollment in high school and at the University of Oklahoma may not exceed 19 credit hours during a fall or spring term. For this purpose, the University will assume that any high school course enrollment is the equivalent of three (3) credit hours. Students may enroll in a maximum of nine (9) credit hours during a summer term without being concurrently enrolled in high school classes during the summer. Students who wish to exceed this credit hour limit may petition the Dean of University College for permission to do so, up to a maximum of 24 semester hours in a regular semester.

The completion of high school curricular requirements is not mandatory for Concurrent Enrollment students for admission purposes. However, students may not enroll in college-level courses in a curricular area until the high school curricular requirement in that discipline has been satisfied through coursework or assessment. Concurrent Enrollment students may not enroll in zero-level courses designed to remove high school curricular deficiencies.

Following high school graduation, Concurrent Enrollment students must apply for regular freshman admission to the University of Oklahoma, or they may transfer to another institution in the state system, provided that they have maintained a grade point average of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale at the University and meet the entrance requirements of the receiving institution, including high school curricular requirements.

Opportunity Admission

Students who have not graduated from high school, regardless of age, whose composite score on the ACT (using Oklahoma norms) or combined verbal and mathematics score on the SAT (using national norms) places them in the 99th percentile of all students tested, may apply for admission to the University of Oklahoma. Admission will be determined based on test scores and an evaluation of the student’s level of maturity and ability to function intellectually and socially in the adult college environment.

Applicants for Readmission

Students must file an application for readmission if it has been more than one semester and a summer term since their last attendance at the University, or if they have completed a degree or were suspended after their last enrollment at OU. Application deadlines do apply to former students. Students who only enroll for summer terms (summer to summer students) do not need to reapply unless they graduate or break their continuous enrollment for a summer term. Students who have attended another college or university since last attending the University must file official transcripts from each institution attended. A student’s eligibility for readmission will be determined after an evaluation of all transferred and OU work has been made. Academic credit awarded by any division of the University of Oklahoma is considered resident credit, with the exception of credit completed by correspondence or advanced standing examination.

Suspended Students

A student who has been suspended once for academic reasons from the University or any other institution in the state system of higher education may apply for readmission to the University for any semester or summer term beyond the semester in which they were suspended. Such readmission is not automatic but is decided on an individual basis. The student must submit an application for readmission, a letter of appeal, and all required transcripts to the Office of Admissions & Recruitment by April 1 for a fall semester or summer session, and November 1 for a spring semester. The letter of appeal should include an explanation of the student’s previous academic record, information about the student’s activities since suspension, and reasons why an exception to the requirements for admission to the University should be made.

A student who has been suspended twice from the University is not eligible for consideration for readmission until that student has attended another accredited college or university and raised their grade point average to the University’s retention standards.

Other Applicants

Undergraduate visitor/special students.

Any person who is admissible to the University of Oklahoma and who wishes to take undergraduate courses without the intention of pursuing a degree may do so under the classification of Undergraduate Visitor/Special Student.

Undergraduate Visitor/Special Students must meet regular admission requirements to the University and are limited to nine semester hours of enrollment in this classification, unless an exception to this enrollment maximum is made by the president of the University or his or her designate. University retention standards also apply to this category of student. A person who is admitted as an Undergraduate Visitor/Special Student has no privileges beyond those which are available to all students. An Undergraduate Visitor/Special Student who wishes to enroll in a course with specific prerequisites must meet those prerequisites in the same manner as any other student.

Undergraduate Visitor/Special Students who later elect to enter a degree program will be expected to meet all of the regular requirements for that particular degree program and are urged to apply for regular (degree-seeking) admission as soon as a decision to pursue a degree has been made.

If an Undergraduate Visitor/Special Student applies for admission to an undergraduate degree program, the work they have taken as a Special Student will be evaluated in the same manner as any other work submitted for evaluation. The particular degree-recommending college involved will determine how this work will apply toward the degree sought.

Second Undergraduate Degree Applicants

Students may apply for a second undergraduate degree at the University of Oklahoma, but are encouraged to investigate other options available through the Graduate College and other non-degree classifications before doing so. In addition to specific degree programs, the Graduate College offers teacher certification programs and an unclassified (non-degree) option, which allows students to take graduate and undergraduate courses before selecting a major field of graduate study.

Applicants for a second undergraduate degree must apply to a specific major and are not eligible for a second undergraduate degree in the major of their first degree.

General University policy, as well as specific college and school policies, may restrict an applicant from applying for a second undergraduate degree in certain majors. Applicants should contact the Office of Admissions & Recruitment or the appropriate University degree-recommending college for further information on the pursuit of a second undergraduate degree.

Post-Baccalaureate Non-Degree Students

Post-baccalaureate non-degree are students who hold at least a bachelor’s degree and wish to take undergraduate courses without pursuing a degree, including students who wish to take undergraduate prerequisite courses for medical, dental, optometry, or veterinary school. Students who wish to take graduate-level  courses without pursuing a degree should apply as an Unclassified Graduate Student. Post-Baccalaureate Non-Degree students are not required to submit academic credentials to be admitted. Post-baccalaureate students may not enroll in any course that is limited to majors only, may not enroll in 5000 or 6000-level courses, and may not receive graduate credit for 3000 or 4000-level courses.

Policy on Non-Academic Criteria in the Admission of Students

In addition to the academic criteria used as the basis for the admission of students, the University shall consider the following non-academic criteria in deciding whether a student shall be granted admission: whether an applicant has been expelled, suspended, or denied admission or readmission by any other educational institution; whether an applicant has been convicted of a felony or lesser crime involving moral turpitude; whether an applicant’s conduct would be grounds for expulsion, suspension, dismissal, or denial of readmission, had the student been enrolled at the University of Oklahoma. An applicant may be denied admission to the University if the University determines that there is substantial evidence, based on any of the instances described above, to indicate the applicant’s unfitness to be a student at the University of Oklahoma.

Admission of Transfer Students

Applicants are considered transfer students if they have attempted more than six semester hours of college-level work at another accredited college or university since graduating from high school. Students who complete college-level work while still in high school are not considered transfer students.

Transfer admission requirements are subject to change by the University of Oklahoma  with the approval of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, when it is determined to be in the best interest of the University and its students to do so. If it becomes necessary to limit enrollment, preference will be given to residents of Oklahoma.

Transfer Admission Criteria

Admission of transfer students is based on the following performance requirements and preparatory coursework in high school.

Curricular Requirements for Admission of Transfer Students 1

• English—four units:  grammar, composition, and literature only
• College Preparatory Mathematics—three units:  algebra I, algebra II, geometry, trigonometry, math analysis, calculus, or AP statistics.
• Laboratory Science—three units:  does not include general science with or without a lab. One year of Principles of Technology may substitute for one of the lab science courses, provided that the student also completes two traditional laboratory science courses.
• History and Citizenship Skills—three units:  one unit must be American history and two additional units can be selected from the subjects of history, economics, geography, government, or non-western culture.
• Additional Subjects—two units:  from any of the subjects previously listed, computer science, or world language.

If you have not completed the courses listed above in high school, you should do so before transferring to the University. With the exception of U.S. history and U.S. government, completion of remedial or college-level coursework in any of the subject areas in which a deficiency exists will also satisfy this requirement. A remedial mathematics course must be the equivalent of high school Algebra II. Remedial or precollege-level courses cannot be used to fulfill degree requirements.

  Performance Requirements for Admission of Transfer Students

Admission requirements for transfer students are subject to change annually by the University of Oklahoma with the approval of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. For the most current information on performance requirements for transfer admission, contact the Office of Admissions & Recruitment at (405) 325-2151 or 1 (800) 234-6868, or visit the  Transfer Admission Requirements web page .

Transfer students with fewer than 24 semester hours attempted must meet performance requirements for first-time entering freshmen, as well as specified performance requirements on all transfer work attempted.

Transfer students who do not meet performance and/or curricular requirements are encouraged to contact the Office of Admissions & Recruitment for advice and counseling on alternative admission opportunities.

Your application  must be received  by the Office of Admissions & Recruitment by the dates below. 

• April 1  for a summer session
• June 1  for a fall semester
• November 1  for a spring semester
• To apply online, visit our  Transfer Admissions web page .
• Submit an official final high school transcript and official transcripts from  each  college or university attended.  Students are not at liberty to disregard any part of their previous educational history when applying for admission.
• Submit ACT or SAT scores if you have fewer than 24 semester hours of college work (optional).

Transfer students are encouraged to apply early in the semester prior to the term they wish to enter the University. Early admission allows students to maximize their opportunities for housing, financial aid, scholarships, and early enrollment. Admission decisions can often be made with the current term’s grades outstanding.

Transcript Evaluation

Once an applicant has been admitted to the University, the Office of the Registrar performs an evaluation of any transfer credit. Students who are admitted with coursework in progress should submit a schedule of courses in progress, and arrange to have a final, official transcript sent to the Office of Admissions & Recruitment after completion of their last term. Once a complete and official transcript is received, the initial evaluation will be updated. Students will consult with an academic advisor at the time of enrollment to determine how their transfer work will apply toward a degree at the University of Oklahoma.

Transfer Equivalencies

To help in a student's educational planning, the Office of Admissions & Recruitment has developed a  searchable transfer course database . Courses that have an OU equivalent course numbers will transfer to the University and often can be applied toward a degree. In some cases, they may substitute for required courses; in others, they may transfer as elective credit. Please refer to OU’s  General Catalog  for major-specific requirements by each college. How each course will apply toward an OU degree will be determined by the degree-recommending college within the University. Additionally, courses that carry fewer semester hours than their OU counterpart will generally substitute for the indicated OU courses, but students must make up the difference in credit hours before graduation.

Transfer Credit Regulation

The amount of credit granted to applicants for admission as transfer students depends upon the nature and quality of the applicant’s previous work, evaluated according to the academic requirements of the University, and the following provisions:

• Transfer credit earned by students at institutions accredited by the HLC or the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education will be accepted for transfer at face value. Credits earned at institutions accredited by organizations other than the HLC and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education will be reviewed on a course-by-course basis and may be accepted for transfer if the course is determined to be substantially equivalent to a University of Oklahoma course or courses.
• Lower-division courses transferred to the University of Oklahoma will generally be used to meet lower-division degree requirements. In the event that a lower-division transfer course is used as a substitution for an upper-division requirement at the University, a student may be required to complete additional upper-division hours for graduation.
• A minimum of 60 semester hours must be earned in a senior college for a baccalaureate degree.
• Transfer students who enter the University with an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science from an institution in the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education are considered to have met the lower-division (1000- and 2000-level) course requirements of the University’s General Education core curriculum. However, these students are still required to complete any lower-division coursework that is required beyond the University’s lower-division General Education course requirements, as well as the upper-division (including General Education) course requirements for a degree.
• The dean’s office of each degree-recommending college has ultimate responsibility for determining how transfer credit will apply to a specific degree program. Since graduation requirements vary from college to college, a reevaluation of transfer credit is required if a student changes degree colleges.
• A transfer applicant under disciplinary probation or suspension will not be considered for admission until the terms of the probation or suspension have been met.  Students must meet appropriate application and credential deadlines for the term for which they are applying for readmission.
• Grades for courses taken at foreign institutions are used in determining admissibility to the University. However, once a student is admitted, transfer grades are changed to neutral (S or U) grades which do not affect the grade point average. The only exception to this policy is for foreign institutions that hold accreditation through a United States regional accrediting association.

Graduate Admission

Admission to a graduate program at the University of Oklahoma is based on an evaluation of an applicant’s overall record, experience, personal qualifications, and proposed area of study. Applicants who apply for graduate study at OU are applying for admission to the Graduate College and the graduate program in their proposed area of study. Inquiries related to graduate admission should be directed to the Office of Graduate Admissions, University of Oklahoma, 731 Elm Avenue, Room 318, Norman, OK 73019; phone: (405) 325-6765; FAX (405) 325-5345; email:  [email protected] ; and website:  ou.edu/gradcollege/admissions

Applications cannot be considered until all required materials have been submitted. Applications and supporting credentials are reviewed by the Office of Graduate Admissions, the graduate academic unit to which the applicant is seeking admission, and the Graduate College. The final decision on admission to the Graduate College is made by the graduate dean. To be eligible for enrollment, the student must have been admitted to the University and to the Graduate College before the registration period ends for any given semester.

The Office of Graduate Admissions has charge of all matters pertaining to general admission to the University. Admission and enrollment in the Graduate College are governed by the graduate dean. All admissions to the Graduate College require that the student hold a baccalaureate degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited college or university. Undergraduate applicants in their final semester at regionally accredited colleges and universities may apply for admission to the Graduate College. The Graduate College only accepts coursework and degree from regionally accredited institutions. Regionally accredited schools meet certain academic standards and are non-profit or state-owned. Schools with only a national accreditation are often technical, vocational, career, or religious-focused and are usually for profit. International colleges and universities must be recognized by the government-approved authority of education (i.e., Ministry of Education) in the country where the degree was earned.

If admitted, a student must register for courses at the University of Oklahoma for the term of admission to retain active status. The student is subject to the regulations applicable during their first term of enrollment so long as continuous enrollment is maintained.

Application for Graduate Admission

Prospective graduate students should   apply online .

Required Application Materials

• Transcript from last degree-conferring college or university 1
• It is recommended that you submit transcripts for any graduate coursework completed
• An application-processing fee must accompany the application of all students who seek admission or readmission to the University

If you are admitted, you must submit official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions. 

Academic Unit Requirements

Most graduate academic units or programs require that supplemental application materials, such as letters of recommendation, goal statements, etc., be submitted along with the application for admission. Students should consult with the graduate academic unit to which they are seeking admission to verify admission requirements and credentials needed. Although the Graduate College does not require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or any other standardized tests, many academic units do require the GRE or other standardized tests.

For graduate applicants within the United States, there are no formal admissions application deadlines.

International graduate applicants outside the United States are subject to application deadlines:

• Fall semester – April 1
• Spring semester – September 1
• Summer session – February 1

Most graduate academic units do have application deadlines, which are earlier than the dates listed.  All applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the academic units to which they are seeking admission for the information regarding application deadlines.

Application deadlines can change between publications of this catalog. For the most current information on deadlines, go to Graduate Programs & Deadlines.

Graduate Assistantships

Many graduate academic units offer graduate assistantship opportunities. A graduate assistant is a student who serves in a support role while pursuing graduate study. Graduate assistants typically assist faculty with instructional responsibilities as teaching assistants or academic research responsibilities as research assistants. Graduate assistantships are awarded and governed by individual academic units and appointing departments. Prospective students should contact the academic unit to which they are seeking admission to obtain information about, and applications for, graduate assistantships.

Admission of University of Oklahoma Graduating Seniors

All seniors graduating from the University of Oklahoma who wish to apply for admission to a graduate program should  apply online  no later than the final semester of their senior year. Graduate Academic Unit application deadlines apply to graduating seniors. University of Oklahoma graduate seniors are not required to submit transcripts with their graduate applications since these applicants are current students at the University.

If admitted, the graduating senior must inform the Graduate College if they fail to complete any requirements for the baccalaureate degree. These degree requirements must be completed by the term of the student’s admission to the Graduate College. If they are not completed in the proper time frame, the graduate admission will be canceled and the student must reapply to the Graduate College and graduate academic program to which they were previously admitted.

Admission as a Visitor

Graduate students who are currently admitted and in good standing in graduate degree programs at other regionally accredited institutions are welcome to take courses at the University of Oklahoma as a Graduate Visitor. In this status, a graduate student has all the rights and privileges of other graduate students except they are not pursuing a graduate degree at the University of Oklahoma. Should a Graduate Visitor decide to pursue a graduate degree here, they would be required to file another application and submit official copies of degree transcripts. To be admitted as a Graduate Visitor, a prospective graduate student must submit the following information to the Office of Admissions:

• A completed application form and application-processing fee ( apply online ).
• A letter of good standing from the dean of the Graduate College of the student’s home institution.

Readmission to the Graduate College

Graduate students must file an application for readmission if it has been more than one year since their last attendance at the University. Students who only enroll for summer terms (summer to summer students) do not need to reapply unless they graduate or break their continuous enrollment for a summer term.

Students who have attended another college or university since last attending the University must submit official transcripts from each institution attended to the University of Oklahoma’s Office of Admissions & Recruitment. A student’s eligibility for readmission will be determined after an evaluation of all transferred work is made. Readmitted students will be subject to the regulations in effect at the time of readmission.

All new applicants to the Graduate College for whom English is a second language (including those holding permanent resident status) are required to present evidence of proficiency in the English language prior to admission. The intent of this policy is to ensure that students for whom English is not a native language have a reasonable chance to succeed academically based on their ability to comprehend and use spoken and written English. Graduate applicants may satisfy the English proficiency requirement in one of several ways which are stated on the  English Proficiency Requirements web page .

Consult the  OU Graduate College  for further information concerning graduate admission, policies, and programs.

Credit for Prior Learning Assessment/Extra-Institutional Learning

The University of Oklahoma encourages capable students to seek college credit for knowledge they may have acquired in a variety of ways. Complete information on the ways students may establish credit for extra-institutional learning at the University of Oklahoma is found in  Prior Learning Assessment Credits .

A student enrolled in and attending a course may earn credit in that course by prior learning assessment examination up to the end of the second week of class in a regular semester or the first week of a summer session. If a student earns credit in the course by examination, the student may drop the course enrollment with no fee assessment, provided the course is dropped within the specified free drop period for the term. Refunds will not be made for courses dropped after the defined free drop period.

The amount of prior learning assessment credit that may be applied toward a degree is subject to OU graduation requirements and the degree-recommending college in which a student will earn a degree. The dean of the degree-recommending college will determine how this credit applies toward a degree.

The neutral grade of satisfactory (S) will be assigned to all types of prior learning assessment credit authorized by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

Should a student fail a prior learning assessment examination, no grade will be recorded. In addition, a student may not receive credit for a repeat of an exam previously failed. Students should consult the OU Admissions or the Center for Independent and Distance Learning to discuss other test options.

The regulations governing prior learning assessment credit mentioned above apply to all of the OU prior learning assessment options available.

Advanced standing examinations are under the general supervision of the University Registrar (and the chairperson of the department in the case of University departmental examinations).

The Academic Regulations Committee is responsible for hearing any appeals in hardship cases of students who do not meet the conditions and regulations governing advanced standing examinations.

Prior Learning Assessment credit may be earned through a variety of test options which include:

• University of Oklahoma departmental prior learning assessment examinations The University of Oklahoma offers a number of departmental prior learning assessment examinations. Interested students should consult with an academic advisor during enrollment. All of the examinations are administered by the  Center for Independent and Distance Learning (CIDL) . For information about requirements and times at which examinations are offered, contact the Center of Independent and Distance Learning (CIDL) at 300 Kellogg Drive Room 140, Norman, OK 73072-6507, phone: (405) 325-1921 or (405) 325-1208, or visit their website:  https://pacs.ou.edu/testing-center/prior-learning-assessment/ .
• The Advanced Placement Program (APP) offered by the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) This program allows high school students to take examinations for credit at the college level. High school counselors will assist students with testing arrangements.
• The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) offered by the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) The University of Oklahoma is a CLEP testing center. The University awards credit for certain CLEP subject examinations. The University does not award credit for what were formerly the CLEP general examinations. Inquiries about OU’s testing center should be addressed to the Center for Independent and Distance Learning, 300 Kellogg Drive Room 140, Norman, OK 73072-6507, phone: (405) 325-1921, or visit their website:  pacs.ou.edu/testing-center/clep/ .
• Excelsior College Examinations The University of Oklahoma awards credit for a few Excelsior College Examinations.
• International Baccalaureate Credit may be awarded to students who have taken higher-level courses in the International Baccalaureate Program and who have scored at least a four (on a seven-point scale) on the higher-level course examinations. Such credit is awarded on a course-by-course basis as recommended by the appropriate University of Oklahoma department.

Score reports for any of the prior learning assessment examinations listed above should be submitted to the Office of Admissions & Recruitment, University of Oklahoma, 1000 Asp Avenue, Room 127, Norman, OK 73019-4076.

Other Types of Prior Learning Assessment Credit

Students may establish prior learning assessment credit at the University of Oklahoma by a variety of avenues other than examination.

OU Military Service Credit 

The University awards credit for educational experiences during military service according to the recommendations of the American Council on Education as published in the  " Guide to the Evaluation of Military Experiences in the Armed Services." The policies governing the acceptance of credit awarded for military experience toward satisfying degree requirements vary among the degree-recommending colleges of the University. Students should contact their college academic advisement office for specific information on the applicability of this type of credit toward degree requirements. General questions concerning the evaluation of educational experiences in the armed services should be directed to the Office of Admissions. 

The grade of S (satisfactory) is assigned to all credit awarded for military training. 

Students with educational experiences in the military must submit the following military records to the Office of Admissions & Recruitment for review. 

• Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps:  Submit an official Joint Services Transcript. Students may request a Joint Services Transcript be sent electronically to the University.
• Air Force personnel and veterans:  Request an official transcript from the Community College of the Air Force for work taken as an undergraduate, or from the Air University for work taken as a graduate student. Community College of the Air Force transcripts may be ordered by sending a request in writing to: CCAF/RRR, 130 West Maxwell Blvd, Maxwell AFB AL 36112-6613, (334) 953-2794 (DSN 493-2794). You may also visit  www.airuniversity.af.edu/Barnes/CCAF/ . Air University transcripts may be obtained by writing to the Registrar’s Office, 50 South Turner Blvd., Maxwell AFB-Gunter Annex AL 36118-5643.
• DANTES/USAFI:  Students may also request a transcript from DANTES (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support) or USAFI (United States Armed Forces Institute—tests taken prior to July 1, 1974). Many tests taken under the auspices of DANTES or USAFI carry American Council on Education credit recommendations recognized by the University. Official DANTES transcripts can be ordered from Thomson Prometric, P.O. Box 6604, Princeton, NJ 08541-6604, (877) 471-9860 (toll free). A transcript of USAFI courses or tests completed prior to July 1, 1974, may be obtained from Thomson Prometric, P.O. Box 6605, Princeton, NJ 08541-6605. Visit  getcollegecredit.com  to learn more.
• DANTES tests (DSSTs)  can also be taken by people who are not in the military. Visit  getcollegecredit.com  to learn more.

Credit for Training Programs and Other Extra-Institutional Learning

The University awards credit for educational experiences provided by certain business, industrial, and governmental agencies. Credit is awarded on the basis of recommendations made by the American Council on Education in its publication “The National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programs” and also by the publication “College Credit Recommendations: The Directory of the National Program on Non-Collegiate Sponsored Instruction.” Students may present certificates of completion or a transcript from the ACE Registry of Credit Recommendations to the Office of Admissions for evaluation. The dean of the college in which a student will earn a degree at the University will determine how this credit applies toward the degree. For further information, students should contact the Office of Admissions & Recruitment, 1000 Asp Avenue, Room 127, Norman, OK 73019-4076, phone: (405) 325-2151.

Transfer of Advanced Standing Credit

Prior learning assessment credit posted on transcripts from institutions in the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education will transfer to the University subject to the same conditions as resident credit from these campuses.

Prior learning assessment credit posted on transcripts from all other institutions will be accepted by the University as long as the credit was earned through one of the advanced standing mechanisms approved by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. The dean of the college in which a student will earn a degree will determine how this credit applies toward the degree.

Enrollments at Other Institutions

Students must report any college or university work taken at other institutions while they are current students at the University of Oklahoma. Whether this work is taken while registered in classes at the University, during a summer session, or during a semester and/or summer session while students have “stopped out” of the University temporarily, students must submit an official transcript to the Office of Academic Records of all work undertaken. Failure to do so may result in suspension or permanent dismissal from the University.

Print Options

Send Page to Printer

Print this page.

Download Page (PDF)

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

Catalog PDF

A PDF of the entire catalog.

University of Oklahoma 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide 

Regular Decision: 

Regular Decision Deadline: Feb 1

You Have: 

University of Oklahoma 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: Community, Activity , Why

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Three essays of 650 words each

The following optional questions will be used to determine your eligibility for supplemental scholarships (leadership, community involvement, and departmental scholarships) at the University of Oklahoma.

1. the university of oklahoma believes strongly in educating leaders of communities in oklahoma, as well as across the country and the world. please share your leadership experiences and why they are important to you. (please answer in 650 words or less.).

When answering this question, resist the urge to rewrite your resume. The University of Oklahoma isn’t asking you for a list! Remember: it’s your job, as an applicant, to use every essay as an opportunity to reveal something new about yourself. Think of a moment when you were in a position where you worked really hard to help a group of friends or loved ones. Maybe you are always the one helping your younger siblings with school projects and you’ve found ways to attain and keep your little brother’s attention (to your mother’s welcomed surprise). Maybe, as a volunteer , you were in charge of teaching new staff the proper policies for walking dogs at the local shelter. Perhaps, during a group project at school, you organized and planned all of your meetings and drove home classmates who wouldn’t have otherwise been able to attend group sessions outside of school hours. Try to isolate a single leadership moment, so you can tell a story to admissions (after all, you have 650 words!). Describe where you were, what was happening around you, and what you were feeling. Discuss what challenges you faced and what you ultimately learned from the experience. Don’t shy away from challenges, or even failures, since these are exactly the kinds of character-building experiences that can demonstrate resilience and quick thinking (a.k.a. awesome leadership skills!).

2. The University of Oklahoma is home to a vibrant, diverse and compassionate University community that is often referred to as “the OU family.” Please describe your cultural and community service activities and why you chose to participate in them. (Please answer in 650 words or fewer)

Chances are, you’ve done some community service at some point in your life, and this prompt asks you to reflect on that experience. The prompt is clear about what it wants you to cover and you have up to 650 words, so this is not the kind of essay you want to leave ‘til the last minute (though what kind of essay is?!). In some ways, this is a glorified resume entry, but you can bring it to life by devoting more of your word count to concrete, personal details than to a verbatim recitation of the organization you volunteered for’s mission and vision (or worse, a bloated list of clichés related to the value of service). Why do you care so deeply about a particular cause, culture, or community? What change do you hope to see (or even create!) in the world? Remember that, fundamentally, community service is not about personal glory or achievement, it’s about doing what you can to help others. Reflect on why being part of a community is important to you and, for bonus points, touch on how you would like to contribute to “the OU family.”

3. What is your career area of interest, and why do you have a desire to work in this particular field?*

This is your opportunity to nerd out about the field that interests you. What do you envision for yourself after graduating with your degree? When did you first become interested in the subject? Have you had any meaningful experiences that led you to pursue this kind of work? What impact do you hope to have during your career? Once you get down all the details about your intellectual curiosities, see if you can build a bridge between your own interests and the resources available at OU, and you’ll be well on your way to demonstrating your fit. Set aside some time to peruse OU’s offerings. (Sorry, there’s no way around this, folks!) Beyond the basic departmental listings, look up information about news and research coming out of your department of interest, the kinds of courses available, and the opportunities other undergrads have had studying in your area of choice. If you can show admissions that you’ve thought carefully about not only your career choice, but also how OU can make it possible, you’ll be sure to leave a lasting impression.

* – The third, academic-based question is asked by certain academic departments. Therefore, it may or may not appear in your writing supplement section depending on the academic preferences you list in your application.

About Kat Stubing

View all posts by Kat Stubing »

Check out our Blog!

Contact us for information on rates and more!

• I am a * Student Parent Potential Partner School Counselor Private College Counselor
• Name * First Last
• Phone Type Mobile Landline
• Street Address
• Address City State / Province / Region Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, Democratic Republic of the Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czechia Côte d'Ivoire Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Holy See Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island North Macedonia Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Réunion Saint Barthélemy Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Sweden Switzerland Syria Arab Republic Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania, the United Republic of Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Türkiye US Minor Outlying Islands Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Viet Nam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Åland Islands Country
• Which best describes you (or your child)? High school senior High school junior College student College grad Other
• How did you find CEA? Internet Search New York Times Guidance counselor/school Social Media YouTube Friend Special Event Delehey College Consulting Other
• Common App and Coalition Essays
• Supplemental Essays
• University of California Essays
• University of Texas Essays
• Resume Review
• Post-Grad Essays
• Specialized Services
• Waitlist Letters
• Private School Essays
• General College Counseling
• School list with priorities noted:
• Anything else we should know?
• Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
• Agnes Scott College
• Alvernia University
• American University
• Amherst College
• Babson College
• Bard College
• Barnard College
• Baylor University
• Bennington College
• Bentley University
• Berry College
• Bethany College
• Bishop’s University
• Boston College
• Boston University (BU)
• Bowdoin College
• Brandeis University
• Brown University
• Bryn Mawr College
• Bucknell University
• Butler University
• California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
• California Lutheran University
• Capitol Technology University
• Carleton College
• Carnegie Mellon University
• Catawba College
• Centre College
• Chapman University
• Claremont McKenna College
• Clark University
• College of Mount Saint Vincent
• College of William and Mary
• College of Wooster
• Colorado College
• Colorado School of Mines
• Columbia University
• Cornell University
• Culver-Stockton College
• D'Youville University
• Dartmouth College
• Davidson College
• Drexel University
• Duke University
• Earlham College
• Elon University
• Emerson College
• Emory University
• Flagler College
• Fordham University
• George Mason University
• Georgetown University
• Georgia State University
• Georgia Tech
• Gonzaga University
• Harvard University
• Harvey Mudd College
• Haverford College
• Hillsdale College
• Hofstra University
• Illinois Institute of Technology
• Illinois Wesleyan University
• Indiana University Bloomington
• Ithaca College
• Johns Hopkins University
• Kalamazoo College
• Lafayette College
• Lehigh University
• Lewis and Clark College
• Linfield University
• Loyola Marymount University (LMU)
• Lynn University
• Macalester College
• Malone University
• Manchester University
• Marist College
• Mary Baldwin University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Meredith College
• Monmouth College
• Moravian University
• Morehouse College
• Mount Holyoke College
• New York University (NYU)
• North Park University
• Northwestern University
• Occidental College
• Oklahoma City University
• Olin College of Engineering
• Pepperdine University
• Pitzer College
• Pomona College
• Princeton University
• Providence College
• Purdue University
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
• Rice University
• Saint Elizabeth University
• Santa Clara University
• Sarah Lawrence College
• Scripps College
• Seattle Pacific University
• Smith College
• Soka University of America
• Southern Methodist University
• St. John’s College
• Stanford University
• Stonehill College
• Swarthmore College
• Syracuse University
• Texas A&M University
• Texas Christian University
• The College of Idaho
• The George Washington University
• The New School
• Trinity College
• Tufts University
• Tulane University
• University of California
• University of Central Florida (UCF)
• University of Chicago
• University of Cincinnati
• University of Colorado Boulder
• University of Florida
• University of Georgia
• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• University of Maryland
• University of Massachusetts Amherst
• University of Miami
• University of Michigan
• University of Minnesota
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)
• University of North Carolina at Charlotte
• University of North Carolina at Greensboro
• University of Notre Dame
• University of Oklahoma
• University of Oregon
• University of Pennsylvania
• University of Pittsburgh
• University of Richmond
• University of San Diego
• University of San Francisco
• University of Southern California (USC)
• University of Texas at Austin
• University of Tulsa
• University of Vermont
• University of Virginia (UVA)
• University of Washington
• University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Vanderbilt University
• Vassar College
• Villanova University
• Virginia Tech
• Wake Forest University
• Washington and Lee University
• Washington University in St. Louis
• Wellesley College
• Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
• Yale University

Want free stuff?

We thought so. Sign up for free instructional videos, guides, worksheets and more!

One-On-One Advising

Common App Essay Prompt Guide

Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

• YouTube Tutorials
• Our Approach & Team
• Undergraduate Testimonials
• Postgraduate Testimonials
• Where Our Students Get In
• CEA Gives Back
• Undergraduate Admissions
• Graduate Admissions
• Private School Admissions
• International Student Admissions
• Common App Essay Guide
• Supplemental Essay Guides
• Coalition App Guide
• The CEA Podcast
• Admissions Stats
• Notification Trackers
• Deadline Databases
• College Essay Examples
• Academy and Worksheets
• Waitlist Guides
• Get Started

Ultimate Guide to Writing Your College Essay

Tips for writing an effective college essay.

College admissions essays are an important part of your college application and gives you the chance to show colleges and universities your character and experiences. This guide will give you tips to write an effective college essay.

Want free help with your college essay?

UPchieve connects you with knowledgeable and friendly college advisors—online, 24/7, and completely free. Get 1:1 help brainstorming topics, outlining your essay, revising a draft, or editing grammar.

Writing a strong college admissions essay

Learn about the elements of a solid admissions essay.

Avoiding common admissions essay mistakes

Learn some of the most common mistakes made on college essays

Brainstorming tips for your college essay

Stuck on what to write your college essay about? Here are some exercises to help you get started.

How formal should the tone of your college essay be?

Learn how formal your college essay should be and get tips on how to bring out your natural voice.

Taking your college essay to the next level

Hear an admissions expert discuss the appropriate level of depth necessary in your college essay.

Student Stories

Student Story: Admissions essay about a formative experience

Get the perspective of a current college student on how he approached the admissions essay.

Student Story: Admissions essay about personal identity

Get the perspective of a current college student on how she approached the admissions essay.

Student Story: Admissions essay about community impact

Student story: admissions essay about a past mistake, how to write a college application essay, tips for writing an effective application essay, sample college essay 1 with feedback, sample college essay 2 with feedback.

This content is licensed by Khan Academy and is available for free at www.khanacademy.org.

Get in touch with us

Are you sure you want to logout?

Study abroad.

University of Oklahoma- Admissions & Acceptance Rate

About ou oklahoma university:  .

The University of Oklahoma is a prestigious institution committed to imparting world-class education to students. Founded in 1890, the university today offers various courses to students of different nationalities. Every year the University of Oklahoma enrolls nearly twenty-nine thousand students.   

  OU Admissions Requirements:  

What criteria are there for admission to the University of Oklahoma (OU)? Even though there are many components to a college application, you should concentrate on only a few crucial ones:  

• GPA requirements  
• Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements  
• Application requirements  

  The University of Oklahoma’s Acceptance Rate is estimated at around 80%. With a slightly better OU Acceptance rate, you can confidently apply for admission. Most of the students who got accepted to OU had SAT scores between 1110 and 1310. Students also need a composite ACT score of a minimum of 23. It is also estimated that the University of Oklahoma’s GPA Requirements range between 3.28 and 3.57. In 2021 Oklahoma’s acceptance Rate was calculated to be around 72%.  

Ranking of the University of Oklahoma  

Oklahoma University is ranked 127 on the top National University list. Today, students worldwide can earn bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees from the University. Subjects taught at OU include literature, science, fine arts, engineering, business, education, and many more. OU is also engaged in various research fields.   

Students of OU participate in a wide array of student activities like sports, television stations, and radio. OU offers numerous extracurricular activities apart from teaching course subjects. All the activities aim at improving the skill set of students in the long run. Having a brief about all the facilities available, let’s look at the University Of Oklahoma Admission Requirements.  

University Of Oklahoma Admission Requirements 

While planning to take admitted into Oklahoma University, the first question that comes to your mind is- what are the OU Admission Requirements? Though many aspects are included in this university’s admission. It would be best if you primarily focused on the following:  

• OU GPA Requirements.  
• ACT and SAT score requirements .  
• Essay writing.  

In this article, you will get to know the OU Acceptance rate and OU Admission Requirements to increase your chances of selection. If you want to enroll in OU, the first thing to notice is the Oklahoma Acceptance rate because it tells you the level of competition. The average University Of Oklahoma Acceptance Rate is calculated at around 80%. This means that of every 100 students, 80 are granted admission by fulfilling various OU Admission Requirements.  

From the available data, it can be said that OU is slightly competitive. If you fulfill the University Of Oklahoma Admission Requirements, consisting of SAT score, ACT score, and OU GPA Requirements, you will undoubtedly get an admission offer.  

University Of Oklahoma Acceptance Rate  

When students apply for admission to Oklahoma University, they are skeptical about their chances of success. However, from the available data from the previous year, 12,603 out of 15,673 applicants received the admission offer. These figures only increase the OU Acceptance Rate and make it an easy college to take admission. But when you look at the University Of Oklahoma GPA Requirements, it might seem challenging. Generally, students who score in the top 36% are given admission.  

University Of Oklahoma GPA Requirements 

You must be wondering what are the OU GPA Requirements to secure a seat at the university. From the available data, it is estimated that the average OU GPA Requirement for a freshman was nearly 3.59 on a scale of 4. Therefore, it will be perfect to say that only B+ high school students meet the OU Admission Requirements.  

The following table demonstrates the Oklahoma Acceptance rate according to the University Of Oklahoma GPA Requirements.  

SAT Score Requirements To Increase OU Acceptance rate 

  Students’ SAT scores play a vital role in getting admission to Oklahoma University. Let’s find out the average SAT score for the University Of Oklahoma Admission Requirements. Typically, admission officers want applicants to be among the top 39% of SAT test-takers. In addition, the university generally wants your SAT score to be at least 1110. If you score anything below this figure, your chances of getting admission might be less.  

The OU ranks 2 in Oklahoma for considering the highest SAT score for granting admission. The average SAT score is estimated to be 1210 out of 1600. The following table demonstrates the SAT score required for increasing the Oklahoma Acceptance rate.  

  The New SAT 25th percentile score is 1130, and the New SAT 75th percentile score is 1310. In other words, a New SAT score of 1130 positions you below average, and a score of 1310 puts you above average.  

The new SAT scores are broken down into parts as follows:  

ACT Score For OU Admission Requirement  

Your ACT score is essential for the University Of Oklahoma Admission Requirements. Previous years’ admission data indicates that Oklahoma University grants admission to only those whose ACT score is above 23. In some cases, the school accepts an ACT score as low as 20.   

The ACT score for the 25th percentile is 23 , and the ACT score for the 75th percentile is 29.  

Applicants with an ACT score of 26 or above are given top priority when offered admission. Therefore, students with 29 or higher ACT scores stand a great chance of getting into OU. It would help to focus on scoring exceptional marks on the ACTs to enhance your chance of getting into OU. The following table will give a clear idea about the ACT score and its competitiveness.  

Benefits Of Sending ACT Score Over SAT Score  

At OU, you get the choice of sending either SAT score or an ACT score. If you plan to send your ACT score instead of SAT, you will have a more significant advantage in securing a seat. In SAT scores, applicants need to send all the test scores irrespective of the marks obtained in different subjects. But when you send your ACT score, you get the chance to send the only highest-scoring test results. You get an excellent opportunity to improve your ACT score by taking as many tests as you want. When you earn a score that satisfies your goal, you can send it to the university.  

Superscore policy for ACT  

Superscore means that a college combines the highest section score from your submitted test dates to get the best possible score. Most schools do not practice the ACT superscore policy. Still, at Oklahoma University, you had the opportunity to submit only the highest ACT scores. So keep preparing and taking the ACT until you reach the target score of 23 or higher.  

Essay Writing Requirements for Oklahoma University  

Essay writing is optional for applying with both SAT scores or ACT scores. Unlike other schools, OU does not give much weightage to essay writing in admission applications. So, you do not need to pay much attention to showcasing your writing skills to impress the admission officers.  

Subject Test Requirements For SAT  

All the colleges have different SAT subject test requirements. Some selective colleges require SAT scores, while most rely on your ACT score for granting admission. OU is hugely regarded as slightly selective. The University Of Oklahoma Acceptance Rate mostly depends on the average GPA and ACT score. You have a good chance of getting into Oklahoma University till your SAT score does not fall below average. If you meet all other admission requirements, you will surely secure a seat in the school with an SAT score of 1130.  

OU Academic Life  

At Oklahoma University, for every 17 students, one faculty is assigned. As a result, 47% of college classes have less than 20 students. This improves the chances of individual attention being given to students for a better learning experience. OU offers degree courses in business, fine arts, humanities, science, psychology, visual arts, social science, biomedical sciences, and education. The average student satisfaction and freshman retention are calculated at 89%.  

Student Life At OU  

For fall 2020, 21,383 students enrolled in various undergraduate programs. This figure included 51 percent female students and 49 percent male students. In addition, 29 percent of Oklahoma University students live in school-owned housing, whereas 71 percent of students live off-campus. Oklahoma University is a part of the NCAAI in the sports sector.  

Admission decision at Oklahoma University not only depends on the GPA, SAT, or ACT score of applicants. These scores are crucial for admission, but you must also focus on coursework, letter of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and personal statements. By improving the above-mentioned parts, you have a great chance of succeeding among your competitors.

Relevant Articles

Early Action vs. Early Decision: Which Is the Right Choice?

The beginning of the college application process can be stressful …

Early Action vs. Early Decision: Which Is the Right Choice? Read More »

Northeastern University Acceptance Rate & Admission Tips

Northeastern University is located in Boston, Massachusetts. It also has …

Northeastern University Acceptance Rate & Admission Tips Read More »

Caltech Acceptance Rate and Admissions Requirements

If you want to receive an admission offer from Caltech, …

Caltech Acceptance Rate and Admissions Requirements Read More »

University Of Louisiana At Lafayette ACT Scores And GPA

ULL ACT Founded in 1898, the University of Louisiana at …

University Of Louisiana At Lafayette ACT Scores And GPA Read More »

With Turito Study Abroad

Get an Expert Advice from Turito

With Turito CAP.

With Turito Coding.

With Turito RoboNinja

1-on-1 tutoring for the undivided attention

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

• Knowledge Base

The Beginner's Guide to Writing an Essay | Steps & Examples

An academic essay is a focused piece of writing that develops an idea or argument using evidence, analysis, and interpretation.

There are many types of essays you might write as a student. The content and length of an essay depends on your level, subject of study, and course requirements. However, most essays at university level are argumentative — they aim to persuade the reader of a particular position or perspective on a topic.

The essay writing process consists of three main stages:

• Preparation: Decide on your topic, do your research, and create an essay outline.
• Writing : Set out your argument in the introduction, develop it with evidence in the main body, and wrap it up with a conclusion.
• Revision:  Check your essay on the content, organization, grammar, spelling, and formatting of your essay.

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text

Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes

Table of contents

Essay writing process, preparation for writing an essay, writing the introduction, writing the main body, writing the conclusion, essay checklist, lecture slides, frequently asked questions about writing an essay.

The writing process of preparation, writing, and revisions applies to every essay or paper, but the time and effort spent on each stage depends on the type of essay .

For example, if you’ve been assigned a five-paragraph expository essay for a high school class, you’ll probably spend the most time on the writing stage; for a college-level argumentative essay , on the other hand, you’ll need to spend more time researching your topic and developing an original argument before you start writing.

Here's why students love Scribbr's proofreading services

Discover proofreading & editing

Before you start writing, you should make sure you have a clear idea of what you want to say and how you’re going to say it. There are a few key steps you can follow to make sure you’re prepared:

• Understand your assignment: What is the goal of this essay? What is the length and deadline of the assignment? Is there anything you need to clarify with your teacher or professor?
• Define a topic: If you’re allowed to choose your own topic , try to pick something that you already know a bit about and that will hold your interest.
• Do your research: Read  primary and secondary sources and take notes to help you work out your position and angle on the topic. You’ll use these as evidence for your points.
• Come up with a thesis:  The thesis is the central point or argument that you want to make. A clear thesis is essential for a focused essay—you should keep referring back to it as you write.
• Create an outline: Map out the rough structure of your essay in an outline . This makes it easier to start writing and keeps you on track as you go.

Once you’ve got a clear idea of what you want to discuss, in what order, and what evidence you’ll use, you’re ready to start writing.

The introduction sets the tone for your essay. It should grab the reader’s interest and inform them of what to expect. The introduction generally comprises 10–20% of the text.

1. Hook your reader

The first sentence of the introduction should pique your reader’s interest and curiosity. This sentence is sometimes called the hook. It might be an intriguing question, a surprising fact, or a bold statement emphasizing the relevance of the topic.

Let’s say we’re writing an essay about the development of Braille (the raised-dot reading and writing system used by visually impaired people). Our hook can make a strong statement about the topic:

The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability.

2. Provide background on your topic

Next, it’s important to give context that will help your reader understand your argument. This might involve providing background information, giving an overview of important academic work or debates on the topic, and explaining difficult terms. Don’t provide too much detail in the introduction—you can elaborate in the body of your essay.

3. Present the thesis statement

Next, you should formulate your thesis statement— the central argument you’re going to make. The thesis statement provides focus and signals your position on the topic. It is usually one or two sentences long. The thesis statement for our essay on Braille could look like this:

As the first writing system designed for blind people’s needs, Braille was a groundbreaking new accessibility tool. It not only provided practical benefits, but also helped change the cultural status of blindness.

4. Map the structure

In longer essays, you can end the introduction by briefly describing what will be covered in each part of the essay. This guides the reader through your structure and gives a preview of how your argument will develop.

The invention of Braille marked a major turning point in the history of disability. The writing system of raised dots used by blind and visually impaired people was developed by Louis Braille in nineteenth-century France. In a society that did not value disabled people in general, blindness was particularly stigmatized, and lack of access to reading and writing was a significant barrier to social participation. The idea of tactile reading was not entirely new, but existing methods based on sighted systems were difficult to learn and use. As the first writing system designed for blind people’s needs, Braille was a groundbreaking new accessibility tool. It not only provided practical benefits, but also helped change the cultural status of blindness. This essay begins by discussing the situation of blind people in nineteenth-century Europe. It then describes the invention of Braille and the gradual process of its acceptance within blind education. Subsequently, it explores the wide-ranging effects of this invention on blind people’s social and cultural lives.

Write your essay introduction

The body of your essay is where you make arguments supporting your thesis, provide evidence, and develop your ideas. Its purpose is to present, interpret, and analyze the information and sources you have gathered to support your argument.

Length of the body text

The length of the body depends on the type of essay. On average, the body comprises 60–80% of your essay. For a high school essay, this could be just three paragraphs, but for a graduate school essay of 6,000 words, the body could take up 8–10 pages.

Paragraph structure

To give your essay a clear structure , it is important to organize it into paragraphs . Each paragraph should be centered around one main point or idea.

That idea is introduced in a  topic sentence . The topic sentence should generally lead on from the previous paragraph and introduce the point to be made in this paragraph. Transition words can be used to create clear connections between sentences.

After the topic sentence, present evidence such as data, examples, or quotes from relevant sources. Be sure to interpret and explain the evidence, and show how it helps develop your overall argument.

Lack of access to reading and writing put blind people at a serious disadvantage in nineteenth-century society. Text was one of the primary methods through which people engaged with culture, communicated with others, and accessed information; without a well-developed reading system that did not rely on sight, blind people were excluded from social participation (Weygand, 2009). While disabled people in general suffered from discrimination, blindness was widely viewed as the worst disability, and it was commonly believed that blind people were incapable of pursuing a profession or improving themselves through culture (Weygand, 2009). This demonstrates the importance of reading and writing to social status at the time: without access to text, it was considered impossible to fully participate in society. Blind people were excluded from the sighted world, but also entirely dependent on sighted people for information and education.

See the full essay example

The conclusion is the final paragraph of an essay. It should generally take up no more than 10–15% of the text . A strong essay conclusion :

• Returns to your thesis
• Ties together your main points
• Shows why your argument matters

A great conclusion should finish with a memorable or impactful sentence that leaves the reader with a strong final impression.

What not to include in a conclusion

To make your essay’s conclusion as strong as possible, there are a few things you should avoid. The most common mistakes are:

• Including new arguments or evidence
• Undermining your arguments (e.g. “This is just one approach of many”)
• Using concluding phrases like “To sum up…” or “In conclusion…”

Braille paved the way for dramatic cultural changes in the way blind people were treated and the opportunities available to them. Louis Braille’s innovation was to reimagine existing reading systems from a blind perspective, and the success of this invention required sighted teachers to adapt to their students’ reality instead of the other way around. In this sense, Braille helped drive broader social changes in the status of blindness. New accessibility tools provide practical advantages to those who need them, but they can also change the perspectives and attitudes of those who do not.

Write your essay conclusion

Checklist: Essay

My essay follows the requirements of the assignment (topic and length ).

My introduction sparks the reader’s interest and provides any necessary background information on the topic.

My introduction contains a thesis statement that states the focus and position of the essay.

I use paragraphs to structure the essay.

I use topic sentences to introduce each paragraph.

Each paragraph has a single focus and a clear connection to the thesis statement.

I make clear transitions between paragraphs and ideas.

My conclusion doesn’t just repeat my points, but draws connections between arguments.

I don’t introduce new arguments or evidence in the conclusion.

I have given an in-text citation for every quote or piece of information I got from another source.

I have included a reference page at the end of my essay, listing full details of all my sources.

My citations and references are correctly formatted according to the required citation style .

My essay has an interesting and informative title.

I have followed all formatting guidelines (e.g. font, page numbers, line spacing).

Your essay meets all the most important requirements. Our editors can give it a final check to help you submit with confidence.

Open Google Slides Download PowerPoint

An essay is a focused piece of writing that explains, argues, describes, or narrates.

In high school, you may have to write many different types of essays to develop your writing skills.

Academic essays at college level are usually argumentative : you develop a clear thesis about your topic and make a case for your position using evidence, analysis and interpretation.

The structure of an essay is divided into an introduction that presents your topic and thesis statement , a body containing your in-depth analysis and arguments, and a conclusion wrapping up your ideas.

The structure of the body is flexible, but you should always spend some time thinking about how you can organize your essay to best serve your ideas.

Your essay introduction should include three main things, in this order:

• An opening hook to catch the reader’s attention.
• Relevant background information that the reader needs to know.
• A thesis statement that presents your main point or argument.

The length of each part depends on the length and complexity of your essay .

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.

The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:

• It gives your writing direction and focus.
• It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point.

Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.

A topic sentence is a sentence that expresses the main point of a paragraph . Everything else in the paragraph should relate to the topic sentence.

At college level, you must properly cite your sources in all essays , research papers , and other academic texts (except exams and in-class exercises).

Add a citation whenever you quote , paraphrase , or summarize information or ideas from a source. You should also give full source details in a bibliography or reference list at the end of your text.

The exact format of your citations depends on which citation style you are instructed to use. The most common styles are APA , MLA , and Chicago .

Is this article helpful?

Other students also liked.

• How long is an essay? Guidelines for different types of essay
• How to write an essay introduction | 4 steps & examples
• How to conclude an essay | Interactive example

More interesting articles

• Checklist for academic essays | Is your essay ready to submit?
• Comparing and contrasting in an essay | Tips & examples
• Example of a great essay | Explanations, tips & tricks
• Generate topic ideas for an essay or paper | Tips & techniques
• How to revise an essay in 3 simple steps
• How to structure an essay: Templates and tips
• How to write a descriptive essay | Example & tips
• How to write a literary analysis essay | A step-by-step guide
• How to write a narrative essay | Example & tips
• How to write a rhetorical analysis | Key concepts & examples
• How to Write a Thesis Statement | 4 Steps & Examples
• How to write an argumentative essay | Examples & tips
• How to write an essay outline | Guidelines & examples
• How to write an expository essay
• How to write the body of an essay | Drafting & redrafting
• Kinds of argumentative academic essays and their purposes
• Organizational tips for academic essays
• The four main types of essay | Quick guide with examples
• Transition sentences | Tips & examples for clear writing

Unlimited Academic AI-Proofreading

✔ Document error-free in 5minutes ✔ Unlimited document corrections ✔ Specialized in correcting academic texts

Search this site

Admissions menu, – deadlines extended –.

Due to the delay in FAFSA data being supplied to the University of Oregon, the UO is extending the confirmation deadline to June 1, 2024, for first-year students admitted for fall 2024. We are also extending the priority FAFSA filing deadline to April 1, 2024, for all UO students.

Freshman Requirements

Below are the standard admission requirements for freshmen. See the requirements for:

• Transfer students
• International students
• Other applicants

English/Language Arts—4 years

• All four years should be in preparatory composition and literature with emphasis on and frequent practice in writing expository prose.

Mathematics—3 years

• Effective through fall 2023 enrollment, coursework must include first-year algebra and two additional years of college-preparatory mathematics, including Algebra II (or equivalent) or higher. An advanced mathematics course is highly recommended in your senior year. One year of either algebra or geometry taken prior to ninth grade are acceptable.
• Effective for enrollment after fall 2023, students interested in attending a State of Oregon Public Higher Education Institution should take at least three years of high school math. The third year could be satisfied by any math course with a primary focus on concepts in algebra, calculus, data science, discrete mathematics, geometry, mathematical analysis, probability, or statistics.  
• Prospective students are encouraged to take a fourth math course in their senior year of high school. Those intending to study a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) major or another field for which calculus is required are strongly encouraged to take pre-calculus and, if possible, calculus in high school.

Science—3 years

• Must include a year each in two fields of college-preparatory science such as biology, chemistry, physics, or earth and physical science.
• One year of laboratory science is recommended.

Social studies—3 years

• Complete three years of social studies from such areas as global studies, history, or social studies electives.

Second language—2 years

• The UO offers several options for meeting the second-language requirement .

Now that you know what the requirements are, read about  how we evaluate your application  or start your application  online.

Alternative Admission

If you do not meet one or more of the standard admission requirements, review the options for alternative admission , including information for students from nonaccredited high schools. Also, see the requirements for homeschooled students and students who earned a GED .

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to footer
• The University of Mississippi

Office of Admissions

Freshman Admissions

Are you ready to be a Rebel? We’re here to help make that a reality. Apply now UM Application Common Application

You’re about to take a major step—a chance to access new opportunities, establish meaningful connections, discover transformative experiences, and gain the skills and knowledge to launch your career. You see yourself positively impacting the world, and the University of Mississippi is here to nurture your potential and support you through this endeavor.

Freshman Admission Requirements

Freshman application details, special circumstances, scholarships and financial aid for incoming freshmen.

Welcoming a New Class of Freshman Students

Founded in 1848, Ole Miss is the state’s flagship public research university, offering nearly 200 degree programs across a broad spectrum of fields. Each year, we open our doors to a class of motivated individuals with a strong record of accomplishments, eager to embrace the next stage in their educational journey. Prepared to influence while absorbing as much new information as possible, our freshmen classes include multiple valedictorians, salutatorians, and high school class presidents.

Your freshman year represents a transition, and Ole Miss is ready to guide you toward your future:

• Our range of academic programs aligns with a range of interests and strengths. Biology, accounting, digital communications, media, finance, and psychology remain some of our most popular majors, but even if you start with general education, our Undergraduate Program Listing can point you in the right direction .
• Get the support you need to succeed , with a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio and passionate instructors ready to connect you with enriching opportunities in and outside of the classroom.
• Flourish on a campus named one of the most beautiful in the nation , home to dynamic Greek and athletic cultures and surrounded by Oxford’s music scene and literary history.
• Access a first-rate education at an affordable price , whether you’re in Mississippi and looking to attend college close to home or out of state and seeking a school that challenges your academic drive.

Learn more about all Ole Miss has to offer undergraduate students .

See yourself attending Ole Miss for freshman year? Read on for all first-year undergraduate requirements, and learn more about how we evaluate incoming freshmen.

For entering freshmen, admission is based on:

• the submission of an application (the university’s application or the Common Application);
• completion of the required units of the Mississippi College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC); and
• high school core grade point average and either an ACT or SAT test score.

Students must submit a high school transcript reflecting satisfactory completion of the following CPC. Standardized test results (ACT or SAT) should be sent directly from the testing agency.

For the 2024-2025 academic year, the university will accept super scores (highest subject tests from ACT/SAT when scores from multiple test dates are submitted) for admission. Subject test scores must be from the same exam type (ACT or SAT) to create a super score.

Mississippi Residents

Mississippi residents are admitted based on meeting one of the following criteria:

• Completing the College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) with a minimum 3.20 high school GPA.
• Completing the CPC with a minimum 2.50 high school GPA on the CPC and a minimum score of 16 on the composite ACT (or 880 SAT).
• Completing the CPC with a class rank in the top 50 percent and a minimum score of 16 on the composite ACT (or 880 SAT).
• Completing the CPC with a minimum 2.00 high school GPA on the CPC and a minimum composite score of 18 on the ACT (or 960 SAT).
• Students entering in the 2024-2025 academic year who are unable to access an ACT or SAT exam may be admitted without a standardized test score. Students who complete the CPC with a minimum 2.0 GPA on the CPC will be evaluated for admission.*
• Meeting certification requirements for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). This option is available to all freshman applicants.

*Although we are not requiring a standardized test score for admission for the 2024-2025 academic year, ACT/SAT scores are still very important for scholarships, some aid programs, and for academic placement.

Non-Mississippi Residents

Nonresident applicants who meet the Mississippi criteria are evaluated for admission based on the following:

• standardized test score (ACT or SAT—both are acceptable);
• core grade point average (GPA);
• availability of seats in the incoming class; and
• rigor of high school curriculum.

Successful candidates are encouraged to apply early, as admission is granted on a rolling basis until the university reaches capacity. It is suggested that candidates apply no later than April 1 of their senior year, for best consideration.

Students entering in the 2024-2025 academic year who are unable to access an ACT or SAT exam may be admitted without a standardized test score. Students who complete the CPC with a minimum 2.0 GPA will be evaluated for admission.*

*Although we are not requiring a standardized test score for admission for the 2024-2025 academic year, ACT/SAT scores are still very important for scholarships, some aid programs and for academic placement.

Minimum Test Scores

Reading and English: Students whose ACT subtest score in reading and/or English is less than 17 (or less than 470 on the SAT) are required to enroll in an appropriate developmental course during the first year of enrollment and to remain in the course until receiving a passing grade or until passing the placement exam administered by the Department of Developmental Studies.

Mathematics: Additionally, students whose ACT subtest score in mathematics is less than 19 (or less than 510 on the SAT) are required to enroll in an appropriate developmental course during the first year of enrollment and to remain in the course until receiving a passing grade or until passing the placement exam administered by the Department of Developmental Studies.

Other Test Scores: Students with ACT subtest scores of 17, 18, or 19 are encouraged to enroll in developmental courses. Those students who enroll in two or more developmental courses also are required to complete two semesters of Developmental Support Lab (see below). Enrollment in developmental courses is limited to students with subtest scores below 20 except with permission of the department. Developmental courses completed at other postsecondary institutions before enrolling at the University of Mississippi may be considered to meet developmental requirements.

College Preparatory Curriculum

Admission of entering freshmen is based on the completion of the College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) specified below with either a specific minimum grade-point average (GPA) or both a specific GPA and minimum standard test score.

A student’s high school transcript must show satisfactory completion of the following high school course requirements. Provisional admission may be granted after six semesters of high school, provided the transcript indicates that courses to complete the CPC are underway; final admission will require a complete transcript. An equivalent College Preparatory Curriculum from another state may be considered when evaluating nonresident student applications.

High School Course Requirements Beginning with Students Entering In Fall 2023 & Fall 2024

Admission documents.

• Completed application
• Six-semester transcript through junior year
• Official standardized test scores (ACT or SAT) sent directly from the testing agency ( Although we are not requiring a standardized test score for admission for the 2024-2025 academic year, ACT/SAT scores are still very important for scholarships, some aid programs and for academic placement.)
• Senior course schedule

Non-Accredited High Schools

Applicants who are home-schooled or who have not successfully completed high school must submit standard test scores (ACT composite minimum of 18 or 960 on the SAT) and successfully complete the Accuplacer test (see “Other Admission Criteria”).

Home-schooled students: Home-schooled students must present summaries of their educational experiences, which may include portfolios and transcripts, as well as standardized test scores (ACT composite minimum of 18 or 960 on the SAT).

Not completed high school: Students who are not high school graduates must present a High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma or, in some cases, may qualify as undergraduate special students (see below). Applicants who have not graduated from a regionally accredited high school and were not home-schooled must submit a High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma and any transcripts reflecting academic performance in high school.

All applicants may be required, at the discretion of the admitting IHL institution, to appear for an on-campus interview.

Undergraduate Special Students

A student who is at least 21 years of age, has been out of school for at least three years, and cannot present an acceptable high school record may be admitted to the university for such courses as he or she may be prepared to enter.

This category is reserved for those who have had delays or interruption of the traditional sequence of educational pursuits. A person admitted as a special student is admitted with the same retention standards as degree-seeking students.

Special students must have a minimum 2.0 GPA on 12 hours of coursework to become degree-seeking students. After meeting this requirement, the special student may become a regularly enrolled student, and the work completed while in the special status may be applied toward a degree. Failure to meet the stated requirements will result in academic suspension.

While in special student status, a student may not register for more than 12 hours in a semester or summer session and will not qualify for financial aid programs.

Unclassified Students

Applicants who have already received a baccalaureate degree may enroll in the university if they desire to take courses for personal or professional improvement at the 400 level or below or are pursuing a second undergraduate degree.

Generally, students pursuing a second undergraduate degree will not be permitted to take graduate courses, but under certain circumstances, with the approval of the appropriate academic dean, they may enroll as unclassified students in 500-level courses.

Visiting Students

A student who regularly attends another recognized institution and who plans to return to that institution may be admitted to the university as a visiting student.

The applicant must comply with the general requirements for admission and, in lieu of transcripts of credits, may submit a letter or certificate of good standing from an official of the institution that the student regularly attends. A student admitted to the summer session as a visiting student may elect to enroll in the university’s next regular session. The student can qualify by submitting transcripts of credits from the other institutions attended and by meeting the requirements applicable to transfer students. If the student has attended the University of Mississippi previously, he or she must be re-admissible.

College Credit for High School Students

Summer College for High School Students  is a four-week academic program for high-achieving high school students who want to experience university life.

Participants in Summer College have the opportunity to gain dual credit (high school and college) for classes taken during the summer. This program is offered in both residential and virtual formats.

Students must meet the following criteria to qualify:

• Be a minimum of 15 years old by first day of the program.
• Be in good academic and conduct standing in high school (includes public, private, parochial, or home-educated.)
• Have secured permission from high school principal to attend.
• OPTION 1:  14 CPC (College Preparatory Curriculum)* high school credits by the end of the current school year  AND  minimum 3.0 GPA
• OPTION 2:  Minimum cumulative score of 30 on the ACT (or SAT equivalent)  AND  minimum 3.0 GPA

For more information about Summer College and other dual credit programs, visit the Office of Pre-College Programs .

Other Admission Criteria

Residents of Mississippi who apply and do not meet the admission requirements stated above may enter the comprehensive screening process (counseling and testing) held on campus and at other designated locations prior to the beginning of the first summer session.

The comprehensive screening process will consider student interests, special skills, experiences, and other non-cognitive factors. After counseling, students will take a computer-based examination (Accuplacer) to assist the University in their admission decision.

Students who pass the Accuplacer test will be admitted for the fall term and will be encouraged to participate in the Developmental Support Lab during the first two semesters of enrollment.

As you complete your application for freshman admissions, be sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for grants, loans, work study, and scholarships.

Ole Miss seeks to promote educational opportunities through several merit-based scholarships for first-year undergraduate students. Designed to acknowledge your achievements, these programs do not require an additional application, and students applying for freshman admission will automatically be evaluated for awards based on their GPA and standardized test scores.

For more competitive academic scholarships and programs, incoming students must additionally fill out and submit the Special Programs & Scholarships Application. Not only does this expand your eligibility for certain undergraduate scholarship opportunities, it’s required for those interested in enrolling in the following academic or enrichment programs:

• Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College;
• Lott Leadership Institute;
• Croft Institute for International Studies;
• Chinese Language Flagship Program;
• Arabic Language Flagship Program;
• Mississippi Excellence in Teaching Program;
• Center for Manufacturing Excellence; and
• School of Pharmacy.

Learn more about scholarships and financial aid awards for first-year undergraduate students .

Get an Education That Matters as a Freshman at Ole Miss

If you’re ready to be a Rebel, take the next step by filling out a freshman application for Ole Miss. If you have any questions, contact the Office of Admissions by email or by phone at (662) 915-7226 today to learn more.

Great Things are Happening at #

Institutes & Programs:

• School of Health Related Professions
• School of Journalism & New Media
• School of Law
• School of Medicine
• School of Nursing
• School of Pharmacy
• Graduate School
• Health Sciences Graduate School
• Honors College
• Online Programs
• College of Liberal Arts
• General Studies
• School of Accountancy
• School of Applied Sciences
• School of Business Administration
• School of Dentistry
• School of Education
• School of Engineering
• Location Disclosure
• admissions@olemiss.edu
• 662-915-7226
• more contact information
• UMMC – Jackson
• UM – Desoto
• UM – Tupelo
• UM – Booneville
• UM – Grenada

• OU Homepage
• The University of Oklahoma

Undergraduate Degree Candidacy

Degree Candidacy

What is degree candidacy.

Degree Candidacy is an application process required for business majors. To declare a business major, students must meet the 2.75 OU and Combined Retention GPA minimums. Once students become business majors, they must earn Degree Candidacy status and complete prerequisite courses before enrolling in upper-division business courses.

Degree Candidacy requires students to meet minimum GPA requirements within certain courses and maintain overall GPAs

Important Degree Candidacy Dates for Spring 2024

• Jan. 29, 2024 – Degree Candidacy application opens
• Mar. 15, 2024 – Deadline for Early Approval consideration
• Mar. 29, 2024 – Notification to students meeting Early Approval requirements
• May 10, 2024 – Degree Candidacy application closes
• May 28, 2024 – Posting of all Degree Candidacy courses taken outside of OU to transcript
• May 31, 2024 – Notification of Degree Candidacy status to students through OU email

 Degree Candidacy Application (online form)

What are the Minimum GPAs Required?

Students must maintain at least a 2.50 GPA in both their overall retention and combined degree candidacy courses, with a cumulative GPA of 3.00. Please note that all attempts are counted in the cumulative GPA calculation.

Additionally, students are required to repeat any courses in which they received a grade of D or F within the degree candidacy courses. However, students are not permitted to repeat a course in which they earned an A or B.

Degree Candidacy Courses

• ACCT 2113 – Fundamental Financial Accounting
• B C 2813 – Strategic Communication for Business Professionals
• ECON 1113 – Principles of Economics-Macro
• ECON 1123 – Principles of Economics-Micro
• ECON 2843 – Elements of Statistics
• MIS 2113 – Computer-Based Info Systems

What are the Required Prerequisite Courses?

The following courses must be completed before a student can begin upper-division business courses.

• ENGL 1113 – English Composition I
• ENGL 1213 – English Composition II or EXPO 1213 – Expository Writing
• MATH 1743 – Calculus I for Business, Life, and Social Sciences
• B AD 1001 – Personal Computing Productivity Tools

What do I have to do to Receive Degree Candidacy?

When you are in the semester of completing your degree candidacy courses, you will need to submit an application. It is important not to wait until you have finished your DC courses to apply. To do so, please complete the online form located at the bottom of this page.

Please be aware that you will only be eligible to enroll in upper-division business courses once you have successfully completed all the prerequisite courses listed above.

What is Early Approval for Degree Candidacy?

Early Approval enables students who have demonstrated a high level of success in business courses to enroll in upper-division business courses before final Degree Candidacy course grades are posted. However, failure to meet the aforementioned standards may result in the revocation of Degree Candidacy, leading to the un-enrollment of the student from all upper-division business courses.

Do I qualify for Early Approval process?

To be eligible, you must currently be a business major and meet the following requirements:

• Apply for Degree Candidacy by the deadline.
• Maintain OU and combined GPAs of 3.00 or higher.
• Achieve a GPA of 3.00 or higher in three or more Degree Candidacy courses listed on your OU transcript.
• Complete all Degree Candidacy courses and prerequisites for upper-division business by the last day of the current term.

What if I still want to earn degree candidacy, but do not currently meet listed criteria?

If you meet the following standards, you can still apply for Degree Candidacy:

• Be a declared business major in Price College of Business.
• Complete all Degree Candidacy courses with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.70 (all attempts are used).
• Maintain OU and combined GPAs of 2.50 or higher.

Your application will be reviewed by a committee as an appeal for Degree Candidacy. Each application is viewed holistically, with a focus on the following:

• A thoughtful essay explaining your specific situation. We recommend including the changes you've made to earn higher grades in the future.
• Repeated Cs and lower grades. The committee will note if they were taken at an AACSB-accredited business school. For more information, visit https://www.aacsb.edu/ .

• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• OU Job Search
• Legal Notices
• Resources and Offices
• OU Report It!