University of Cincinnati Undergraduate Admissions: A Comprehensive Guide

The University of Cincinnati (UC) offers a supportive community and resources designed to help students thrive both academically and personally. Situated less than two miles from downtown Cincinnati, the university provides a blend of big-city experiences and small-town charm. Its urban campus boasts unique architecture, cutting-edge technology, and ample green spaces. A hallmark of the UC experience is its commitment to experience-based learning, with 100% of students participating in Cooperative Education (Co-op), internships, research, study abroad, clinicals, service learning, and other hands-on opportunities. These experiences extend beyond the classroom, enabling students to make a significant impact in their respective fields.

Key Application Deadlines and Dates

Early Action Deadline: November 1 (non-binding, offers priority consideration and eligibility for The University Honors Program and merit-based scholarships).
CCM Program Application Deadline: November 1 (historically, programs close on or shortly after this date).
CCM Pre-screening Materials Deadline: November 15 (encouraged for all majors within CCM).
CCM Pre-screening Materials Deadline (required): December 3 (required for all majors within CCM).
Confirmation Deadline: May 1, 2025.

Applying to the University of Cincinnati

Applying to college can be overwhelming, but UC provides resources to guide prospective students through the process. The university comprises three campuses, each offering distinct programs and opportunities. Applicants should select the correct campus on the Common Application based on their intended program of study.

Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews.

Application Fee: A non-refundable $50 fee is required to apply to the University of Cincinnati.
Transcripts: Submit unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Please add each undergraduate and graduate institution you have attended to the application, including the institution you are currently attending (if applicable). An unofficial transcript (scan of transcript or degree audit) is required for each institution (including in-progress coursework) even if you have previously submitted official transcripts or attended the University of Cincinnati.
Test Scores (Optional): The University of Cincinnati has a test-flexible policy. Official test scores must be sent to UC directly from the testing agency. UC Undergraduate Admissions will only accept English test scores that are valid up to two years before the start of the term for which the student is applying.
English Proficiency (for International Applicants): Applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and who were educated in a country where the official national language is not English, must demonstrate English proficiency. This can be done via standardized test scores (Duolingo (DET) and IELTS are accepted for select majors) or by meeting the requirements for one of the accepted waivers. Test score requirements vary by program.
Additional Materials: CV/Resume, Personal Statement, etc. Other requirements such as CV/Resume, Personal Statement, etc.

First-Year vs. Transfer Applicants

The University of Cincinnati distinguishes between first-year and transfer applicants. Students who have earned college course credit after graduating high school/secondary school are considered transfer applicants. Students who were home schooled follow the same application process as all other first-year applicants.

Conditional Admission

The University of Cincinnati offers students conditional admission in order to study the English language at our on-campus English Language Center (ELS) prior to taking UC classes. The Cincinnati ELS Language Center is located directly on the University of Cincinnati’s Main Campus.

Academic Considerations

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. The University of Cincinnati 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.

Standardized Testing: SAT and ACT (Optional)

University of Cincinnati 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. Despite this policy, the truth is that most students still take the SAT or ACT, and most applicants to University of Cincinnati 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.

SAT: The 25th percentile SAT score is 1160, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1350.
ACT: The average ACT score at University of Cincinnati is 27. The 25th percentile ACT score is 24, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 29.

Superscoring

SAT: The University of Cincinnati "superscores" the SAT. This means that you can choose which SAT tests you want to send to the school. University of Cincinnati will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore.
ACT: By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. We weren't able to find the school's exact ACT policy, which most likely means that it does not Superscore.

Writing Sections of ACT/SAT

The University of Cincinnati does not require that students complete and submit scores for the writing sections of either the ACT or SAT. There will be writing components within the Common Application. University of Cincinnati considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration.

Advanced Placement (AP) Credit

Credit for Advanced Placement examinations (AP) is granted, in most cases, for scores of 3 or higher. To find AP equivalencies, consult the AP Key. Send your original AP scores to the University of Cincinnati Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

College Credit Plus (CCP)

College Credit Plus (CCP) allows high school students to enroll in college level courses and earn dual credit.

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Admission Selectivity and Strategies

The acceptance rate at University of Cincinnati is 85.3%. 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 1160 SAT or a 24 ACT or higher, and you'll almost certainly get an offer of admission.

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Note: Your admission decision relies not only on your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, but also on your coursework difficulty, extracurriculars, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. This tool provides only a simplistic estimate of your chances of admission. We recommend you apply to schools across a range of chances. Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above.

Resources for Accepted Students

Confirmation: If you are ready to commit to Cincinnati, confirm your admission by visiting admissions.uc.edu/confirm and paying the confirmation deposit.
Bearcats Bound Orientation: The first opportunity you will have to speak with an academic advisor will be at Bearcats Bound Orientation during the summer before your first year on campus.
Credit Evaluation Center: The Credit Evaluation Center can provide more information about each type of credit and how it may apply to a degree.

Opportunities at UC Clermont

UC Clermont sits on just over 91 acres of beautifully wooded campus. In addition to providing a convenient option for those seeking a UC degree, UC Clermont offers a variety of student activities, athletics and more. Our Campus Tours are led by our admissions counselors or Student Ambassadors - academically outstanding students who attend classes full time here at UC Clermont College. Admission to UC Clermont does not require a minimum GPA or test score. In fact, you can get started once you've earned a high school diploma, GED or homeschool equivalent. If you are currently attending another school and final transcripts won't be available by the deadline, have your school's Registrar forward a "statement of attendance" to UC that you are currently taking classes. This should be on school letterhead, signed by a school employee and received prior to the application deadline. Financial Aid will require a final transcript showing your high school graduation date before you are permitted to receive Federal loans and/or grants. You can check your application status online. Our Admissions staff is always happy to help.

Graduate Admissions

Each graduate program is responsible for setting application requirements and admission criteria beyond the minimum requirements set by the university (outlined below). Programs set their application deadlines, and they set their own schedule for making admission decisions. Most programs utilize the UC Graduate Admissions Application. In order to begin an application, you will create an account with UC's Application Portal. Please note that UC admits by entry term (semester), so ensure that you are applying to the proper entry term. Not all programs are available to start every entry term. Application fees vary by program and application type. A note to international applicants: Some programs require that applicants who completed coursework outside of the United States submit an official transcript evaluation by a NACES member (commonly used members include IEE, Josef Silny & Associates, SpanTran, WES, etc.) at the time of application. four-year degrees. Please note: Applicants to programs within the College of Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Audiology, Speech-Language Pathology, and Public Health MUST submit official transcripts or transcript evaluations through the appropriate CAS application system at the time of application. The number of required letters varies by program. For GRE scores, please use school code 1833. Do NOT choose a department code.

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