Admission Decision Process and Timeline

Below you will find some helpful information about our admission decision process. If you have questions about your specific application please contact the Office of Admissions or your admissions counselor.

Applications submitted for the University of Cincinnati’s Uptown (main) Campus are reviewed holistically, considering every item provided in the application file. Applications are read by admission team members, who are trained to use application information—both academic and personal—to more fully understand who the applicant is, how likely they are to be academically successful in an Uptown campus program, and what attributes the student will bring to our campus community. Consequently, there is not a “minimum” GPA or ACT/SAT test score, just as there is not a guaranteed admission based on a student’s profile.

Cincinnati admits students directly into their major. While the holistic review process outlined above is used for every college, some colleges or majors may be more competitive than others. Your selected major may provide us with a lens through which to view your application. For example, strong math and science skills are necessary to be successful in our engineering program and we will look for evidence of those skills before we offer admission to an engineering program.

View our application information to see what is needed to complete your application file.

Regardless of major, Cincinnati reviews all applicants who have met the December 1 Early Action deadline prior to releasing admissions decisions. Early Action applicants can expect to learn their admission decision on Cincinnati Decision Day which is typically in late January or early February.

Note the following exceptions:

• Applicants for the College-Conservatory of Music, if invited, will be required to have a final audition/interview, and will learn of their admission decision beginning at the end of February and onwards. 

For students who complete an application after December 1, admission decisions will be released on a rolling basis after Cincinnati Decision Day which is typically in late January or early February.

Students can log into their applicant status page to view their decision.

• Official High School Transcript: Overall success as demonstrated by GPA, curriculum, grade trend. We want to see students who have been successful in a challenging, college prep curriculum—including taking advanced coursework (AP, IB, dual enrollment) if offered at your school.
• Extracurricular Activities: How do you spend your time outside of the classroom? Some students may participate in school organizations or sports; others may volunteer or work; and others may be a caregiver to a family member. One type is not more important than the other, we just want to learn more about you.
• Essay and Personal Statement: This is your opportunity to have a voice in the admission process. Be authentic and tell us something about yourself that we otherwise wouldn’t know. 
• ACT/SAT Test Scores: UC is proud to offer test-optional admission to students applying for the fall 2023 and fall 2024 terms. However, a test score is still required for the College of Nursing Direct-Admit BSN program. We will always consider the highest test score(s) that you send to us. 
• Common Application School Report or Recommendation Letter: Many students ask a teacher to submit a recommendation letter. Select someone who knows you and your academic talents and abilities. Either of these documents will fulfill the requirement, however we recommend students submit both.
• Auditions and Interviews: College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), if invited, will be required to complete a final audition/interview. The College of Nursing applicants may be invited to participate in an on-campus interview. Visit the College of Nursing webpage or CCM Handbook for all details.