OSU-Cascades admission requirements promote student success by assessing student preparedness and academic potential in the unique context of each student's personal experience. Admission assessment will consider all achievements, both academic and non-academic, to enroll students with a broad range of characteristics and perspectives. Considerations include, but are not limited to: academic achievement, creativity, initiative, motivation, leadership, persistence, service to others, intellectual curiosity, exceptional personal or academic recognition, unusual talent or ability, substantial experience with other cultures, and ability to overcome significant challenges.

The admissions process consists of a fair and comprehensive review of all applicants to determine potential success at OSU. It is crucial for applicants to carefully complete the application process by providing thorough information. Estimating the likelihood of admission is very difficult without considering the complete application file.

Please note that academic performance is not the sole criterion for admission to the university. The university may evaluate a person's behavior and background to determine their ability to maintain the standards of academic and professional conduct expected at the university. An evaluation may take into consideration current behavior and performance as well as past experiences and actions. Simply qualifying for admission does not guarantee admission.

To Apply

To be considered for admission to OSU-Cascades, submit:

• Completed admission application
• $50 nonrefundable application fee
• Official high school transcripts
• Official SAT I or ACT scores
• If Applicable:
  • Official AP or IB scores
  • Official college/university transcripts from all schools attended

Regular Admission Requirements

Standardized Test Scores:

The newest version of the SAT and ACT exams include a written essay portion. OSU-Cascades requires students graduating in the year 2006 and beyond to submit scores for the new SAT Reasoning Test including the written essay test, or ACT test scores including the ACT writing exam.

Note: Only scores sent electronically from College Board (SAT) and/or American College Testing (ACT) will be considered official and used for admission purposes.

It is not an advantage to pay extra for "rush" scores and in some cases may add to the time it will take to process the scores within our office.

Testing Contact Information

Initial admission selections are based on a holistic assessment of the criteria listed below:

Strength of Curriculum:

• Quality, quantity, and level of coursework throughout the entire high school program, especially coursework completed beyond the minimum courses required (see high school course requirements chart).
• AP, IB, Oregon PASS, or college coursework completed or in progress.
• Strength of the program taken within the context of the high school attended.
• Completion of a progressively challenging math sequence, demonstrated by performance.

Academic Performance:

• Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and completion of 15 required subject area courses.
• Class rank taken in context with academic rigor and class size of high school attended.
• Performance on standardized tests: SAT I, or ACT. SAT II subject tests will be considered when available.

Insight Resume:

• Understanding of you as a unique, contributing individual.
• Your accomplishments, perspectives, experiences, and talents.
• Your achievements within the context of your social and personal circumstances.
• Participation in activities that develop academic, intellectual, and leadership abilities.

High School Course Requirements

High school students must graduate from standard (private) or accredited (public) high schools.  (Home-schooled and GED students, please see requirements below listed under "Graduates of Non-Standard/Unaccredited High Schools & Home-Schooled Students")

Graduates of Non-standard/Unaccredited High Schools & Home-Schooled Students

Graduates of non-standard or unaccredited high schools, or home-schooled students, may be admitted by successfully completing one of the following options:

Admission Based Upon SAT / ACT Scores

Students completing high school studies before 2006 must show:

A minimum SAT I score of 1070 on the recentered scale or an ACT – Enhanced score of 23; AND a score of 1410 on three SAT II subject tests (Writing, Math I or IIC, and a third exam of the students choice).

Students completing high school studies during and after 2006:

A minimum score of 1540 on the new SAT I exam or 23 on the ACT (writing scores are required by OSU); AND an average of 470 or above and a minimum total of 940 on two SAT II Subject Tests:(Math Level I or IIC is required) plus a second test of the student's choice.

The newest version of the SAT and ACT exams include a written essay portion. OSU requires students graduating in the year 2006 and beyond to submit scores for the new SAT Reasoning Test including the written essay test, or ACT test scores including the ACT writing exam.

Admission Based Upon GED Scores

Achieve an average GED score of at least 58 (if taken prior to January 2002) or 580 (if taken January 2002 or later). No subtest score can be less than 41 (if taken prior to January 2002) or 410 (if taken January 2002 or later). Applicants admitted on the basis of GED scores are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores.

Please note: Students who graduate from high school or take the GED test in the 1996-97 school year and later must pass two years of the same second language prior to admission. Second language taken at an unaccredited high school does not qualify. If you have questions pertaining to any of this, please contact the OSU-Cascades Admissions Office regarding your options for completion of this requirement.