School Counselor FAQ

Students can apply to BGSU online through the BGSU hosted Falcon Application or the Common Application.

While BGSU is a member of the Common Application, we are not Common App exclusive, meaning students are welcome to use the application method that is most convenient for them. However, students should NOT apply using both application options as this will cause delays in the review process.

Note:  BGSU can only retrieve documents submitted through the Common Application for students who submit a BGSU Common Application.  If a student has started their BGSU Common Application, their documents are not able to be retrieved until they submit.

The priority application deadline for maximum scholarship consideration is January 15.  BGSU's final application deadline is July 15.

Students are encouraged to apply well in advance of these deadlines as some programs and scholarships have earlier deadlines (BGSU Honors College, Presidential Scholars Award, Alumni Laureate Scholarship, President's Leadership Academy, Falcon Achievement Award, etc.).  BGSU reserves the right to close the application at any time should enrollment caps be reached.

The application fee is $45 for domestic students and $75 for international students.  

When completing the BGSU hosted Falcon Application, students are not required to submit an application fee in order to submit their application.  Upon application submission, students can students can pay the application fee online using a credit card, debit card, or checking/savings account.  Students can return to their application status page at any point after submitting their application to BGSU to pay their application fee.  If necessary, payment can be made via check.  The student's full name (as listed on the application) and date of birth should be clearly written on the memo line and sent to Office of Admissions, 200 University Hall, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403.

When completing the Common Application, students can pay online using a credit card, debit card, or checking/savings account.

No matter which application method a student uses, fee waivers are available to qualified students.  BGSU accepts officially signed NACAC fee waivers and Common Application fee waivers as proof of economic need.

No.  Whether a student chooses to apply to BGSU through the BGSU hosted Falcon Application or the Common Application, all admission requirements, materials, deadlines, fees, etc. remain the same.

BGSU operates solely on a non-binding, rolling admission basis.  Students will typically receive an admission decision within 1-4 weeks of all required materials being submitted. BGSU does not pool/hold applications until a certain date and then review/release decisions.

The Early Action option offered through the Common Application simply allows students to ensure they meet our application submission deadline for consideration for academic scholarships offered through the Office of Admissions.  Students must also submit all required materials by the posted credential submission deadline.

When making an admission decision, the two most important aspects are the cumulative GPA and the ACT (composite) or SAT (reading + math) test score (if a student is not applying test optional). However, class rank, involvement, and the college prep curriculum are also taken into consideration, as well as all information supplied on the application for admission.

The BGSU hosted Falcon Application typically opens the summer before a student's senior year (June/July) while the Common Application is available in early August.  Students are welcome to apply the summer before their senior year if using the BGSU hosted Falcon Application.  However, an admission decision will be delayed until all required materials are submitted, including an official transcript showing final junior-year grades, test results, etc.

We will use the highest GPA reported on an official high school transcript for admission and scholarship consideration.  This could be a weighted or unweighted GPA.  Non-4.0 scale GPAs will be converted to a 4.0 scale.

BGSU's ACT code is 3240.
BGSU's SAT code is 1069.

BGSU does not prefer one over the other. If both the ACT and SAT are taken, BGSU will always consider the highest ACT composite or SAT reading + math section scores from one single test date for admission and scholarship consideration.  

No. BGSU will always consider the highest ACT composite or SAT reading + math section scores from one single test date for admission and scholarship consideration.  If a student is admitted and/or has been awarded an automatic academic scholarship but then sends in lower test scores, their admission decision and/or scholarship award will not change.  BGSU does not require that all ACT or SAT scores be sent in.

Yes, BGSU will superscore ACT and SAT results.

Yes. If a high school has the official ACT or SAT results listed on the high school transcript, we will use them for the student's official record.  If your school does not include test scores, students must send in scores from ACT or College Board.

BGSU's FAFSA School Code is 003018.

Students do not need to fill out a separate scholarship application for the University Freshman Academic Scholarship or BG Success Scholarship (for out-of-state students) offered through the Office of Admissions.

However, scholarships offered by other BGSU programs, departments, colleges, etc. or outside entities may have additional scholarship applications and varying deadlines.  Students should view the scholarships and financial aid page as well as the Student Financial Aid website for information.

Students must apply to BGSU by January 15 to be considered for the University Freshman Academic Scholarship.  Additional freshman scholarships may have earlier or later deadlines as detailed on the freshman scholarships webpage.

Students are encouraged to begin filling out their FAFSA on October 1 and submit by January 15 to be considered for maximum financial aid.  Students who submit a FAFSA after January 15 are awarded qualifying aid as funds are available.

Yes.  However, updated credentials (official transcripts and/or test scores) showing the improved GPA and/or test score must be received in the BGSU Office of Admissions by the posted deadline.

Yes.  If a student earned college credit from an accredited college/university before high school graduation, they must have an official transcript sent from each institution from which they received credit.  BGSU cannot award college credit reported on an official high school transcript.  Official college/university transcripts should be sent to the BGSU Office of Admissions.  Information on how credit earned at another institution may transfer to BGSU can be found on our Transfer of Credits webpage.

Yes.  Students can earn BGSU credit by scoring a 3 or higher on the AP exam. BGSU credit awarded will vary based on the score earned on the AP exam as detailed in the BGSU undergraduate catalog.

Students interested in the BGSU Honors College must submit a separate Honors College application by the posted deadline, after submitting their BGSU application for admission.  Please see the Honors College website for details on the application process, deadlines, scholarships, Honors Learning Community, and more.

The Honors College can be contacted at honors@bgsu.edu or 419-372-8504 and is located in 024 Founders Hall.

Undergraduate students are required to reside in University-owned housing as a condition of enrollment unless:

• They are commuting daily from the home of their parents, guardians or spouse (within 50 miles of Bowling Green) –or–
• They are over the age of 20 –or–
• They have earned 60 semester hours (junior academic standing) and/or four semesters of campus residency on or before the first day of classes

Applicants who initially request on-campus residence, then decide to live off-campus, must return their housing agreements with a note explaining their intention to commute. Please contact the Office of Residence Life at 419-372-2011 for further information on this process.

Yes. All students who purchase a valid parking permit are able to have a car on campus.