Freshman Application Instructions

How to Apply

Freshmen students are defined as those who have graduated from a secondary school, approved homeschooling program, or earned high school equivalency through a program such as the GED testing program. Applicants who earned college credit before high school graduation are considered freshmen with advanced standing and should have their college transcripts sent to the Office of Admissions.

High school students are encouraged to apply for admission beginning July 1 between their junior and senior years. Prospective students who wish to enroll fall semester are encouraged to apply and have all admissions credentials completed by March 1 to assure consideration. The application deadline for main campus is December 1 for spring semester and May 15 for summer term, although earlier closings may occur. All admission credentials must be received 14 days before the spring semester or the summer session to allow sufficient time for processing.

Important Deadline Information for International Applicants: International applicants must meet earlier application and credential deadlines to allow for additional processing time of all required paperwork. Fall semester applicants must submit all credentials by July 5. Spring semester applicants must submit all credentials by November 1.

1. Apply online
2. Submit an official high school transcript 
   • Transcripts must include at least sixth semester GPA on a 4.0 scale, your courses in progress, and class rank
   • BGSU accepts official transcripts in either secure electronic or paper formats
   • A final high school transcript is required prior to enrolling at BGSU to confirm graduation date, final GPA, and class rank
3. Submit official ACT or SAT test results 
   • BGSU's College Codes:  ACT - 3240 & SAT - 1069
   • BGSU accepts scores listed on an official high school transcript or sent directly from ACT or College Board (SAT)
   • The results of one of these tests are required for all freshmen except those who have been out of high school for three or more years. The ACT writing test is recommended but NOT required. 
     
   • International students are not required to submit ACT or SAT results. 
4. Submit your $45 nonrefundable application fee
   • $75 USD for international applicants (nonrefundable); application and all other supporting credentials must be submitted by Oct. 21 for spring term; and July 5 for fall term.
     
5. Review additional application information below
   • All academic credentials (transcripts, test scores, etc.) must be sent by the school or testing agency to be accepted as official.
6. Students whose native language is not English must submit official IELTS, TOEFL, Michigan English Test, or Pearson Test of English results as evidence of English language skills. This is required of international students issued immigrant visas, international students transferring from another American college or university, those (with English as a foreign language) from U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, and any other U.S. citizen or non-citizen whose native language is not English.  Please see the Undergraduate Catalog for test score requirements.
7. Review our Application Questions & Answers page for additional assistance
8. Deadline for issuing I-20 for international students: Nov. 4 for spring semester; July 12 for fall semester.
   

BGSU Firelands, Huron, Ohio

419-433-5560 or 1-800-322-4787
BGSU Firelands is the regional campus of BGSU and is located in Huron, Ohio. BGSU Firelands requires the same application materials, although admissions requirements vary from main campus. Please call BGSU Firelands with any questions. Applications for admission are accepted up to two weeks before the beginning of classes. Students intending to pursue a two-year associate degree are not expected to have completed the same high school coursework as those applying to a four-year bachelor’s degree program. The application for admission and all credentials should be submitted directly to BGSU Firelands, One University Dr., Huron, OH 44839-9719.

High School Graduates

If you have already graduated from high school, send the required documents directly to the BGSU Office of Admissions. A final, official high school transcript is also required. If you graduated from high school more than three years ago, you do not need to submit ACT or SAT test scores.

High School Equivalency

If you earned high school equivalency through the General Educational Development (GED) testing program, please have an official copy of your GED results and high school transcript showing any coursework completed sent to the Office of Admissions.

Five-Year Admission Policy

If you have not taken coursework anywhere (high school or college) during the past five years, you are eligible for admission to the University. Students admitted under this five-year admission policy are required to take courses under the close supervision of a college academic advisor.

Special Admissions Categories

International students should contact International Student Services, 419-372-2247, for information on requirements and application procedures.

Students who wish to take classes at Bowling Green but do not plan to seek a BGSU degree can attend as “guest" students. Registration for “guest” students does not require an application to BGSU and is arranged by the Office of Registration and Records.