Application Review

When the UO Office of Admissions receives a completed application, our staff begins a comprehensive, holistic review. We evaluate applicants based on who will contribute to the University of Oregon’s academic community in meaningful ways.

Holistic review takes into account factors such as a student’s strength of high school coursework, academic and extracurricular interests, unique talents, and life experiences.

The University of Oregon considers a number of factors when making admission decisions, including:

• Strength of academic coursework: Course selection is an important indicator of a student’s academic motivation. Students should continue to take challenging academic courses through the end of their senior year.
• Grade trend: Students whose grades in academic courses are improving are more likely to be successful in college. We look for students who continue to take challenging courses and increase their grades in those courses.
• Test scores: SAT or ACT tests are optional for admission. When we do receive them, though, they are considered equally—neither is preferred over the other. Standardized tests can sometimes give us insights on an applicant’s potential, but are often not needed, and of much less importance than curriculum and grades.
• Other academic factors: If a high school provides class rank, it will be considered in the context of understanding local grading practices. Likewise, if the high school provided a school profile, it will be considered for additional context on the high school.
• Personal statement/essay: The student’s application essay is an important tool in determining academic motivation and better understanding the fit between the student and the UO. While the essay is a chance to get to know the student better, the admissions committee will also look for a coherent message delivered with clarity, using correct grammar and spelling.
• Extracurricular activities/special talents: Consideration will be given for what students do outside the classroom, such as participation in school clubs, sports, jobs, or volunteer work. It also includes college preparatory programs such as GEAR UP; Self-Enhancement, Inc.; AVID; ASPIRE; SAIL; the Oregon Young Scholars Program; or other related experiences that may have supported your preparation for college. Students will also be considered for exceptional skills and talents in the fine or performing arts, athletics, or other programs that may meet particular needs for the campus.
• Special circumstances: Personal statements describing special circumstances, such as documented disabilities, serious illnesses, or other extenuating circumstances that affected a student’s academic performance, will be taken into consideration.

Admission decisions will be made based on the following:

• College preparatory courses: 15 units of college preparatory courses from these five subject areas: English, math, science, social studies, and foreign language. (In these 15 courses, we only accept grades of C- or better.)
• Grade point average: The UO utilizes a standard weighted GPA scale, which is calculated by the required Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS). Dual Enrollment, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and Cambridge courses are weighted 1.0 higher. Honors courses are weighted .5 higher. Only grades of a C- or better are eligible for weighting.
• Admission notification: Students who apply by the November 1 Early Action deadline will receive a decision—Accepted, Denied, or Deferred to Regular Decision—by January 5. Students who apply by the January 15 deadline can expect a decision by April 1.
• Complete files: Students should make sure their application file is complete no later than February 15 to ensure an admissions decision by April 1.

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