All documents submitted during the application process become the property of Old Dominion University and cannot be returned.
Traditional freshman applicants are typically under the age of 21, currently enrolled in high school or have graduated from high school within the past two years. Except for dual enrollment during high school, they have not attended a college or university.
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$50 fee (non-refundable)
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Official High School Transcript (or GED Transcript)*
*Official transcripts are defined as those sent directly from the high school or selected electronic service to Old Dominion University. Transcripts emailed from the student to ODU are not acceptable.
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SAT/ACT Scores, Self-reported Scores, or Test Optional (see Test Scores section below)
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Optional Items: Activity Resume, Letter(s) of Recommendation and/or Personal Statement
- Official High School Transcript (or GED Transcript)
- Official SAT/ACT Test Scores OR Test Optional
- Activity Resume (highly recommened for institutional scholarship consideration)
- Letter(s) of Recommendation
- Personal Statement
How to submit official ACT and SAT scores:
Electronically and directly from the testing agency using ODU's CEEB Codes.
- SAT: The College Examination Entrance Board (CEEB) code is 005126.
- ACT: The code to report ACT scores is 4347.
- Directly from your high school counselor on an official high school transcript. Transcripts emailed to ODU by the student are not acceptable.
Self-reporting Test Scores
Self-reported test scores are welcome but are not used in the admission decision process. Applications that include self-reported scores will be reviewed for admission based solely on GPA or GPA + official scores if submitted and received before a decision is rendered. Once the admission and scholarship offers are made, official test scores (original or updated) must be included in any merit-based scholarship increase appeal.
Test Optional
ODU's "Test Optional" admission program allows high school students in a rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum seeking first-time entry to the university the option to be considered for admission without regard to SAT or ACT results.
Students applying test optional will still be fully considered for merit-based scholarships. While submitting test scores is not required and will not negatively impact an application, it may provide additional consideration for scholarship opportunities.
Please note that additional materials, such as an essay, resume, letters of recommendation, and test scores, can be submitted after your application has been completed. Send any supplemental items to admissions@odu.edu.
Admission to Old Dominion University does not guarantee admission to a specific degree program. The following programs require an additional application once a student has been admitted to the university:
- Cytotechnology
- Dental Hygiene
- Environmental Health
- Medical Technology
- Nuclear Medicine Technology
- Nursing
- Ophthalmic Technology
Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) and Cambridge Advanced A/AS exams are a great way to earn college credit in high school. Send your scores to ODU through the College Board using the CEEB code: 005126. Freshman applicants may also have scores indicated on their high school transcript. Course Equivalencies ►
- If you choose an electronic transcript service, transcripts should be emailed to admissions@odu.edu
- If you choose to mail credentials* to our office, each set of official transcripts must be kept in its original sealed envelope, then placed in a new, larger envelope, and mailed to ODU. Opened transcripts are considered unofficial and cannot be used in the application process.
- In order to correctly match credentials to applications, please list your complete legal name and date of birth on all documents.
| APPLYING FOR | APPLICATION DEADLINE | DECISIONS RELEASED | DEPOSIT DEADLINE |
| Fall Early Action | December 1 | January 15 | May 1 |
| Fall Regular Decision | February 1 (rolling) | Rolling | May 1 |
| Spring Admission | November 1 | Rolling |
Applications received after the published deadlines will be evaluated on a rolling basis.
Merit-based Scholarships
First-year applicants who apply with or without submitting test scores are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships. The awards are based on academic performance, managed by the Office of Admissions, and recipients are notified at the time of admission to the University.
Other Awards
Institutional and Endowed Scholarships, awarded by the Office of Financial Aid, are based on an applicant selecting "Yes" on the institutional question of the admission application and choosing from the appropriate categories. Alternatively, a student's co-curricular experiences or involvements typically noted on an Activity Resume can be emailed to FinAidScholars@odu.edu, notifying the Office of Student Financial Aid of eligibility that may be considered.
Non-traditional freshman applicants are defined as students who graduated from high school, or received a GED, more than two years ago and never enrolled at a regionally accredited college or university.
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$50 fee (non-refundable)
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Official High School Transcript (or GED Transcript)*
*Official transcripts are defined as those sent directly from the high school or selected electronic service to Old Dominion University. Transcripts emailed from the student to ODU are not acceptable.
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SAT/ACT Scores, Self-reported Scores IF completion of high school was within the past three years.
- Official High School Transcript (or GED Transcript)
- SAT/ACT Test Scores IF completion of high school was within the past three years.
Transfer applicants are defined as students who, following completion of high school, attended (or are attending) a college or university (not Old Dominion University) prior to their intended term of enrollment at ODU. Second degree applicants have earned at least one undergraduate degree and are seeking to earn another undergraduate degree. Military applicants who are seeking their first degree are considered transfer students.
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$50 fee (non-refundable)
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Official College Transcript(s) (from ALL previously attended institutions)*
*Official transcripts are defined as those sent directly from the institution or selected electronic service (i.e. Parchment) to Old Dominion University. Transcripts emailed from the student to ODU are not acceptable.
- If you choose an electronic transcript service, transcripts should be emailed to admissions@odu.edu
- If you choose to mail credentials* to our office, each set of official transcripts must be kept in its original sealed envelope, then placed in a new, larger envelope, and mailed to ODU. Opened transcripts are considered unofficial and cannot be used in the application process.
- In order to correctly match credentials to applications, please list your complete legal name and date of birth on all documents.
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Official High School Transcript (if earning and transferring with less than 24 college credits)
All documents submitted during the application process become the property of Old Dominion University and cannot be returned.
Old Dominion University, a military friendly institution ranked the top "Best for Vets" school in Virginia by Military Times, has been named a "Military Friendly School" 8 years in a row by G.I. Jobs Magazine. A quarter of the ODU student body is affiliated with the U.S. military. We provide the tools and resources necessary to help our military Monarchs succeed. ODU Military Website ►
| Fall Admission | August 1 |
| Spring Admission | November 1 |
| Summer Admission | March 15 |
Applications received after the deadline will still be evaluated and applicants will be notified on a rolling basis.
Use our transfer tool to compare course-by-course equivalency. Course-by-Course Evaluation Tool ►
Mobility Pass is a unique transfer partnership program for select freshman applicants to Old Dominion University. These applicants, who may not be ready to begin at ODU as freshmen, are encouraged to enroll in classes at one of the following partnering community colleges. Learn More ►
The Guaranteed Admission Agreement is intended to ease the transfer process between the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) and Old Dominion University (ODU). Learn More ►
| Scholarship Name | Who | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer Presidential |
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$3,500 per year |
| Transfer Monarch |
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$3,000 per year |
| Transfer Crown |
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$2,000 per year |
| VCCS to Monarch |
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$4,000 per year |
Non-Degree Applicants
Nondegree entry is available to applicants not seeking admission to a degree program but who wish to enroll in course work at Old Dominion University. Nondegree applicants must complete and submit an online application for admission to enroll in any courses.
- Visiting students - those taking course work at Old Dominion University with the intention of transferring the course credit to their home degree-granting institution.
- Certificate program students - individuals expanding their academic background or seeking teacher certification. For information related to registering for a certificate program, please contact the academic department directly. Financial aid is not available for nondegree students, except those in approved teacher certification programs.
- Adult learners - students taking courses for personal and/or academic growth.
- Gifted High School Scholars - high school students with exceptional academic abilities may take classes before completing the full program of high school studies. Students must submit scores from the SAT and/or ACT along with their high school transcript. Additionally, a letter must be submitted from the high school principal supporting the student's request for early enrollment into college-level courses. (permission from the high school principal and parent/or legal guardian is required).
- Students who are under academic suspension from Old Dominion University or any other institution are not eligible to enter as a non-degree student.
- Traditional freshman applicants who were denied admission to Old Dominion University are not eligible for non-degree admission without a change from the original application type.
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$50 fee (non-refundable)
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Gifted Student Requirements
- High School Transcript
- SAT/ACT Scores
- Recommendation letter from the high school principal supporting the student's request for early enrollment into college-level courses.
Returning students, sometimes referred to as continuing or readmit students, are degree-seeking students who previously attended Old Dominion University and have been gone from the university for at least one year. All undergraduate degree-seeking students who voluntarily separated from the university while in good academic standing are eligible to apply to be readmitted. Learn More ►
Students may apply for readmission through the Office of Academic Continuance following the completion of the suspension period. All readmitted students are required to attend the Academic Continuance Experience for Success (ACES) workshop before the beginning of the semester of readmission. Academic Readmission ►
© Glen McClure
Faces of ODU
Angie Soto is on the path to securing her dream job as a cybersecurity expert. She is a determined first-generation student at Old Dominion University who wants to inspire other females to pursue a degree in a STEM related field. Half of ODU’s first-time freshmen are first-generation college students. While growing up, Angie became interested in technology when she helped her family solve computer problems. When the Governor of Virginia spoke at her high-school about the need for cybersecurity experts and job opportunities, Angie realized this was a perfect fit. The National Security Agency (NSA) has designated the Old Dominion University's Cyber Operations B.S. program as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations (CAE-CO). With this designation, ODU joins an exclusive group of only 12 other bachelor's programs around the nation in Cyber Operations. The NSA's CAE-CO designation demonstrates that ODU's Cyber Operations bachelor's program meets the NSA's rigorous academic, technical, and research requirements. The ODU Center for Cybersecurity Education and Research (CCSER) supports ODU's mission to serve its students and enrich the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world through rigorous academic programs, strategic partnerships, and active civic engagement. The mission of CCSER is to promote cybersecurity research and education in an interdisciplinary setting. The CCSER includes faculty and staff from across all colleges and reporting units at the university, including Information Technology Services, VMASC and Military Affairs.
Application Portal
The application portal is where you can check your application status, review, and complete all outstanding items. Login with the username and password you created and used to apply for admission.