Admission for Undergraduate Students

Office of Admission
Nellie Craig Walker Hall
TTY accessible: 513-529-2531
www.MiamiOH.edu/admission/

Miami’s official admission policy is in The Student Handbook, available online at www.MiamiOH.edu/handbook.

Miami's Oxford campus is selective admission, admitting only a portion of those who apply.

Admission information for international students and for Hamilton and Middletown campuses appears later in this chapter.

First-year admission to the Oxford campus is based upon many variables including but not limited to: high school performance (curriculum, grade point average, and class rank), ACT and/or test scores if provided) essay, extracurricular/work experiences, and letters of recommendation. Personal interviews are not utilized.

Students who have not earned a state-certified high school diploma or have not earned a General Educational Development (GED) certificate must submit descriptions of their curriculum and educational resources used during the last four years. If sufficient information to assess academic achievement and ability is not provided, samples of work in such areas as English, mathematics, natural science, social studies, foreign language, and fine arts may be requested.

Special abilities, talents, and achievements, as well as demonstrated interest, are also considered in making admission decisions. The university manages multiple institutional priorities to ensure appropriate enrollment capacity in various programs. Factors such as socioeconomic status, choice of major, career interests, artistic abilities, geographical backgrounds, and other special characteristics may also be considered to shape an entering class.

For information about open admission for first-time students to Hamilton and Middletown campuses, see that section in this chapter and the Hamilton and Middletown Campuses section.

To be admitted to Miami, you must have ordinarily earned a state-certified high school diploma or have a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. Alternatively educated students without a GED certificate can be considered for admission by presenting credentials that demonstrate equivalent levels of academic achievement, ability, and performance. (Please contact the appropriate admission office for guidelines.)

All candidates are also expected to have completed:

• four units of college preparatory English
• four units of college preparatory mathematics
• four units of college preparatory natural science (including both a physical and a biological science)
• three units of college preparatory social studies (including one unit of history)
• one unit of fine arts, including art, drama, dance, or music, either appreciation or performance

Making up Requirements

If you have otherwise qualified for admission, but not fulfilled these unit prerequisites, you must complete them before you graduate with a baccalaureate degree from Miami. These regular courses will count toward graduation, and many of them can fulfill other university requirements. Normally, students complete these prerequisites within their first 64 credit hours of college work.

The following courses will fulfill the requirements:

English: Complete the English composition requirement of the Miami Plan; no additional courses are required.

Natural Science, Social Studies: Complete natural science and social science requirements of the Miami Plan; no additional courses are required.

Mathematics: Complete a mathematics course of at least three credit hours at the level of MTH 104 or higher, or complete a statistics course of at least three credit hours at the level of STA 125 or higher.

Fine Arts: Complete the fine arts requirement of the Miami Plan; no additional courses are required.

Exceptions

These prerequisites are not required in order to earn a two-year degree. Students who continue their studies to earn a baccalaureate degree, however, are required to fulfill these standards.

Students graduating from high school prior to 1986 must have completed 17 units of study; at least 10 of those units must include any combination of English, speech, mathematics, science, history, and social studies.

Students who qualify for admission by earning the General Educational Development (GED) certificate must submit a transcript of completed high school course work to evaluate fulfillment of these standards. Credentials of alternatively educated students will be evaluated to determine fulfillment of these standards.

Miami has a test-optional policy for admission to the university, to all programs, and for scholarship consideration. Students who choose to opt in for Miami to consider scores in application review may submit test scores directly from the testing agency, or a student may self-report test scores through the student's applicant status portal. If a student accepts Miami's offer of admission after opting in for test scores to be considered, Miami requires official ACT or SAT test scores be sent directly from the testing agency prior to enrolling.

First- and second-year students admitted to the Oxford campus (except those who are over 21 years of age by the first day of class; reside with their parents, legal guardians (who had guardianship at time of admission), within commuting distance (50 miles) from the Oxford campus; reside with spouses or dependent children during the academic term and commute to campus; or have matriculated full-time, after high-school graduation, for at least two years at another institution of higher education or a regional campus) must live in a university residence hall. For information about the housing requirement for transfer students, see “Transfer Student Admission.” 
More about Miami University’s Residency Requirement Policy
(https://miamioh.edu/policy-library/students/undergraduate/housing/residency-requirements.html).

See more about residence halls in the General Information section.

Students must present proof of Ohio K-12 grade immunization requirements (please refer to our website at www.miamioh.edu/health for a list of requirements). Failure to meet immunization requirements will prevent course registration. TB screening is required annually for students who are arriving from or have recently traveled to a high risk country for longer than 6 weeks. High burden countries are as defined by the World Health Organization. Screening will be scheduled by Student Health Services and completed after arrival to campus. 

You must provide proof of health insurance coverage every year by completing the electronic Health Insurance Waiver form between July 1st and August 1st. If you are not covered by another policy, you will be charged for the insurance the university makes available. The insurance rate is in the Fees and Expenses chapter.

First-year students who live within commuting distance and reside in the home of their parents, legal guardians, or spouses may apply to the Oxford campus. See First Year Admission Standards for information regarding admission.

Miami Regionals in Hamilton, Middletown and West Chester are commuter campuses with an open enrollment policy for first-time freshmen. Students not admitted to the Oxford campus may begin their Miami studies by commuting to one of the Regional locations. After fulfilling minimum requirements through the Regional Campuses, students may submit a request to entirely change their campus to Oxford or remain a Regional Campus student with permission to take one or two classes in Oxford. 

Spring Semester, Summer and Winter Admission

First year students may be admitted for fall and spring semesters and are eligible for early enrollment the preceding summer or winter terms. Admission to some programs in the College of Creative Arts and Nursing is available only in the fall semester except by special permission.

Dates for notification of admission and your deadlines to accept Miami’s offers of admission are listed online (www.MiamiOH.edu/admission/) and in your admission packet.

As a member of the National Association of College Admission Counseling, Miami University supports the Statement of Principles of Good Practice and “permits candidates to choose, without penalty, among offers of admission and financial aid until May 1. Candidates admitted under an early decision program are recognized exceptions to this provision.” (Section II, A, 6).

Dates for transfer student notification of admission and deadlines to accept Miami’s offers of admission are listed online (www.MiamiOH.edu/admission/transfer) and in the transfer admission packet.

All first-year students are required to attend a one-and-a-half day orientation program; at least one family member is encouraged to attend the program with their student. Orientation sessions are held during May and June for fall semester entry and in January for spring semester entry. The program provides an opportunity to learn more about the academic and student life and to register for classes.

Orientation program information is sent via Miami email to all incoming first-year students after they have confirmed their enrollment. Students register online for the program at MiamiOH.edu/orientation.

If a student cannot attend a fall orientation session in May or June, the student must attend August orientation and participate in advising and registration at that time. All questions about orientation should be directed to Orientation and Transition Programs at 513-529-9771, or orientation@MiamiOH.edu. Visit our website for complete dates and details about all orientation programs (www.MiamiOH.edu/orientation).

International students attend orientation approximately 1-2 weeks prior to the start of classes.  Contact international@MiamiOH.edu for more information.

Non-Degree Student Admission

High school students (College Credit Plus program): This state program provides opportunity for eligible middle and high school students (grades 7-12) to earn high school and college graduation credit through successful completion of college courses. Courses are open on a space-available basis. Questions regarding eligibility and admission should be directed to the Hamilton campus admission office. University housing is not available to students in this program. Prospective students should consult with their high school counselors.

Senior citizens: Individuals who are 60 years of age or older and have resided in the state of Ohio for at least one year can audit any course without charge if permission is granted by the instructor and facilities are available. Any special course requirements or fees are the responsibility of the student. Formal admission and registration are not required.

Basic requirements for direct admission of international students to bachelor’s degree program include the following:

• Completion of formal secondary education in a pre-university curriculum as demonstrated through academic records.

  • Academic records include all secondary school studies, beginning with 9th grade through the most current available at the time of application.

  • Final and official secondary school academic transcripts along with proof of secondary school graduation is required before enrolling at Miami.   Completion must include the awarding of a diploma or the issuance of a leaving certificate or matriculation certificate generally recognized as the educational qualification necessary for admission to higher studies.

  • Students who completed secondary school two or more years ago must also submit any and all external examination results (IGCSE, GCE, WASSCE, KCSE, etc.) as issued by the examining board with their applications. Official or verified results may also be requested at the time of application.

• Proof of English Language Proficiency with English language ability at a level sufficient to undertake a full course of study.

  • For more information on meeting this qualification, see Miami University's English Language Proficiency. 
    Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Testing (ACT) scores (if applicable).International students are not required to provide an ACT or SAT score, but they may use the ACT or SAT to satisfy English language proficiency requirements.

• Adequate Financial Support as evidenced by the submission of the online estimated financial support form.

  • The Financial Estimate Form will be available after submitting an admission application. The form can be found and completed on the student Application Status page.

• Copy of Passport or National ID card

  • All international applicants and international students who are visa holders in the US must also provide a copy of their current visa or immigration status. 

• Required Documents for a student visa
  An I-20 visa document is required to obtain a student visa and to enroll as an international student at Miami University. Students offered admission are required to submit the following items:

• Completed online Financial Support Form.

• Documentation of financial support, such as a bank statement dated not more than one year prior to your intended date of entry. (Tax returns or letters of employment/income are not acceptable.

English Proficiency

International degree-seeking applicants (non-immigrants with F-1 or J-1 or other visa status) whose first language is not English are required to submit evidence of English language proficiency with their admission application. Acceptable test scores and qualifications that meet Miami's minimum English language proficiency requirements for direct admission as well as approved exemptions can found on the English Proficiency webpage.

Undergraduate international students, like all Miami undergraduates, must satisfy the freshman English requirement. Students will initially be placed in the appropriate English courses based on test scores or other English proof of proficiency received at the time of admission. Additional proficiency tests will be administered before or during international student orientation to determine English course placement. 

ENG 107 (4) is designed to provide foundational skills for international students in written English. Upon successful completion, students will be placed in ENG 108 or 109. ENG 108 is a pre-freshman level course designed to provide international students with basic competence in written academic English. ENG 108 is followed by ENG 109, a first-year composition course that is similar to ENG 111 except ENG 109 concentrates on special needs of non-native speakers.

An additional speaking proficiency test will be administered either before or during international student orientation to determine whether or not the student is in need of speaking support within the context of the student’s required acculturation course. Upon review of each student’s speaking sample, students will be assigned to one of the following courses. These courses are NOT part of a sequence, and students will take only one of these courses in their time at Miami.  UNV 101 is a transition course for first year students designed to establish a foundation for academic and co-curricular success at Miami.

Non-native English speakers may pursue additional practice in the use of written and spoken English through electives offered through the College of Arts & Science (ELP 231, ELP 233), as well as targeted support in writing through the International Student Center in MacMillan Hall.

Selective Admission

Student Handbook, under Selective Admission.

Information and Application

Information and application forms for prospective international undergraduate students are available online at MiamiOH.edu/admission/international. Students can also contact the office at:

Office of Admission
301 S. Campus Ave.
Miami University
Oxford, Ohio 45056-3434
U.S.A.
Phone: +1 513-529-2531
E-mail: goglobal@MiamiOH.edu
 

Miami University Regionals are commuter campuses of Miami University, a highly-regarded public university with a national reputation. Regional locations include the Hamilton campus, the Middletown campus, and the Voice of America Learning Center (VOALC) in West Chester.

Miami Regionals includes the division of the College of Liberal Arts & Applied Science (CLAAS). 

Many students earn their associate's or bachelor's degree by taking classes entirely at regional locations. Students may also earn select degrees online through Miami Online.  After meeting the required criteria, students who begin on the regional campuses or online may change their campus and complete their degree on the Oxford campus.

Miami University Regionals and Miami Online Admission Standards

Miami University Regionals and Miami Online have an open admission policy for first-time freshmen. Students must have graduated from a state-chartered high school or equivalent to be admitted. Alternatively educated students without a High School Equivalency Diploma can demonstrate academic achievement by submitting a description of the curriculum, educational resources used during the last four years, and other information necessary to assess ability. ACT or SAT scores are not required, but placement exams may be requested.

In order to receive automatic admission, transfer students must have a 2.0 cumulative GPA from their previous institution(s). Students with a GPA below 2.0 or a questionable conduct record will be required to submit additional information. 

• GPA = ≥ 1.50 and ≤ 1.99: Director review, having submitted a GPA Statement outlining the cause(s) of weak academic performance and a plan to enhance the chance of future success.
  • It may be recommended for international students with a cumulative GPA of 1.50-1.99 to participate in our Academic Redirection Program (ARP). The Academic Redirection Program only applies to students who have below a 2.0 cumulative GPA at a US college(s); students who study abroad are not eligible for the ARP program.
• GPA = ≥ 1.0 and ≤ 1.49: Director review, having submitted a GPA Statement and interview with Admission Committee member.
  • International students with a cumulative GPA below 1.50 will be considered for conditional admission and therefore admitted to the Academic Redirection Program (ARP).
• Cumulative GPA = ≤ 0.99: Director review, having submitted a GPA Statement and interview with Admission Committee member.
  • International students with a cumulative GPA below 1.00 may be considered for conditional admission on a case-by-case basis. Recommendations for admission may include taking one course as a non-degree student to showcase academic ability, admission to the Academic Redirection Program, or applying for a different start term.
• All transfers who have < 2.0 after previously attending only one term at another institution, will be admitted regardless of GPA. No statement required.
• All transfers who have not attended another institution for two or more calendar years prior to the term that admission is being considered (regardless of GPA) will be admitted under regular admission. No statement required.

• Note: Sub 2.0 GPA Applicants who are being considered for admission are strongly discouraged from starting Miami courses in the summer or winter terms.

Applicants must submit all prior college transcripts from regionally accredited institutions. Transcripts are not required from non-regionally accredited institutions. These students will also be coded as Transfer (T).

A beginning freshman or transfer student admitted to Miami University Regionals or Miami Online may partially or fully change campus (take the majority of credit hours in Oxford) as a matriculated Miami University student with at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average, an acceptable conduct record, and after earning at least 16 hours of graded Miami University college-level coursework (not including developmental 00_classes, CLEP, AP and College Credit Plus credit).  At least one Fall or Spring semester must be completed on a regional campus. Winter term credits and grades cannot be utilized for Spring campus change as they are not posted until after the Spring semester begins. Students who want exceptions to these requirements granted must submit their request on the Change of Campus form.

More information is available in the chapter about Miami University Regionals and Miami Online. To receive further details about admission to the Regionals campuses, contact:

Office of Admission
513-529-2531
admission@miamioh.edu

Miami University Regionals website: MiamiOH.edu/regionals/

To receive further details about admission to Miami Online, contact:

Miami Online website: MiamiOH.edu/online/

Miami Online

513-216-2237

online@miamioh.edu