Freshman Requirements

Below are the standard admission requirements for freshmen. See the requirements for:

A. Graduate from a standard or accredited high school.
Check to see if your high school is on the list of regional accreditors.
The University of Oregon defines a freshman applicant as a student who will not attempt any post-secondary (college) coursework after high school graduation (or earning a GED). This is separate from any coursework while enrolled in high school (AP, IB, AICE, dual enrollment, or college in HS). Proof of graduation must be from a valid high school or an entity we accept their certification of graduation. If our institution or the U.S. Secretary of Education has reason to believe that the high school diploma is not valid or was not obtained from an entity that provides secondary school education, your file will require additional review.
 
B. Earn a C– or better in 15 college preparatory courses.

English/Language Arts—4 years

  • All four years should be in preparatory composition and literature with emphasis on and frequent practice in writing expository prose.

Mathematics—3 years

  • Effective through fall 2023 enrollment, coursework must include first-year algebra and two additional years of college-preparatory mathematics, including Algebra II (or equivalent) or higher. An advanced mathematics course is highly recommended in your senior year. One year of either algebra or geometry taken prior to ninth grade are acceptable.
  • Effective for enrollment after fall 2023, students interested in attending a State of Oregon Public Higher Education Institution should take at least three years of high school math. The third year could be satisfied by any math course with a primary focus on concepts in algebra, calculus, data science, discrete mathematics, geometry, mathematical analysis, probability, or statistics.  
  • Prospective students are encouraged to take a fourth math course in their senior year of high school. Those intending to study a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) major or another field for which calculus is required are strongly encouraged to take pre-calculus and, if possible, calculus in high school.

Science—3 years

  • Must include a year each in two fields of college-preparatory science such as biology, chemistry, physics, or earth and physical science.
  • One year of laboratory science is recommended.

Social studies—3 years

  • Complete three years of social studies from such areas as global studies, history, or social studies electives.

Second language—2 years

C. Submit your self-reported transcript.
Self-reported transcript information (Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) must be provided in order for your application to be reviewed. Prior to enrolling at the UO, submit a final official transcript confirming graduation and showing all academic course work. If you have completed dual-enrollment or college (post-secondary) we would need a copy of your official college or dual-enrollment transcript prior to enrollment.
 
D. Test optional — submit SAT or ACT scores.
Effective with applicants for fall 2021 or beyond, submitting scores from the SAT/ACT is now optional for admissions. Many students will still provide scores, so if you do send them, we prefer scores to be sent directly from the testing service. We also accept scores reported on official high school transcripts. Our school code number for the SAT Reasoning Test is 4846; our code for the ACT is 3498.
 
Wondering whether to submit your scores? Visit our Test Optional FAQ page.
 
E. Submit an application essay.
The UO is interested in learning more about you. Write an essay of 650 words or less that shares information that we cannot find elsewhere on your application. Any topic you choose is welcome. Some ideas you might consider include your future ambitions and goals; a special talent, extracurricular activity, or unusual interest that sets you apart from your peers; or a significant experience that influenced your life. If you are applying to the UO's Robert D. Clark Honors College, we recommend submitting a separate essay for the honors college prompt and the UO admissions application essay prompt to give those reviewing your application as much information about you as possible.
 
F. Optional second essay.
As you’ve looked into what it will be like to attend Oregon, you’ve hopefully learned about what makes Ducks Ducks. No two are alike, though, so tell us what makes you you, and how that connects to our campus community. We are interested in your thoughts and experiences recognizing difference and supporting equity and inclusion, and choosing one of the two options below will guide you in sharing those thoughts. You can learn more about equity and inclusion at Oregon by visiting the Equity and Inclusion website. Maximum statement length is 500 words. This statement is not required.
  1. Describe an experience with discrimination, whether it was fighting against discrimination or recognizing your contribution to discriminating against a person or group. What did you learn from the experience? In what ways will you bring those lessons to the University of Oregon?
  2. The University of Oregon values difference, and we take pride in our diverse community. Please explain how you will share your experiences, values, and interests with our community. In what ways can you imagine offering your support to others?

Now that you know what the requirements are, read about how we evaluate your application or start your application online.

Alternative Admission

If you do not meet one or more of the standard admission requirements, review the options for alternative admission, including information for students from nonaccredited high schools. Also, see the requirements for homeschooled students and students who earned a GED.