What Does It Take to Get Into Miami University–Oxford?

Miami University–Oxford might not offer the sun and sand that its name might suggest. However, that doesn’t mean that you should overlook this Ohio school known for its beautiful campus and exceptional academics. With more than 120 major programs and plenty of extracurriculars, there’s a reason Miami made the list of Kiplinger’s Top 50 “Best Values in Public Colleges.” Here, students can take to the stage in a musical theater production, engage deeply with their college community by participating in student government, or join one of more than 50 club sports teams, including baseball, martial arts, and quidditch.

Additionally, Miami University–Oxford is a great choice for students looking to study abroad. In fact, the school has opportunities available in 90 countries!

Wondering if you should set your sights on this Ohio institution? Keep reading to learn what it takes to get into Miami University–Oxford and find out if it’s the place for you.

Applying to Miami University–Oxford: A Quick Review

If Miami University–Oxford is on your short list of dream colleges, you can start your applications process by deciding when you want to apply. For Fall 2019, the binding Early Decision and non-binding Early Action I deadline is November 1st. The non-binding Early Action II is December 1st. This date is also the priority deadline for students hoping to be considered for merit scholarships and/or admission to the University Academic Scholars and the University Honors Programs, as well as other competitive admissions programs. Regular Decision applicants have until February 1st to get their applications in. Be sure to submit the following materials to be considered:

• Completed Common Application
• Official high school transcript
• ACT/SAT scores
• Letter of recommendation from a counselor or teacher
• $50 application fee

Note that certain colleges within the university ask for additional application materials. For example, the College of Creative Arts requires applicants to submit a portfolio or schedule auditions if they’re applying to the following major programs: architecture, art, art education, communication design, interior design, music, music composition, music education, music performance, and theatre. Be sure to check the Additional Requirements page to see if your prospective program requires any additional action or materials.  

Miami University–Oxford Acceptance Rate: How Difficult Is It to Get In?

Miami University–Oxford is a popular school, receiving over 30,000 applications in a given year. Last year, the college offered admission to around 22,500 students for an acceptance rate of about 70%. That’s good news for students set on attending this school in the Buckeye State.

So how difficult is it to get into Miami University? The college employs a comprehensive review process that aims to see each applicant as an individual. Admissions decisions are based on a holistic examination of candidates’ strengths and weakness. The goal is to put a student’s achievements in context based on available opportunities and assess the ways they demonstrated potential while in high school. Consequently, students hoping to matriculate at Miami University–Oxford will want to challenge themselves academically while demonstrating leadership and commitment to their passions and interests outside of the classroom.

So, How Does One Get Into Miami University–Oxford?

Miami University–Oxford requires that students complete a rigorous high school course load. However, it’s worth noting that most students who matriculate at Miami go above and beyond the minimum standards. If you otherwise meet the admissions criteria but are behind with regard to your curriculum, you might be expected to complete the following upon enrollment:

• 4 years of English
• 4 years of math
• 3 years of natural science, including physical sciences and biological sciences
• 3 years of social sciences
• 2 years of a foreign language
• 1 year of fine arts

Additionally, Miami puts a strong emphasis on students’ test scores. The average admitted freshman has an SAT score between 1200 and 1380. The majority of students who take the ACT score between a 25 and 30. It’s worth noting that Miami superscores for both the ACT and SAT, so taking the test more than once might boost both your odds of getting in and your chances of earning a scholarship. 

How to Make Your Application Stand Out

Demonstrate your writing ability. Most colleges appreciate students with strong communication skills. However, Miami University–Oxford specifically calls out the importance of writing ability on its website. If you want to boost your odds of acceptance, devote a little extra time to your essay. Other important academic factors include the strength of your high school curriculum, with students who pursued honors, accelerated, or AP/IB courses enjoying special favor.

Pick up a part-time job. Another standout quality for Miami admissions officers is employment status during high school. As part of its holistic admissions process, the college considers the amount of time students spent working after school. If you participated in fewer extracurriculars because you had to work part-time to help out your family, Miami will take this into account when comparing you to other applicants. Conversely, if you have some extra time, either after school or during the summer, consider volunteering, taking on an internship, or picking up a job to set yourself apart from the crowd.

Showcase who you are. Miami is passionate about enrolling a diverse student body. To that end, it’s wise to use your application as a way of highlighting what makes you different from the crowd. Factors that could affect your odds of admission include unique career interests, exceptional artistic talent, socioeconomic status, and geographical background. Don’t be afraid to talk about what makes you you in your essay and to highlight your interests and accomplishments in the activities section of the application.

What If You Get Rejected?

It’s natural to be upset about a rejection. However, the important thing to remember is that the U.S. is full of exceptional places to attend college. If you’re passionate about studying in Ohio, think about expanding your college list to include the University of Dayton, Ohio University, the

University of Cincinnati, or Kenyon College. Open to colleges throughout the Midwest? Consider the University of Chicago and Northwestern University.

Wondering if you should appeal your rejection to Miami University–Oxford? Everyone from high school guidance counselors to college admissions professionals will tell you that the odds of an admissions decision being reversed are incredibly slim. If you’re still set on attending this Ohio institution, you might want to consider taking a gap year and reapplying. Not only can a gap year let you accumulate life experience, but it also affords you time to take courses at your local community college and increase your university readiness.

Curious about your chances of acceptance to Miami University? Our free chancing engine takes into account your GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, and other data to predict your odds of acceptance at over 500 colleges across the U.S. We’ll also let you know how you stack up against other applicants and how you can improve your profile. Sign up for your free CollegeVine account today to get started!

Want to learn more about your options in the Midwest? Check out some of our other posts:

What Does it Take to Get into Ohio State University–Columbus?

What is Northwestern’s Acceptance Rate & Admissions Requirements?

What is the University of Chicago’s Acceptance Rate & Admissions Requirements?