New Student Orientation - SOAR
(Student Orientation, Assessment, and Registration)

Are all students required to attend an Ohio State ATI SOAR Program?

Yes. All new degree-seeking students are required to attend a SOAR Program at ATI just prior to beginning their first quarter on campus. This includes all new first year students, transfer students, and intra-university transfers. The SOAR Program provides an opportunity for you to complete placement testing, attend orientation sessions, meet Ohio State faculty and staff, meet with your academic advisor to schedule and register for your classes, and complete University business (get your BUCK-ID, see University Housing, visit the Financial Aid Office, etc.)

How will my SOAR Program date be assigned?

The SOAR Office will assign all new degree-seeking Ohio State ATI students a SOAR Program date. Currently, the SOAR Office is preparing Winter Quarter 2012 SOAR Program dates. You will receive your SOAR Program information via U.S. mail. Read this information carefully. If you have questions concerning the Winter Quarter SOAR Program dates, please contact Nancy Brooker in the SOAR Office at 330-287-1302.

Are transfer students required to attend an Ohio State ATI SOAR Program?

Yes. All new degree-seeking students are required to attend a SOAR Program at ATI just prior to beginning their first quarter on campus. This provides you an opportunity to visit the Ohio State ATI campus and complete all of the necessary orientation activities.

Can I bring a guest to my SOAR Program?

Yes. You are highly encouraged to bring parents, a spouse, or family member to the SOAR Program. We realize that this might not be convenient for family schedules, so their attendance is not required but highly encouraged. During the SOAR Program, there will be activities for new students and guests.

Will I be required to take OSU placement tests?

Ohio State ATI gives placement tests in English, Math, and Reading to help determine appropriate course placement for your first quarter on campus. Your individual placement testing requirements will be determined using several criteria, including ACT or SAT scores for traditional college freshman, and applicable transfer credit for transfer students.

Math Placement Testing: All Ohio state ATI students will take the OSU Math Placement test unless they received applicable transfer credit. The Ohio State University Math Department provides information concerning this test at www.math.osu.edu.

English and Reading Placement Testing: All new Ohio State ATI students under the age of 21, or have been out of high school for less than 2 years will take the English and Reading Placement Tests. Students will be exempt from the English and Reading Placement Tests if they received a score of 18 or higher on the ACT English Section, received a score of 450 or higher on the SAT Verbal Section, or received applicable transfer credit. Students who are 21 years of age or older, or been out of high school for 2 years or more, and have never attended college, will complete the English Placement Test only. Transfer students will complete the English Placement test only if they have not received applicable transfer credit. The English Placement test is a writing sample used to determine your composition skills and familiarity with “Edited American English.” The Reading Placement test is used to determine your reading skills at the collegiate level.

Are ACT or SAT scores required?

ACT or SAT scores are required for Ohio State ATI course placement for all students who are 18-21 years of age, have been out of high school for less than 2 years, and are not transferring from another college.

What kinds of activities are offered during the SOAR Program?

During the SOAR Program, you will have the opportunity to:

• Learn about Ohio State ATI’s academic expectations of students
• Complete required placement testing
• Meet with your academic advisor to schedule your classes
• Complete the course registration process
• Get your official Ohio State University ID (BUCK-ID)
• Meet other new Ohio State ATI students

What should I bring to my SOAR Program?

• $100 SOAR fee (cash, money order, or check made payable to Ohio State ATI
• Calculator for the Math Placement Test
• Picture ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
• Selective Service Number (if you are a male between the ages of 18 and 26)
• A sweatshirt or jacket as some classrooms may be cooler than you prefer

Directions to Ohio State ATI

If you have been invited to Excel-In, remember to reserve a spot today! SOAR Questions: If you have additional questions, contact Nancy Brooker at: In Ohio: 1-800-647-8283 Extension 7-1302 Outside Ohio: (330) 287-1302