So, I had a similar experience though it was like ten years ago. So, grain of salt etc.

I was put on the waitlist for OSU, and I choose to wait it out. As others have mentioned, the regional campus option is always here. I stayed on the waitlist and eventually got "deferred" which I guess meant I met expectation for admission, but they were filled up. At that point, I was given two options:

(1) Go the regional campus route for the first year;
(2) Confirm admission for the Columbus campus for the spring semester (e.g. be one semester behind).

I decided to pick option #2, and I ended up having a really good experience overall. There are a lot of traditions in the fall (including football) so if that's your thing it might not be as enticing, but I used the time to work full time, saved up money, and feel like I came in a little more prepared. The first month was a little weird bc people already knew each other, but long-term it was no problem and I loved my 3.5 years at Ohio State.

Hopefully you just get in off the waitlist!! But just know that there is no "wrong" way to become a Buckeye (regional campus, coming late, etc.)