Applying & Requirements

Student Type

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• Traditional Students

  To begin the online application, follow the directions listed below. You may also choose to submit a paper application. You may also apply to Otterbein using the Common Application.

  To receive full consideration for admission to Otterbein, you will need to submit:

  • Official high school transcript: Note: Homeschooled students should submit written documentation of successful completion of the equivalency of a college preparatory high school curriculum (first-time freshmen and transfer students).
  • The following counselor recommendation form or a letter of recommendation from a teacher or guidance counselor (first-time freshmen only).
  • Official ACT or SAT scores: We will accept scores from the official high school transcript (first-time freshmen).
  • Essay: An essay is required. See this page for details.
  • For students participating in Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate Diploma Programs, Otterbein recognizes and grants credit for Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate coursework. For more information, see the following links in the 2012-13 catalog:
    • Advanced Placement
    • International Baccalaureate

• International Students

  • To begin the online application, follow the directions below. You may also choose to submit a paper application (link to admission_application.pdf). The application fee for international students is $30 for both the online and paper application.

• Otterbein Collegiate Institute (OCI)

  OCI includes those students who are still in high school and would like to take college coursework for credit during their junior or senior year.

  • You must apply online. To begin the online application, follow the directions listed below. In addition, the following items need to be included in your application file:
  • Along with your application, students are required to submit an official high school transcript. (Homeschooled students should submit written documentation of successful completion of the equivalency of a college preparatory high school curriculum).Those students with a 3.29 GPA or lower are required to submit a PSAT, PLAN, ACT or SAT score to receive full consideration for the program.

• Transfer Students

  To begin the online application , follow the directions here. You may also choose to submit a paper application. You may also apply to Otterbein using the Common Application.

  You will also need to submit:

  • Official transcripts from all colleges or universities that you have attended
  • Official high school transcripts
  • ACT/SAT scores (optional)
  • $25 application fee if you are starting Otterbein in Fall 2013. If you are starting Spring 2013 the fee is waived.

• Transient (Visiting) Students

  • You must apply online. To begin the online application, follow the directions listed below. In addition, the following item needs to be included in your application file:
    • An official college transcript from your home institution.
    • $25 application fee if you are starting Otterbein in Fall 2013. If you are starting Spring 2013 the fee is waived.

• Veterans

  We recognize the enormous sacrifice and contribution military personnel make to society. Returning veterans find individualized attention from Otterbein's dedicated staff, helping to ease their transition to civilian and university life. Combining your intangible skills gained from military service with a formal education gives veterans the competitive edge with prospective employers. Otterbein is approved for the education of eligible veterans, widows and children of veterans and reservists. Individual eligibility and equivalent educational benefits are determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). To determine eligibility, visit the GI Bill website.

  Otterbein is a member of the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Consortium, which consists of approximately 1,900 accredited universities and colleges providing higher education degrees for servicemembers and their family members. Visit www.soc.aascu.org for more information. Otterbein is among the top 15 percent of 7,000 colleges and universities chosen by G.I. Jobs as a "military friendly school", doing the most to embrace America's veterans as students.

  Yellow Ribbon Program
  Otterbein is proud to be a participant in the national Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program to help U.S. military veterans attend college. Eligible veterans who apply and are accepted to Otterbein are able to attend tuition-free. The Yellow Ribbon Program expands the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008, which pays up to the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition for eligible veterans, by working with participating institutions to cover tuition costs higher than the state school fees. The VA will cover a portion of a veteran's tuition and Otterbein will provide a grant to pay the remaining amount. In addition, eligible dependents will receive a monthly housing allowance and an annual books and supplies stipend. Service members enrolled in the Post-9/11 GI Bill program can also transfer unused educational benefits to their spouses or children effective Aug. 1, 2009. Learn more here.

  How to Attend Otterbein Under the Yellow Ribbon Program

  • Apply for the program on the GI Bill website. Successful applicants will receive a certificate of coverage.
  • Apply to Otterbein University. If accepted, enroll in the university and mail your certificate of coverage to:
    
    Otterbein University
    Office of the Registrar
    1 South Grove Street
    Westerville, OH 43081
    Attn: Laurie Mayhew

  Questions?

  For questions about your eligibility for the program, see the GI Bill website or call them at 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) to speak with a Veterans Benefits Counselor. For questions about Otterbein's involvement in the program:

  • Undergraduate Program - Andrea Pearch, 614.823.1207
  • Graduate Program - Alexis Manhertz, 614.823.1379

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  Additional Resources

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  Gatti, Robert – Chair
  Vice President and Dean for Student Affairs
  614-823-1250
  rgatti@otterbein.edu

  • Available for general consultation on all matters involving veteran students, other than VA benefits.
  • In addition, the Student Affairs office offers small emergency loans up to $200; college activities calendar; diversity support; and housing accommodations.

  Bradley, Monty
  Chaplain
  614-823-1409
  mbradley@otterbein.edu

  • Available for pastoral care/counseling.
  • The Chaplain also serves as a facilitator and advisor for the Student Veterans' Transition Group.

  Degen, Vicky
  Student Loan Coordinator, Business Office
  614-823-1949
  vdegen@otterbein.edu

  • Available for questions regarding student veteran accounts.

  Fagan, Dr. Susan
  Associate Vice President and Dean of Academic Services
  614-823-3261
  sfagan@otterbein.edu

  • Available for academic counseling, including (but not limited to) discussing choices for majors, campus resources, and general guidance.

  Gloege, Cheryl
  Assistant Registrar, Transfer Services
  614-823-1243
  cgloege@otterbein.edu

  • Available for transfer and military credit questions.

  Gregory, Courtenay
  Financial Aid Coordinator, Adult, and Graduate Students
  614-823-1379
  cgregory@otterbein.edu

  • Available to meet with veterans regarding financial aid.
  • Contact for GI Bill, Post 9/11 and Yellow Ribbon education benefits.

  Kasulis, Ellen
  Director, Academic Support Center
  Academic support services
  614-823-1362
  ekasulis@otterbein.edu

  Services available through the Academic Support Center:

  • Individual tutoring in math, writing and most content subjects.
  • Accommodations for learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and psychological disabilities.
  • Evenings workshops on specific study strategies: note taking, test taking, learning styles, etc.

  Mayhew, Laurie
  Assistant Registrar, Graduate Services
  614-823-1249
  mailto:lmayhew@otterbein.edu

  • VA Benefits Certifying Official

  Miller, Vicki
  Senior Account Executive
  Office of Marketing and Communications
  614-823-1839
  vmiller@otterbein.edu

  • Available for community/corporate outreach and marketing opportunities regarding prospective military and veteran Adult and Graduate students.

  Moffitt, Mark
  Director of Transfer and Adult Admission
  Transfer Students
  614-823-1108
  mmoffitt@otterbein.edu

  • Available to meet with veteran with transfer or military credits or 23 years or older.
  • Contact for GI Bill, Post 9/11 and Yellow Ribbon educational benefits for Transfer, Adult, and Graduate students.

  Pearch, Andrea
  Assistant Director of Admission
  Yellow Ribbon contact for undergraduate admission
  614-823-1207
  apearch@otterbein.edu

  • Available to meet with traditional age veteran with no transfer credits or a child of a veteran utilizing VA benefits.
  • Contact for GI Bill, Post 9/11 and Yellow Ribbon educational benefits for traditional undergraduate student.

  Smith, Phillipa
  Administrative Assistant, Admission
  614-823-1533
  psmith@otterbein.edu

  • Available for community outreach, family readiness, and warrior support questions.

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  Veteran's Resources

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  • gibill.va.gov – Veterans Administration website 
  • GoArmyEd.com – online resource that allows soliders to apply for funding for post-secondary education 
  • TodaysGIBill.org - online resource from American Council on Education (ACE), a comprehensive college guidance web site designed for returning and about-to-return veterans interested in going to college, as well as family members and dependents receiving transferable benefits. The site offers guidance on college preparation, transferability of credits, institution and program choice, application timelines and benefit eligibility. 
  • soc.aascu.org - Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Consortium, which consists of approximately 1,900 accredited universities and colleges providing higher education degrees for servicemembers and their family members. 
  • militaryfriendlyschools.com – online resource for the top 15 percent of 7,000 colleges and universities chosen by G.I. Jobs as a "military friendly school", doing the most to embrace America's veterans as students

• Returning Students

  You must apply online. To begin the online application, follow the directions listed below. In addition, the following item needs to be included in your application file:

  • An official college transcript from any institutions attended during your time away from Otterbein.
  • $25 application fee (waived for those students who apply online prior to November 1; required for all paper applications).

Auditions

Some departments require an audition or portfolio review for admission. Learn more.