Applying and Requirements

Ready to apply?  Here's what you’ll need to do, organize, and submit in order to apply to Otterbein University: 

Complete an Application  Otterbein is a member of the “Common Application." 

Application Requirements:

• Completed application
• Official ACT or SAT test scores:  Otterbein recommends having test scores sent directly from the testing agency.  Otterbein’s ACT code 3318.  Otterbein’s SAT code 1597
• Official high school transcripts
• Letter of recommendation (optional)
• Personal essay (250 words)
• $35 application fee

Programs with Additional Application Steps:

Theatre and Music require an audition. Art requires a portfolio review. Additional details are available from the Office of Admission.

Admission Criteria

Admission to Otterbein is based on a student’s overall potential for academic success. Decisions are made after a holistic review of grades earned through the junior year as well as other criteria, including ACT or SAT scores, application essay, activities and involvement. Otterbein places more emphasis on the academic transcript, as we believe it is one of the best indicators of student success and college preparation. Each student is also considered for the unique talents and contributions he or she will offer the Otterbein community.

Special Enrollment

Enrollment in the Athletic Training, Education, Engineering, Honors, Nursing, Osteopathic Medicine Early Assurance and Zoo and Conservation Science programs have additional academic requirements. Details are available from the Office of Admission. Otterbein University is committed to providing a workplace that is free from discrimination. Otterbein does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, military status, or veteran status in admissions, in access to, or in treatment within its educational programs or activities, in employment, recruiting, or policy administration.

To begin the application process, see admission requirements for International Students

OCI includes those students who are still in high school and would like to take college coursework for credit.

Apply Using Otterbein's Online Application

1. Create your account
In order to complete your application you will need to create an account. On the login page of the application, click New User. You can save your application and log back in at any time to finish - just remember to write down your login ID and pin.

2. Fill out the application
You can complete your application in any order, save your work and come back to it later.  To save, click the 'finish later' button, and then click exit.  To log back into your application and continue working on it, select the 'apply for admission' link and enter your login ID and pin.

3. Submit your application
Check your application carefully. When you are satisfied with it and are ready to submit it to us, click 'application is complete' at the bottom of the menu.

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)
• ACT or SAT test scores
• one letter of recommendation.

A transient or visiting student may enroll at Otterbein on a part-time or full-time basis for a maximum of two semesters. Transient students must follow the steps below to complete an application for admission using Otterbein's Online Application.

1. Create your account
In order to complete your application you will need to create an account. On the login page of the application, click New User. You can save your application and log back in at any time to finish - just remember to write down your login ID and pin.

2. Fill out the application
You can complete your application in any order, save your work and come back to it later.  To save, click the 'finish later' button, and then click exit.  To log back into your application and continue working on it, select the 'apply for admission' link and enter your login ID and pin.

3. Submit your application
Check your application carefully. When you are satisfied with it and are ready to submit it to us, click 'application is complete' at the bottom of the menu.

In addition, the following item needs to be included in your application file:

• An official college transcript from your home institution.
• $35 application fee

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. 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.

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
ATTN:  Hilary Seif
1 South Grove Street
Westerville, OH 43081

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 contact the Office of Admission at 614-823-1500.

To begin the application process, see admission requirements for Adult Students.

Contact the Center for Student Success.  The Center for Student Success will have you:

• complete an online intake form 
• meet with an advisor to review your coursework
• complete a re-entry form with the Registrar's Office

It will take around 7-10 days for the re-entry process to be completed.  

You will also need to submit an official college transcript from any institution(s) attended during your time away from Otterbein.