Applying and Requirements

Student Type

• 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. 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

• 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

• 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

• 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).