As a high school guidance counselor, you play a major role in helping your students realize their college dreams and potential. We’ve gathered important information that can help you help your students successfully apply to Otterbein.
Our Priority Application Deadline is December 15
While we will continue to review applications on a rolling basis, December 15th is our priority deadline for scholarship and Honors Program consideration. This allows us more time to review applications for the Full Tuition Scholarship Competition held each year in early February.
Scroll down for more information about Otterbein admissions, including resources for guidance counselors.
Admission Procedures at Otterbein
How can students apply to Otterbein?
December 15: Encourage your students apply by this date for priority application status for scholarships. This is also the priority application date for the Honors Program.
Otterbein is a participating institution of the Common Application. Students can complete the Common App online.
Otterbein accepts students on a rolling admission basis. Students will be notified of a decision within 2-4 weeks of their application file being complete.
What are all the pieces of a complete Otterbein application?
- Complete online application
- Official high school transcripts
- Letter of recommendation (optional)
- Personal essay (250 words)
- See our Test Optional Admission & Financial Aid Policy for information about ACT or SAT scores
What are Otterbein’s admission criteria?
Admission to Otterbein University 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, and guidance counselor recommendation.
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 to the Otterbein community.
Do any programs have additional application criteria?
YES. Admission to the Osteopathic Medicine early assurance program has additional academic requirements. Theatre and Music require an audition and Art requires a portfolio review. Additional details are available from the Office of Admission.
Do any programs have additional enrollment criteria?
YES. Admission to the Athletic Training, Education, Honors, and Nursing programs have additional academic requirements. Additional details are available from the Office of Admission.
When can student expect to hear about whether they’ve been accepted?
Otterbein begins accepting students on November 1. If a student’s application is complete, it is usually reviewed in about three to four weeks.
What important Otterbein dates and deadlines should I put on my calendar?
August 1: Application open through Common App
November 1: Otterbein begins mailing admission decisions.
December 15: Students should apply by this date for priority application status for scholarships. This is also the priority application date for the Honors Program.
Mid-January: Notification for Financial Aid Award packages mailed.
February 15: FAFSA priority filing date. Otterbein’s FAFSA code is 003110.
March 1: General Application Deadline
May 1: National Decision Deadline. Students should submit their $150 enrollment fee to guarantee their place in the Class.
Important Forms & Information for Guidance Counselors
What is Otterbein’s academic profile?
GPA range: 3.35 to 3.99*
91% of accepted students have a 3.0 GPA or better
65% have a 3.5 GPA or better
ACT range: 20 to 26*
SAT range (CR & M): 960 to 1210**Scores represent middle 50% of accepted students.
Read our Test Optional Admission & Financial Aid Policy for additional information about the ACT and SAT.
What are Otterbein’s codes for sharing test scores and FAFSA?
FAFSA: 003110
ACT: 3318
SAT: 1597
Where can I find Otterbein’s financial aid estimator?
Otterbein’s Financial Aid Estimator helps student predict the type of aid they might receive. Students can enter their test scores, GPA and some other basic financial information, and they’ll get an estimate of the aid package they will likely be offered.
Students can explore how varying test scores affect their aid package to determine if it might be worth taking the ACT or SAT once more.
Where can I get recommendation forms?
High School Counselor Recommendation Form
Recommendation letters or forms should be completed as part of the Common Application, can be emailed to uotterb@otterbein.edu, or can be mailed to:Otterbein University
Office of Admission
1 South Grove Street
Westerville, OH 43081
Where can I find International Baccalaureate & Advanced Placement information?
Otterbein recognizes and grants credit for Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate coursework. For more information, see the Otterbein University Catalog.
What academic support and disability services does Otterbein offer?
Learn more about the Academic Support Center and Disability Services that Otterbein offers its students.