Undergraduate Admission at Otterbein University
Let’s face it. This is a big decision. We know that Otterbein is the perfect place to figure out how to take all your talent and build a great career and life with it. We invite you to explore all that Otterbein has to offer.
Would you like to visit us?
We can’t wait to meet you! If you haven’t visited Otterbein yet, you can take advantage of our various visit options or contact our admission counselors for more information.
Application Requirements
ApplicationReady to apply? Here’s what you’ll need to do, organize, and submit to apply to Otterbein:
- Submit a completed Common Application (see link below).
NOTE: Transfer students need to follow a different process to apply. For more information, visit our Transfer to Otterbein page. - Submit official transcripts from all post-secondary attended.
- With the availability of the ACT and SAT scores being disrupted by COVID-19, Otterbein has adopted a test optional admission policy for Spring, Summer and Fall terms 2021. Students will be able to select through the Common Application if they would or would not like test scores to be used in the evaluation of their admission application. Students with high school GPA of 2.75 or lower are encouraged to submit a test score if available. Students will not be disadvantaged for the submission of test scores, so, if available, we would recommend submitting official score
Application Form Information
Otterbein is a member of the Common Application. To apply online, go to:
The Common Application opens on August 1 every year to accept applications for spring and fall of the following year.
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, Special Enrollment, & Auditions
AdmissionAdmission to Otterbein is based on a student’s overall potential for academic success. Decisions are made after a holistic review. Students are reviewed based upon cumulative GPA of all post-secondary transcripts.
Transfer students maybe asked to support their application with a final high school transcript.
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 learning and working environment 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.
Auditions
Some departments require an audition or portfolio review for admission. Theatre and Music require an audition. Art requires a portfolio review. Additional details are available from the Office of Admission. Each department coordinates the process a little differently, so read carefully and do not hesitate to call the Office of Admission at 614-823-1500, or any of the individual departments if you have questions.
College Credit Earned in High School
AP/IBAP, IB & College Credit
Otterbein University recognizes challenging coursework by giving credit for approved Advanced Placement tests (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) work and transcripted college credit earned while in high school. Advanced standing credit may be used to satisfy general university requirements, major requirements where allowed, and to ultimately accelerate graduation.
Advanced Placement (AP)
A student who receives a score of 4 or 5 on an Advanced Placement Test in high school will receive credit for the appropriate Otterbein equivalent course. Proficiency rather than credit will be noted for a score of 3 for any Otterbein equivalent course except Integrative Studies courses (INST) or their substitutes and mathematics (MATH) courses. Exemption from mathematics, Integrative Studies courses and substitutes requires a score of 4 or 5. Proficiency means that the Otterbein equivalent course may be skipped when it is a required, prerequisite, or co-requisite course.
For more information on AP Credit and how your score would transfer to Otterbein, please visit the Otterbein University Course Catalog.
College Credit
Upon acceptance to Otterbein, students are required to submit an official transcript from the college or university at which time Otterbein will evaluate their credit. From there, Otterbein will send a full evaluation of credit to the student, better explaining how their credits will transfer to Otterbein upon enrollment.
For more information on College Credit and how it would transfer to Otterbein, please visit the catalog to view the Otterbein University Course Catalog Transfer Credit Policy.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Those students participating in an IB Programme are eligible to receive credit for each certificate earned in the program and can receive up to 28 credit hours if they earn the full diploma.
For more information on IB Credit and how your credit would transfer to Otterbein, please visit the Otterbein University Course Catalog.
Adult, Transfer, & Returning Students
TransferAdult Students: To being your application, visit our Adult Admissions page.
Transfer Students: To begin the application process, go to our Student Transfer page.
Returning Students: Contact Student Success & Career Development. Student Success & Career Development 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.
Spend Up to a Year at Otterbein
Visiting StudentsA 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.
Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC)
ROTCOtterbein students interested in obtaining an officer’s commission in either the United States Air Force or Army may enroll in Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) classes through cooperative agreements with nearby Ohio State University and Capital University.
Admission for Veterans (Yellow Ribbon Program)
VeteransWe 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, visit our Veterans information page.