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Colleges / Otterbein University

Otterbein University

Westerville, OH 4-Year Private
Acceptance Rate84%

Otterbein University Admissions

It is moderately difficult to get into Otterbein University. Around 84% of applicants get into Otterbein University each year. Out of 3,761 applications received in 2023, 3,147 students were offered admission.

If you want to apply to Otterbein University, there is no application fee, which means it is free to apply.

Otterbein University Admissions Stats at a Glance

Here is an overiew of some of Otterbein University's admissions stats.

Otterbein University 2023 Admissions Statistics
Mean Unweighted GPA 3.7
Admitted Students in Top 10% of Graduating Class 20%
Admissions Test Policy Test Optional
Applicants Who Submit SATs 12%
Applicants Who Submit ACTs 65%
Waitlist No

Otterbein University Application Deadlines

These are the application deadlines for Otterbein University.

Application Type Offered Application Deadline Notification Deadline
Early Decision I No
Early Decision II
Early Action No

Want to Apply Early to Otterbein University?


Otterbein University does not offer early decision or early action.

➡️ See a list of some top colleges that accept significantly more applicants during early decision or early action than during regular admission.


More on Otterbein University Admissions


Transferring to Otterbein University

Transfer student admissions is moderately difficult.

For Students Waitlisted to Otterbein University

Otterbein University has not reported data for waitlisted and admitted students.

What Does Otterbein University Look For in an Applicant?

Colleges consider a range of factors when determining who to admit for their next incoming class. Each college determines which factors are given the most weight in the admissions process. When assembling your list of schools to apply to, you may want to consider your strengths and any possible weaknesses in your application, and apply to colleges that prioritize the admissions factors where you shine.

Admissions Factors at Otterbein University

What does Otterbein University consider during the admissions process? Take a look at the list below to see which factors are most important during the admissions process.

Admissions Factor Level
Academic GPA Very Important
Rigor of Secondary School Record Very Important
Character/Personal Qualities Important
Class Rank Important
Application Essay Important
Extracurricular Activities Important
Talent/Ability Important
Volunteer Work Important
Alumni/ae Relations Considered
Geographical Residence Considered
Interview Considered
Recommendation(s) Considered
Standardized Test Scores Considered
Work Experience Considered
Level of Applicant's Interest Considered
First Generation Considered

Make sure to check with Otterbein University for more information on admission factors.

Otterbein University 2022-2023 Application Requirements

To apply to Otterbein University, all applicants must submit the following items. Check with Otterbein University's admissions department to confirm all application materials and requirements.

Area Required Recommended Required for Some Details (If Any)
Written Essay or Personal Statement
Minimum High School GPA (On 4.0 Scale) 2.5
Transcript of High School Record

GPA and Testing


What GPA Do I Need To Get Into Otterbein University?

Students admitted to Otterbein University have an average unweighted GPA of 3.7.

Out of all students that were admitted, 62% submitted a class rank. At Otterbein University 20% of students ranked in the top 10% of their graduating class in high school, 50% were in the top 25% and 85% were in the top 50%.

GPAs of Admitted Students

At Otterbein University, student GPAs fall in the following ranges.

GPA Percent of Students
4.0 GPA 25.4%
3.75 and 3.99 22.74%
3.50 and 3.74 18.3%
3.25 and 3.49 11.19%
3.00 and 3.24 9.41%
2.50 and 2.9 11.01%
2.00 and 2.49 1.95%

This chart depicts the percentage of all enrolled, degree-seeking, first-time, first year (freshmen) students who had high school grade point average within the given ranges.

Note: Some schools choose not release this information. If you have any questions regarding missing numbers, be sure to reach out to Otterbein University directly.

About GPAs

Your high school grade point average (GPA) is a number that highlights your high school academic performance. A weighted GPA or an unweighted GPA are the two possible GPA scores considered by colleges.

An unweighted GPA is an average of your scores from each class on a four-point scale. Unweighted GPAs range from 4.0 to under 1.0. A weighted GPA considers your average grade and the difficulty of your classes. A weighted GPA boosts your average by adding extra points for honors or Advanced Placement courses.

Standardized Test Scores

Otterbein University is a test optional school. Test optional schools allow students to choose if they want to submit ACT or SAT scores with their applications or not.

In 2021, 12% of Otterbein University's first-year students submitted their SAT scores with their application. 65% of admitted applicants sent ACT scores.

What is a Good SAT Score for Otterbein University?

To be competitive with other Otterbein University applicants, you should aim to earn between 1008 and 1240 (or higher!) on the SAT. At Otterbein University 25% of admitted students scored higher than 1240 and 25% of scored lower than 1008, but the majority of students scored somewhere in between these two numbers.

On the SAT Math Section, 25% of Otterbein University students scored 613 or higher and 75% of students scored 510 or higher. On the SAT Critical Reading section (formerly called the Verbal section), 25% of Otterbein University students scored 613 or higher, and 75% scored a 510 or higher.

To be most competitive at Otterbein University, you should strive to earn between 19 and 26 on the ACT.

An ACT score of 26 means you fall in the 75th percentile for Otterbein University's admitted students. One out of every four students scored above a 26, and three out of four students scored lower than 26 on the ACT.

A 19 on the ACT is the 25th percentile for Otterbein University students. Only one out of every four students scored below 19.

More Information on Transferring to Otterbein University

For transfer students, it is moderately difficult to get admitted to Otterbein University. Transfer applications are processed on a on a rolling basis as they are received.

Transfer students can enroll in Otterbein University during the following terms:

• Fall Term

• Winter Term

• Spring Term

• Winter Term

• Summer Term


Otterbein University Admissions FAQs


Can I defer my acceptance to Otterbein University?

❌ Students who are admitted to Otterbein University must attend in the term they start. Deferring admissions is not encouraged. If you have a unusual circumstance, contact the admissions department.

Does Otterbein University accept transfer credits?

✅ Otterbein University accepts eligible transfer credits from accredited institutions. Otterbein University accepts:

• CLEP subject tests • DSST/DANTES • Life Long Learning Credit

Does Otterbein University accept Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) credits?

✅ Otterbein University accepts International Baccalaureate credits (IB) credits.

Do I have to submit test scores to Otterbein University?

❌ No, Otterbein University is test optional, so you can choose whether to submit your ACT or SAT scores. If your scores are higher than the school's average, you may want to send them. If you scored lower than a school's average, you it might make sense to leave them out of your application.

What is Otterbein University's acceptance rate?

✅ Otterbein University has an acceptance rate of 84%.

What is the early decision acceptance rate at Otterbein University?

❌ Otterbein University does not offer early decision.

Want To Learn More About Otterbein University?

Click below to find out more about the admissions requirements and deadlines, student life, academics, majors and more.

Overview

Student Life

Academics

Tuition & Aid

Connect with other students, parents, and admissions professionals to learn more about about Otterbein University in the College Confidential forums

Explore other colleges in Ohio or use the college admissions predictor to calculate your chances of getting into some of the top colleges and universities in the U.S.

Otterbein University Admissions Requirements

Admission Difficulty

Somewhat Selective

84%

How hard is it to get into Otterbein University? Otterbein University is a somewhat selective institution. The Otterbein University acceptance rate is 84%. This means that the institution accepts 83 out of every 100 applicants.

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Otterbein University Application Deadline

First-Year Applications are Due

Continuous processing

Transfer Applications are Due

Continuous processing

The deadline for Fall first-year applications to Otterbein University is Continuous processing.

The deadline for Fall transfer applications to Otterbein University is Continuous processing.

Check the school website for more information about deadlines for specific programs or special admissions programs

Otterbein University SAT Scores

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Composite SAT Range

1008 - 1240

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Math SAT Range

518 - 613

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Reading SAT Range

510 - 613

Otterbein University GPA

Avg. High School GPA (non-weighted)

3.66

GPA Needed to Get Accepted

At Otterbein University, the average unweighted high-school GPA for admitted students is 3.66. This is the average, which means that some applicants submit GPAs lower than this and some applicants submit GPAs above this level. If your GPA falls below the average, strong test scores or other qualifications may help you make you a more competitive applicant.

Data Source: IPEDs and Peterson's Databases © 2022 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved

Quick Facts

Total Enrollment

2,458

Campus Setting

Suburban

Acceptance Rate

84%

Tuition and Fees

In State

$34,899

Out-of-State

$34,899

Fall Freshmen
Application Deadline

Continuous processing
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