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International Student Admissions at 草榴社区

It鈥檚 the best way to describe 草榴社区鈥檚 history, present and future. Founded in 1847, 草榴社区 is a comprehensive, private, liberal arts institution that offers bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees and a doctor of nursing practice degree. 草榴社区 is home to approximately 3,000 students located in Westerville, a suburb of Columbus, Ohio. Nationally recognized for its innovative curriculum, 草榴社区 is one of only six schools in the U.S. to serve as a site for the Association of American Colleges and Universities project on experiential learning.

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Application Deadlines

The application for admission and all required materials must be received or postmarked by the deadlines listed. Any applications completed after the deadline will be reviewed on a space-available basis and only if there is sufficient time for obtaining a visa. First time Freshmen are only reviewed for admission for a fall semester start.

Fall semester: December 1
Spring semester: June 1

On this page:

Admission & Program Information

Application, Requirements, & Admission

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Application Requirements for first year and transfer students

If you are an international student seeking an F1 student visa graduating high school with no college credits, you should be completing the .

All other international students seeking an F1 student visa should complete .

草榴社区 does not fund international students at 100%. Scholarships are available based upon grades and overall strength of the application.

International students seeking an F1 student visa must be degree seeking. 草榴社区 will only accept official transcripts and test scores sent directly from the issuing institution. 草榴社区 prefers to receive all official transcripts and test scores electronically.

Additional Materials and Important Notes

Upon acceptance, all international students will be asked to submit additional documents of support such as:

  • Official Bank Statements
  • Financial Affidavit
  • Copy of passport and current visa (if applicable).

In addition, please note the following:

  • All test scores must be reported directly from the testing center.
  • Foreign language documents must be translated into English by the issuing institution, a certified translator or English teacher.
  • SAT and ACT test scores and letters of recommendation are optional and may be submitted if they strengthen your application.

Credential Evaluation

If a student鈥檚 university transcript is from an institution outside the United States, a course-by-course evaluation of all post-secondary education must be provided by a company such as,, , or.听 These credential evaluators charge a nominal fee for this service, which will be reimbursed to students that enroll at 草榴社区.听 To verify if your credential evaluation company will be accepted, please contact an admission counselor.

Proof of English Proficiency

Non-native speakers of English must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting official test scores of one of the following tests.

  • 79 or higher on the Internet-based听听(iBT).
  • 550 or higher on the paper-based听听(PBT).
  • 53 or higher on the听
  • 6.5 or higher on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
  • 105 or higher on the.
  • 21 or higher on the English section of the听.
  • 550 or higher on the Evidence-based Reading and Writing听.
  • 112 Level Certificate from听.
  • 681 or higher on the .

Admission Criteria

Admission to 草榴社区 is based on a student鈥檚 overall potential for academic success. Decisions are made after a holistic review. Student will less than 30 earned semester hours or 45 quarter hours AFTER high school graduation are reviewed on final high school transcripts, including ACT or SAT scores. Students who have completed more than 30 earned semester hours or 45 quarter hours are reviewed based upon cumulative GPA of all post-secondary transcripts. 草榴社区 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 草榴社区 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. 草榴社区 is committed to providing a learning and working environment that is free from discrimination. 草榴社区 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.听Theatre听and听Music听require an audition. Art requires a听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.

Estimated Expenses & Scholarships

Costs & Assistance

Below are estimated expenses for an academic year. 听Please note the room and board rates represent base amounts. 听Actual charges may vary depending on your room assignment and chosen area of study and are subject to change.

  • Full-time tuition $34,424
  • On-campus room and board $12,768
  • Other living expenses (fees, books, supplies, insurance) $5,562
  • Total $52,604

International Undergraduate Scholarships ($12,000 – $18,000)

Students are automatically considered for this merit-based scholarship at the time of application. This award is based on a combination of factors including test scores and academic performance. 听International students studying in the U.S. for three or more years of high school or 30 semester hours of college will be reviewed for merit scholarships using the criteria for domestic students.

Talent & Departmental Scholarships ($500 – $4,000)

草榴社区 recognizes individual talents, experiences and passions through special interest awards in art, dance, music, theatre, community service, student leadership, and other talents. These awards are given on the basis of demonstrated involvement as determined by holistic review of the application.

The 草榴社区 Semester

Visiting Students

草榴社区 is known for its commitment to educating the whole person and hands-on learning.At 草榴社区, students experience small classes (average class size is 18-20) taught by faculty who know and care about their students. Your academic experience will be individually crafted alongside your academic adviser.

The Resident Experience

We offer an integrated learning environment with U.S. students and offer English language support when needed. You will stay on track to graduate as 草榴社区 faculty and staff help you select courses that will transfer back to your home institution.

草榴社区 Semester students live and eat on campus with their fellow U.S. students, so it is truly an immersive experience. Students are also matched to 草榴社区 (non-residential) host families to provide students a 鈥渉ome鈥 away from campus.

How to Apply

  • , including essay
  • $150 Enrollment fee
  • Official University Transcripts
  • English Proficiency Requirements
  • Official bank statement and Sponsor Guarantee form
  • Passport copy

Frequently Asked Questions for International Students

FAQ

Is there any type of financial assistance at your institution?
Yes, 草榴社区 offers merit-based financial assistance. Please see our scholarships information, above, to learn more about our offerings.

May I work?
International students studying on an F-1 visa are permitted to work on campus up to 20 hours per week.

Will you help me with applying for a student visa?
We will give you advice on how to apply for a student visa, but it will be your own responsibility to apply for the visa, and to make sure you will have all the necessary documents for its process.

After I submit my documents, how long will it take for me to receive notification of my admission status?
Assuming we have all your documents, it generally takes 2-4 weeks for us to process your application. Generally, it takes about a month or so before you receive your acceptance letter and I-20 (after you submit all your documents). It could take months if you do not have all the necessary documents. So make sure you submit all the necessary documents. Keep in mind we do not accept copies or unofficial academic records.

Does 草榴社区 provide rooms for international students?
Yes, room and board are guaranteed for all undergraduate and off semester students who want to live on campus. ESL students have the option to live on campus so long as there is space available.

Can international students stay in their rooms during holidays or long breaks?
During winter and summer break, international students may request to live on campus and will be assigned to a different residence hall which will accommodate every student who wishes to stay on campus during those breaks.

Will someone come to pick me up at the airport when I arrive in Columbus?
Yes, we will make all the necessary arrangements so that you will be picked up and brought to the campus when you arrive.

International Student Resources

Whether you need to ask a question, raise a concern or just talk through an issue, there are people, organizations and resources on campus available to help you out.

Health Insurance

Health insurance is required at 草榴社区 and available to international students through. At the beginning of your first term, you will be automatically enrolled in this insurance plan, and the charge for this insurance will be added to your 草榴社区 bill.

The GeoBlue policy is excellent and is explicitly designed to meet the needs of international students.鈥痀ou will be given a pamphlet describing it in detail when you arrive on campus.鈥 The current rate is approximately US $135 per month but is subject to change.

View the GeoBlue Student Member Guide >

Senior Assistant Director, Admission

Mary Mosca
mmosca@otterbein.edu

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