Otis College Offers Incentives to Students Who Start Their College Journey in the Spring

Benefits include a housing grant, special scholarship consideration, and academic advising to graduate on time.

For high school graduates who need a few extra months to prepare for college, as well as those who want to transfer from another institution, there’s a spring admittance option at Otis College. Students who start in the spring term in January can take advantage of other opportunities in addition to the extra college preparation time. 

Students applying for spring admittance from high school or transferring from another college get individualized academic advising, enjoy small class sizes, and a dedicated spring orientation to help get integrated into campus life. Those applying by the October 1 priority deadline are also considered for several types of financial support available:

• Merit scholarships based on a candidate’s application, academic performance, and portfolio
• $8,000 housing grant ($4,000/year for the first two years) to help with housing, living costs, and/or relocation expenses
• $1,000 renewable FAFSA grant added to the student’s financial aid offer when submitting a FAFSA form (which is renewed each year the student is eligible)

Submitting the FAFSA also opens up the possibility of qualifying for federal grants and loans, like the Pell Grant, which may offer over $7,000 per year based on financial need. In addition, California residents may qualify for the Cal Grant, which offers over $9,000 a year for qualified students. 

“We know that every student’s creative journey looks a little different, and there isn’t one right way to begin a college experience. For some students, a spring start can be a great fit,” says Courtney Richter, Executive Director of Admissions Pathways at Otis College. “It gives first-year students the opportunity to begin at Otis in January, complete required coursework in spring and summer, and then join their major cohort in the fall.”

Otis’s spring admittance is ideal for students who want to start college in January without falling behind; spring and summer courses—which are required—are designed to keep them aligned with traditional fall starters. First-time students begin with studio and Liberal Arts and Sciences classes typical of the starting Foundation-level experience, while transfer students enter at their appropriate level based on transferable credits. For example, a transfer student starting in the spring can begin as a second-semester sophomore or second-semester Foundation-level student.

“For transfer students, we take a very individualized approach, working with each student to understand their previous coursework, maximize their credits, and find the path that makes the most sense for them,” says Richter. “Spring students can also benefit from additional financial aid opportunities, which can make this option even more attractive.”

The housing grant is particularly appealing. On- and off-campus housing options are available to spring-admit students, though limited, and the grant also applies if a student will live at home or off-campus. In this sense, the money can be used to pay rent or for commuting expenses like gas or bus fare.

Between the collective work of student leaders, faculty, and staff, spring-start students are supported from day one. During their spring orientation they learn about all of the academic and student support resources available at Otis College, such as tutoring help at the Student Learning Center; physical and mental well-being at the Student Health and Wellness Center; and round-the-clock access to labs and shops. Working with academic counselors they will design their spring and summer course schedules to ensure they’ll be perfectly positioned to graduate on time. 

“We want students to know that they have options,” Richter says. “If a student is wondering whether a spring start might be right for them, they should reach out to us. Our admissions counselors can talk through your goals, answer your questions, and help you find the best way to begin your journey at Otis.”

Learn more about starting Otis College in the spring. 

Contact an admissions counselor. 

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