Oberlin College
Location: Oberlin, OH (rural)
Size: 2,942 students
Avg percent need-met: 100%
Acceptance rate: 34
Middle 50% ACT: 20-34 **Test Optional Pilot through Fall 2023**
Middle 50% SAT: 1340-1460 **Test Optional Pilot through Fall 2023**
Oberlin is a fantastic school, known for its prestigious music conservatory that influences the entire campus. They emphasize learning for its own sake rather than for making money, and academics are balanced with art and a commitment to society. Professors are the heart and soul of the school; though studying is fairly constant, they foster a cooperative learning environment. The student body is very liberal, open-minded, and inclusive, and the campus as a whole has a quirky, laidback vibe.
Popular majors / known for: Visual & Performing Arts, Economics, Political Science, Music
Academic approach: Liberal Arts with a music conservatory
Campus tradition: The Big Parade is an annual community arts event featuring music, dancing, costumes, bikes, art cars, floats, and whatever other ideas emerge. A festival with various performances and live music follows the parade in Tappan Square. The event often includes a free barbecue lunch, games, crafts, face painting, a moon-bounce, a pie-eating contest, a free raffle, and much more.
Music Opportunities
Oberlin is both a liberal arts college and a conservatory, giving students the chance to pursue degrees from both at the same time. This Dual Degree Program is fairly unique amongst music schools and liberal arts colleges.
Within the conservatory there are 42 areas of study for students to choose from
The Art Rental Program allows students and members of the community to rent two original works of art each semester
Application Details
RD deadline: January 15th
Early Action deadline: None
Supplemental essays: Required
Application fee: $0
On Common App: Yes
CSS profile: Required, due February 1st
Interviews: Considered
School also featured in: Global Feel, Similar to Highly Selective - Yale, Pre-Law