Hi everyone, so I was accepted to Bard and Oberlin, and now I have to decide. Oberlin gave me more merit aid, which is important. I also am leaning towards Oberlin. I was just wondering if anyone here had any input on this choice, or even if anyone wanted to say something about their (or their kid’s) experience at Oberlin? It would be greatly appreciated.
@henrywinter My D looked at Bard but we needed merit money so she didn’t apply. She applied to 9 schools and is a first year at Oberlin. She is so happy there! Her courses have been challenging (but not overwhelming) and professors are accessible. She developed a stable friend group early on, which surprised me because she is a bit shy. Her friends are varied (athletes, conservatory students, STEM, humanities, performing arts, etc) but they all share a basic kindness and openness to new ideas and people. The town is small, safe, and charming and has a good array of restaurants and shops. There is lots to do on campus! Music, plays, poetry, art exhibits, sports (club and team), volunteer opportunities, you name it.
What sets Oberlin apart, in my opinion, is the Conservatory, the student-run Coops, and the Experimental College (Exco). It is also a bit larger than many LACs, with about 2,800 students between college and conservatory.
It’s relatively close to the airport and the college runs shuttles so transportation has been pretty easy.
PM me if you have more questions. Also check out the Oberlin student blogs.
Mine didn’t look at Bard but is also a happy first year at Oberlin. She did love Hamilton but went ED to Oberlin for creative writing. She is headed back from spring break right now and was excited to see her friends after a week away. She has loved the town and often eats out or plays trivia weekly with her friends at the coffee shop. She has done two Ecco classes each semester and really loves them. This term she’s taking tap dance and sock monkey making - random but fun choices that round out a busy academic schedule. Go visit Oberlin if you can, it’s a nice community!
My D didn’t have to choose between Oberlin and Bard this time last year; however, she did have to choose between Oberlin and Vassar. Bard and Vassar are practically right around the corner from each other in NY. In the end, she chose Oberlin, remaining grateful to Vassar for the love and generosities it had shown her. Visit each campus. Check out your intended studies and see what each school offers. Talk to your HS teachers. It is a good agonizing problem to have at your stage. In the end, it’s your decision.
My Daughter attends Oberlin as a freshman! She is so Happy there! I need to point out she was accepted to every school with generous scholarships and aide including Rice, UCLA, Michigan, and Lawrence University but decided on Oberlin. The town is adorable, teachers amazing, and the environment very nurturing, supportive, and yet has provided her with wonderful opportunities to grow. She has made many many friends, all of them brilliant, passionate, witty, and caring. When she has come home for breaks she gets “homesick” to go back to Oberlin. I cannot imagine what could be a better testament to liking a school than that!
Thanks everyone! I really appreciate the advice, and it helped. If anyone could comment on the political atmosphere- the infamous New Yorker article is giving me some pause- that would be great. If the students who seemingly are against free speech are no more than a vocal minority at Oberlin, then I would be fine, but if that is overwhelmingly the case, then I would be worried. @urenough @russellwittgen @LMC9902 @mamaedefamilia
The people who do not want to hear different viewpoints are in the minority. One of the great things about of Oberlin is that much discussion about current affairs takes place in the dorms and coops, besides the classrooms. You learn how to support or defend your positions there.
@henrywinter I wouldn’t worry about it. My daughter really feels like everyone is respectful and open minded. I’ve asked her many times to see if that has changed over the course of her first year but it seems like the article may have been an overstatement. From my perspective as a parent, Oberlin seems similar to many top colleges we visited. They all lean left but you can find all types of people on campus.
My D is a senior in the Con. Loves it. It has been a great experience. PM if you have specific questions.
Yes the college is liberal, but the “protesters” seem to be more in the college than the con. It has not been an issue.
My D says most of the silly political protests that’s made media are overblown and that most students aren’t even aware of them. It’s the conservative networks such as Fox that’s bringing up some of these silly issues in their bashing of the left. To put things in perspective, however, one of the Fox contributors who raised these issues is Michelle Malkin - an Oberlin graduate herself. Conservative Malkin onfirms that Oberlin welcomes and encourages all political views.
Having said that, I’ve read similar political protests at different campuses in the country, including at Vassar and Yale. What you see at Oberlin is probably no different than what you see at other campuses.
@henrywinter My daughter has reported no divisiveness, shutting down of alternative viewpoints, etc. It is a very respectful environment. I agree with other posters - it’s easy for the media to take a single event and blow it out of proportion. My D is completely comfortable there.