BU, Oberlin, or Bates

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I am having a difficult time deciding between the top three schools I got in to. I am from the South, so any of the schools at which I take a place may be a cultural shock. On one hand, I would like to be in a big city, but I might also appreciate being in a small town, like the one I am from. I am pretty liberal socially, but rather fiscally conservative. I don't know if this rare or at any of these schools. I received a sizable merit scholarship to Oberlin, but not to Bates or BU. I have concerns about going to a large school because I am a little shy, so it might be hard to meet people. I'm also concerned that I'm not "quirky" enough to fit in at Oberlin. </p>

<p>I was just wondering if anybody had any input on these three schools including their reputations and the general experience one might have at each one.</p>

<p>Thanks in advance!</p>

2

<p>These are three very different schools entirely. Have you visited any or all?</p>

3

<p>I’ve visited all three and liked them each for different reasons. This is part of the problem. :(</p>

4

<p>i feel for you, we/daughter are down to vanderbilt and smith.</p>

5

<p>FWIW, Bates has a reputation for very friendly, kind students – might be similar to the southern hospitality you’re used to? Also, it’s in a large town / small city so maybe best of both worlds between small town charm and urban resources? It’s about 40 minutes from Portland which is a great New England small city, and has a great airport. Maine is beautiful. I know several students at Bates who absolutely love it.
A friend of mine visited Oberlin recently and was turned off by the lack of engagement / interest in the classes she visited.
Good luck with your decision.</p>

6

<p>My D is at Oberlin and loves it. I would certainly dispute the comment by LACluster. That has not been my D’s experience. </p>

<p>She also has plenty of non “quirky” friends. Things like the Christian fellowship are bigger at Oberlin than you might think, and, while there is the “hipster” component there are also plenty of pre-meds and yes, even conservatives. Karl Rove spoke at Oberlin a year ago. One nice thing about Oberlin is that it is very accepting of pretty much everything. </p>

<p>Oberlin is a small town, but between the college and the conservatory there are far more things to do at night than you could possibly actually do. Plus Cleveland is 35 minutes away.</p>