I am a senior enrolled at Oberlin who just got accepted off the waitlist to Grinnell. I’ve been given a few extra days so I can visit Grinnell next week for the first time before I make any decisions, but before that I’m trying to do some research. I’m still reading through all the CC discussions on the subject, but I wanted to see if anyone had anything new to say as well.
I’ll probably study something along the lines of math, physics, or computer science (I’m very interested in Grinnell’s observatory). From what I understand the two schools are at a similar level academically, so I’m more interested in discussing the culture and other aspects of the schools, though I understand it is hardly absolute.
Any feedback would be helpful, thanks for reading.
I have a son who is a first year at Grinnell and super happy with his experience there so far. Loves his classes, the varied and intelligent people he has met and the opportunities presented by the enormous endowment. I also have many family members who have gone to Oberlin–with one nephew about to graduate. They also speak very highly of their school. As you said, I don’t think the academics differ greatly. I’m not even sure the cultures are all that different. Perhaps Oberlin’s reputation is that it is a bit more hippy and druggy (mainly marijuana) and certainly my son felt Oberlin was just a bit “far out” for him when he visited. But as you know, that could have been just the snapshot of life and people there that he experienced at that particular weekend. I think it just may come down to your gut feeling when you visit–and the observatory! Let us know what you decide–and either way congratulations on having these two fantastic choices.
While responses to schools such as these is very personal, so take my response with a grain of salt – we have visited both causes 4-5 times with 2 kids’ college visits.
Grinnell sciences are very strong, with great research opportunities, summer research fellowships etc. We found the student body at Grinnell to fall across the spectrum, something I consider “blue hair to Vineyard Vines.” Grinnell has a more open curriculum, there are no gen ads other than a freshman writing seminar, though there are limits to how many classes from a specific department you can take (other than your major). Grinnell has a gorgeous physical plant, and has an unusually large endowment (1.5 billion) which funds a lot of extras. There is a single dining hall, which means everyone comes through the same space for meals.
Oberlin is a larger student body because of the Music Conservatory, and is generally a music rich environment; non-Con students can take music lessons from Con students at a very low cost. The new Jazz building is gorgeous, there are two main dining halls, and the athletic facilities were being renovated but we have not been back since those were completed. Arts generally are a big deal at Oberlin, and the students have been stereotyped as quite politically correct, though of course, that is in the eye of the beholder (one of my kids thought Oberlin was more “regular” student body, the other one thought Oberlin was too weird – so it is very personal to the viewer).
In my mind, the town of Grinnell and the town of Oberlin are very similar, not large, a few blocks by a few blocks square, though Oberlin is much closer to metro areas, about 45 minutes from Cleveland whereas Grinnell is about an hour from Iowa City, home to University of Iowa. There will be alcohol and weed at both campuses.
My son also just finished his 1st year at Grinnell and is extremely happy. I’m glad you are going to be able to visit, that sealed the deal for my son.
One thing to consider is their 3-2 engineering program. I know these programs are not usually recommended, but I’ve heard it works at Grinnell so that is something to look into during your visit.
Other things to consider: Grinnell is on semesters while you have the January term at Oberlin. Also Oberlin has the Exco and the coops which influence the social vibe. Oberlin also has an observatory though smaller telescope. Good luck. You really can’t go wrong.
In my biased opinion I think that ExCos and Winter term make Oberlin a fantastic place. The academics and music are wonderful too, but the broad range of Exco topics to take, or to teach, set Oberlin apart.
I think they have a lot in common (you can’t go wrong) but they are also quite distinct, and we preferred Grinnell. Enjoy your visit – once you’ve visited both, I think it will be pretty easy to tell which feels more “right” to you.
I know this is totally personal, but I felt like the geography was more open and less claustrophobic at Grinnell and that the air was very clean. Lots of stars at night. You can breathe and think deeply there. (from an alum who choose it over Oberlin)