<p>OP–your D may prefer Dickinson over Oberlin for fit reasons, but career counseling should not be a tiebreaker. Dickinson is a liberal arts college–a less “prestigious” LAC, even, among those who know them–and campus recruiting will be practically nonexistent.</p>
<p>Danas and Memake, it looks like my son is probably choosing Oberlin con over Columbia, (and others) as well. The t-shirt he received today was a nice touch, though he has gotten piles of mail/email from Columbia too.</p>
<p>Monydad writes: “Many of the smaller colleges have relatively few private sector, out-of-region recruiters coming to campus.” (sorry, I’m not so good at the formatting thing).</p>
<p>When I checked out Oberlin’s career services site (a good friend’s son may be attending), I saw two on-campus recruiters: ACORN and the Fund for the Public Interest. Two! No other recruiters, regional or out-of-region, public or private. Oberlin’s site also listed the Idealist Career Fair (geared toward non-profits) at Case Western which is reasonably nearby, and a virtual career fair. The latter may be a good solution for a small campus. But still, no regional employers come visit? </p>
<p>I know that Oberlin has tremendous strength in sending its grads onto very good Ph.D. programs. And the Peace Corps, and Teach for America. But we all want our children to choose their post-college path positively – not because they don’t see other options.</p>
<p>We don’t know what the economy will do so we have no idea if the jobs kids train for in college will exist or be hiring when they graduate.</p>
<p>My D is graduating from Barnard. She has worked for the Provost’s office for four years and says it is an entree into more jobs than her degree in American Studies. She plans on going to law school but wanted the depth of a liberal arts major.</p>
<p>Dickinson was appearing on the radar when she was choosing a college. She didn’t apply, but one of her close friends did. </p>
<p>Here’s the way it seems to stack up in my experience:</p>
<p>Accepted at Dickinson is the same group accepted at Gettysburg and Skidmore.</p>
<p>Accepted at Oberlin is more the group accepted at Vassar.</p>
<p>As so many posters have pointed out, particularly JHS, Oberlin is a more known and selective institution.</p>
<p>But in the end, only your daughter knows where she would enjoy being, which group of students she feels she has more in common with, and where she would thrive.</p>
<p>I know my kids would choose Oberlin in that contest. YMMV.</p>
<p>BTW: My S is a Williams as a classics major. I don’t think all the recruiters that come or the connections he makes are going to do him much good. I have no idea what he’ll do. Beg? Sing for his supper? He is growing in maturity and knowledge.</p>
<p>It seems that being closer to home is the only substantial advantage Dickinson has. It’s up to your D to evaluate how important that is to her.</p>
<p>(The prof’s comment, food, the “too hippie vibe” are beside the point IMO.</p>
<p>I think a bi-racial vegetarian would fine more of her tribe of Oberlin. But she will be fine at either.</p>
<p>Forget my post #35. Bad night at work.</p>
<p>danas, no problem, just a tangential discussion! Hope the next night was better.</p>
<p>By the way, HeartArt, if you want to see a bit of what went on at Oberlin the night of Obama’s election, search youtube (“Oberlin election night”) and click on a few of the videos. My daughter said it was a blast. They had an impromptu dixieland band leading a procession to Tappan Square, where it seemed the entire campus gathered to celebrate. They even had fireworks! She said it is something she will remember for the rest of her life.</p>
<p>OP, let us know which way your daughter goes. She has some fine choices. Penn State is also a great choice.</p>
<p>Yeah it must be tough I think the op’s kid has about 6 lac options.
I vote for Muhlenberg! I’m kinda glad my D has only 1 option, it
really simplifies things.</p>
<p>Where is you D going, Speedo?</p>