Help! Trying to decide between Oberlin College, Dickinson College and University of California Davis

Hey,

I’m from New York and looking to go somewhere that is prestigious, has a good LGBTQ community and will provide an excellent education. I don’t know what I want to major in yet, but I’m interested in many things… Music, Art, Neuroscience, Veterinary studies, Pre-med and writing. I know that UC davis is excellent for prevet and I’m also surprised I got in (apparently its hard to get into out of state, especially from New York? is this true?). I like the idea of going to Oberlin as it is a prestigious school and has an excellent music program and open-minded campus but I don’t like the fact that its in Ohio. (Also it might be too quirky for me?). I like Dickinson but I feel like I might get a better education at Oberlin but I like its campus more and they have a good study abroad program.

I really don’t know what I want to do. A little insight from some other people may help.
Thanks so much.

My D had four U of CA campuses to choose from with full-tuition scholarships. She ended up in Oberlin. If you don’t like the idea of going to Ohio, visit Oberlin. More than 90% of Oberlin students are out of state students, with NY and CA being #1 and #2 home states.

I agree that you should visit because I was pleasantly surprised by the town and my daughter has several friends from NYC and other large cities. It’s a great environment and my daughter is very happy with her choice.

Oberlin is stronger than Dickinson in most areas but I did like the Dickinson campus when we visited, so you need to revisit both if you can. I don’t know much about UC Davis but I’m guessing it’s very different than either Oberlin or Dickinson.

Oberlin has fantastic research opportunities. I would guess that it is significantly better at getting students into prestigious graduate programs.

I know many people who absolutely love Oberlin. The only thing I would check out is how easy is it for someone who is not in the conservatory to become involved in music.

^ @gallentjill, Oberlin has excellent musical choices for non Conservatory students! There are highly skilled ensembles…Arts and Science Orchestra and the Musical Union (Choir). Private lessons are a different matter. Top notch faculty studios are usually full of Conservatory majors, but it is possible (perhaps unlikely) to audition in. But lessons ARE available to College students from upper level Conservatory students. Definitely visit if you can @alex1013 !

What are the net costs of each and can your family afford them without parental loans?