<p>Hello all! I auditioned early review for vocal performance (mezzo-soprano) at Oberlin Conservatory, and I am anxiously awaiting hearing from the admissions office. I've heard of a couple of people receiving emails of acceptance already, and I'm starting to get a bit nervous. I thought my outlook was pretty good after a sample lesson with Lorraine Manz, who was very complimentary towards me, and after being invited for a sample lesson with Daune Mahy prior to my on-campus audition. Now I'm starting to second guess things that I thought were good signs.</p>
<p>Has anyone else heard from admissions regarding their Dec 1st audition? Does anyone know if Oberlin sends out all of their emails at the same time, or if they have a form email that they use in order to go through the list of those who have been accepted? I've also heard that if you do not receive an email, you've likely been deferred or rejected and will receive a letter in the mail. Any truth to this statement? </p>
<p>Sorry for all of the questions...Oberlin is my first choice and I've been stressing a bit more than is totally necessary, hence this semi-panicked post. Any insight that can be given is greatly appreciated!!</p>
<p>Hi Mezzo13…oh how I dislike this process and was hoping that everything might come out at the same time. We just went through this at the YA competition, where my D didn’t receive anything, and I really wish that there was a better way. When I posted that my D was accepted to Oberlin as a VP major earlier this evening, I wondered if it might be upsetting for some in case they didn’t announce everything all at once…I have a lot of empathy for those who are waiting. We did receive an email confirmation late this afternoon. I don’t know how they handle the deferments and non-acceptances (I dislike the word rejection), but if you were selected for their pre-screening, you must have something good going on! The waiting is absolutely horrible, I know.</p>
<p>Hang in there…and remember that there is more than one path that can lead you to where you want to go.</p>
<p>I think posting updates online is great - I’ve been following for years, and now that I’m in the process, it is nice to know what is going on. I know the feeling of the OP. I never understand why programs cannot send all notifications out at once. Best of luck to you with your entire audition season!</p>
<p>I don’t know how Oberlin does it, and it might be different with early admission, but I do know that one of my son’s schools wait-listed him only one week later to offer him a spot with a large scholarship, which then was increased a week later. I was told this has to do with how many students any given teacher at the school is willing to take on. They might have a first, second and third choice for one spot and then admit the first and if the first turns them down they admit the second, rather than admitting all three and hoping that only one accepts. Does that make sense?</p>
<p>Promusician, I think your post was just the right tone and very supportive. It’s a difficult situation, and I think that people should give Oberlin Con admissions the strong message that all notifications should go out by the same method to everyone at the same time.</p>
<p>Why, thank you dothis…! Another reason that I post online is that I have found CC, overall, to be extremely helpful during this time of navigating uncharted territory. I have been enlightened, informed, challenged, consoled and even entertained by reading this forum. Anything that I post is carefully weighed and considered, because it is a public site on the internet. My hope is that whenever possible, my information/opinion/deep thoughts-LOL! etc. might help someone in need, or offer constructive criticism to institutions that should examine their practices. As I’ve said before, if all colleges/universities/competitions released their decisions at the same time, no one would be posting here asking what’s going on.</p>
<p>If a reader does not want to read about the acceptances of students, then they certainly should not be clicking on links that have the word “acceptances” in the title. Granted this audition road is tough,waiting tougher,and rejection hurts. In the next half dozen or so academic years EVERYONE reading this is going to feel that sting at some time. The good news that others want to share and celebrate is just that…good news. Congratulations all.</p>
<p>Something to remember about early review at Oberlin is that the vast majority of acceptances are not made in early review. This is different from ED at most colleges where a deferral can mean the odds are very long for acceptance. To those who are deferred at Oberlin, it is not over yet by a long shot.</p>
<p>My son received notice of his early review acceptance to Oberlin for composition last year via email on a Saturday (12/17). I do not believe that deferrals and rejections receive emails. My belief is based more on how the email is phrased rather than a definitive answer. I also do not know how other majors handle their early review decisions. The email comes from the Admissions Office. In today’s world, I think it is unfair to expect that someone will not post an acceptance because it might be a spilling of the beans. ProMusician was right in sharing his and his daughter’s joy. Did it make other people anxious because they may not have revieved an email. Yes, but that is the nature of instant communications. The kids are entering a music world in which they will constantly be waiting for results. That’s the nature of the game.</p>
<p>My friend Bartokrules is correct again. Acceptance email for Oberlin ER came on Satuday 12/17 last year. At the audition weekend in 2011, Michael Manderin told the group that “positive results” would most likely come by email. </p>
<p>Also - don’t forget that ER at Oberlin is non binding so some people who were accepted might not choose to go there which will open up more spots later for those deferred.</p>
<p>Thank you everyone for your help! I do feel a bit better and more at ease. I greatly appreciate all of your reassurances! Hopefully I will hear soon, either way. Thanks again! :)</p>
<p>My D did not audition for Oberlin, but I have another perspective on the usefulness to seeing acceptance emails. As a parent, I think it is helpful to know when acceptance emails are sent out so that if the school on on my D’s list and she did not get an email, I can be ready for her to receive bad news and, hopefully, help her move on.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone, and annie43, I’m completely with you on what you said about knowing when the acceptances come out and trying to ease the landing with the bad news-it really helped me earlier this month. Mezzo13-I hope that things work out for you, and as I said before, you obviously have something very fine to offer, and we’re all rooting for you. : )</p>
<p>Congrats to ProMusician’s family! And to Bartokrules statement, I absolutely agree that this acceptance/rejection process in music schools admissions is the beginning of a musician’s life. The stress of waiting is sometimes unbearable, but the sooner you can manage that stress the healthier you will be in your university, college or conservatory, and the healthier you will start your musician career.</p>
<p>To the OP … congrats on making it to the actual audition. I hope for good news for you very soon. If it’s not this school, the right fit school will soon show itself to you and you will be thrilled.</p>
<p>Thanks, SnowflakeVT for your helpful advice! I never thought about the audition process as being a sort of training for the career I hope to have, but now that I have I think future auditions may benefit me more than the stress of this one has. I appreciate the insight Thank you for your congratulations as well! And thanks to all others who have replied…I’m mentally preparing myself for a deferral (which really would not be the worst thing since I have a few auditions to go) or a rejection, in which case I’d just have to come to terms with the fact that no matter how much I want it, Oberlin might not be the right place for me. Thank you again, everyone! :)</p>
<p>Just wanted to let everyone know that I received a letter in the mail today informing me of my deferral from Oberlin. I’m still very hopeful, and almost happier with a deferral, as it lets me keep my options open in the coming months. Glad to have an answer!!</p>
Thank you for your congratulations as well! And thanks to all others who have replied…I’m mentally preparing myself for a deferral (which really would not be the worst thing since I have a few auditions to go) or a rejection, in which case I’d just have to come to terms with the fact that no matter how much I want it, Oberlin might not be the right place for me. Thank you again, everyone! :)</p>