Well, from my own perspective, even if Tufts, Middlebury, Oberlin and CC were your actual current choices, I’d still think that, depending on individual criteria, one of Oberlin or CC could contend as a top pick.
@merc81 Really? Why?
I’d say that Oberlin and CC offer distinctive attributes that might set them apart from their academic peers (as well as from each other). In other words, they don’t blend in.
I’ll tell you one truth - there’s no “perfect” college. I went through 4 different colleges and unis., from one of the smallest liberal arts colleges in the country (1/6th the size of Oberlin) to one of the largest public unis in the country (the size of UCLA.) As in life, there are always trade-offs. Every college has its share of shortcomings.
You can’t go wrong with CC or Oberlin. (Also, FYI, most student activities at Oberlin are campus-centered - you don’t need to leave the campus. You don’t have to travel to Cleveland to see Cleveland Orchestra, for example. Cleveland Orchestra comes to Oberlin every year to perform. I have a feeling this might be true with CC as well, but I am unfamiliar with CC. Check to see if Colorado is a residential college. Most of the UC colleges are commuter campuses where most students go home for the weekend.)
@merc81 I’m fine with a college that blends in. I don’t really need to have one that is drastically different than most. That’s why my focus wasn’t very heavily put onto CC or Oberlin. If that were the case, I think I would have probably ED’d to one of them rather than somewhere like Tufts, which is distinctive but less so.
@StJohnny Both of them have a lot of on-campus activities. Oberlin just has a lot more because it’s been around a little longer and because it’s a college and a conservatory. I’m not really searching for a perfect college or even a college that really makes me sincerely “happy”. It’s really (this is my personal opinion; I’m not making a generalized statement) a means to an end. Which, I know, makes my whole purpose for creating this thread bizarre, but I see it as if it is indeed a four-year long means to an end, I might as well be as content as possible with it.
“I have a feeling this might be true with CC as well, but I am unfamiliar with CC. Check to see if Colorado is a residential college.”
CC is very much a residential college. Although many students take advantage of the block breaks to pursue off campus interests, many stay on campus. And you don’t need a car either way. There are plenty of school sponsored outings that provide transportation.
Obviously the academic structure at CC and Middlebury differ but I think there are more similarities in student bodies and campus life between CC and Middlebury than Oberlin and Middlebury.
@doschicos What type of similarities have you noticed between CC and Middlebury?
The type of students each school attracts and their interests. Very outdoorsy, active, and athletic in general. Environmentally and socially conscious. I think there are a lot of cross applicants between the two colleges.
Colorado College, in our neck of the woods of New England, is a western alternative to a Nescac. Usually most favorably compared to midd and Wes. Outdoorsy, academic and definite arts undercurrent. Perhaps with a bit more free spirited rocky mountain ethos.
Oberlin would be more culturally aligned and in a common decision set with Vassar, Skidmore and some of the preeminent women’s colleges like moho, bryn and Barnard.
If midd was your dream. CC would be my choice. Tufts is more an oberlin style to me.
Hi! I live about 15 minutes from CC. The campus is pretty, and all the students I’ve encountered are nice and fun. One of my daughter’s best friends will start there this fall, and she’s very excited (a kind, fun, smart girl). The city of Colorado Springs appreciates CC, and residents turn out for various CC events. Oprah is speaking at this year’s commencement. Every person I know who’s gone to CC was concerned about the block system before they started, and then they ended up loving it. Near CC (about 10 minutes) are UCCS and the United States Air Force Academy (about 15-20 minutes); there are a lot of young people around, if you want to meet students outside your “bubble.” Denver is an hour away, skiing is a couple hours away. My niece attended CC about ten years ago and has a great job in Denver. Good luck!
@hydrationiskey I’m not sure what more I can add, but I did want to mention that I spent three summers at Middlebury working on my Master’s and loved it; still, I always felt it would be different year-round, and I remember feeling grateful I’d been at CC for my four years as an undergraduate.
The bottom line is that you have two excellent choices. I understand you’re feeling disappointed about not being able to go to one of your top choices, but things have a way of working out. At CC, I was a resident advisor and worked closely with a student who was torn between Colorado College and another school. Soon after arriving at CC, they decided they really wanted to be at the other school. It was intense, and it wasn’t easy or uncomplicated, but it did work out for that student, who then went to the school they had not selected the first time.
You might get to CC or Oberlin and end up loving it. Just give your choice a chance. Also, at the risk of sounding pessimistic, let me say that life is full of these kinds of disappointments. There are colleges, graduate schools, internships, jobs, relationships, and more that we have our hearts set on. Sometimes it works out, and sometimes it doesn’t. In the end, though, we make it work. You will make it work. If you don’t like the school you choose, try transferring to one of your first choices. And, even though there’s not much time, you might try appealing one of the unfavorable decisions you received. I know people who have done so successfully, so try it if it’s worth your time.
I did hear informally that Colorado College received almost 9,500 applications this year for the Class of 2023. I don’t know how many people they admitted, but if, as you mentioned, the rate was around 13%, you should feel incredible about having been accepted. They must have seen you as a great fit or you would not have been admitted (at least that’s what I’m assuming).
Please keep us posted, and I hope you will realize that you’re in a position many people would envy. I know you’re not seeing the choice as ideal right now, but maybe some day you will. All the best to you!
Acceptance rates & numbers of applications are irrelevant. The issue is whether either school is a match for @hydrationiskey.
While retention rates are very good at both schools (CC 95% & Oberlin 91%), the 6 year graduation rates, 88% at CC & 86% at Oberlin, suggest further attrition among those who return for sophomore year. While none of these figures are cause for alarm, they do show that fit is important. (Retention rates & graduation rates are higher for both Middlebury College & Tufts University.)
Since OP wants to study a foreign language, it may help to know that Middlebury College has a very impressive summer language program open to all.
Many students at Oberlin are dual-major students, graduating in 4 years (1 college degree, 2 or more majors/minors.) Many are dual-degree students. A dual-degree program involves 2 college degrees and typically requires 5 years to complete. This tends to depress the 4-year graduating rate as Publisher pointed out above. Oberlin will typically withhold the first degree for the purpose of providing a greater amount of undergraduate financial aid for its students to pursue a second degree, either at Oberlin or elsewhere.
@StJohnny : Helpful information, but my numbers referred to the 6 year graduation rate at both schools, not the 4 year graduation rate.
Just an update to anyone who has posted on this thread or viewed this thread: As of Fall 2019, I will be going to Colorado College. I don’t know how strong of a fit it will be, but if it doesn’t seem to work out, I will transfer somewhere else.
Ironically, I was just chatting with someone yesterday who mentioned that his son will be graduating from Colorado College this year, and has had a FABULOUS time. Congratulations! Enjoy!
@hydrationiskey Congratulations! Thanks for letting us know! To me, this is wonderful news, and I hope so much you’ll love it there. Please keep us posted on how you’re doing, and let us know how your first year goes. Just a small side note: Not a year goes by that I don’t wish I could return to Colorado College as a student. I know, it sounds a little strange, but the place has a way of growing on a person. I hope it has that effect on you!
Thanks for letting us know. Here’s hoping you’ll love it there!
Congratulations!
Yeah!