<p>My daughter, who's a high school junior, is looking into International Studies as a possible major and both Oberlin and Macalester offer this option. We're thinking of visiting one or the other in April during her vacation, but since we live in New England we're most likely going to have to choose between flying into Cleveland and seeing Oberlin (and probably Kenyon since we'll be close) or flying into Minneapolis and visiting Macalester (and probably St. Olaf and Carleton). Could anyone comment on the similarities/differences between Oberlin and Macalester? We're especially interested in the "feel" of the campuses - what are the student bodies like? She's into music (sings in an a cappella group at school), community activism, and international issues. Any thoughts would be appreciated!</p>
<p>Oberlin is known for its community activism. Macalaster is a little lackluster in comparison. Oberlin was the first college in the United States to admit African Americans, and it was also the college to have the first woman (or women, I think there were 3) to graduate from any university in the United States. It still maintains this social and political activism, hence the rampant political correctness (which could be a major downside sometimes).
If your daughter wants to do something significant with her musical talents, then Oberlin is a much better environment than Macalaster. It has one of the top music conservatories in the country.
Maybe you can tell the slight bias in this message...I'm part of the incoming freshman class of 2012 at Oberlin...
All of this information can be found in any college book (Princeton Review "Best Colleges", Fiske Guide to Colleges, and "Looking Beyond the Ivy League by Loren Pope are by far the best)</p>
<p>Here are my thoughts: Oberlin has lots of community activism but I believe that Macalester has a good deal of it going on as well. I have some friends at Mac and it seems like they are also progressive. Oberlin probably has more into the music front. However, Oberlin doesn't have an international studies major; only a concentration. I know that Macalester is well known for IS, though I'm not sure how good their program actually is. I think they might have more international students too. I've heard that Oberlin's language programs are better though. Though we don't have an IS major, we do of course have different international events and other opportunities.
I copied this from another thread, but here are my views on Oberlin's atmosphere: I would describe Oberlin as having an accepting atmosphere so lots of different people feel comfortable there. In general people are friendly and liberal. I'd say that Oberlin students take their education very seriously and enjoy learning, but also like to be goofy and have fun. Though Oberlin could stand to be more diverse in some ways, students range from more hippyish to hipsters to athletes, though there aren't a lot of really preppy people. Music is also very big on campus. Speaking of the campus - it is pretty compact but a charming mix of new and old buildings. It is also right next to town - which is basically just a main street.
Oberlin might be a bit more quirky in some ways, but overall, I think it is pretty similar to Macalester in terms of atmosphere.</p>
<p>I can tell you that I applied to both Oberlin and Macalester year this year, and though I won't know of a decision until April, I lean more towards Oberlin.</p>
<p>I am also a prospective IS major. I know it is what I want to study. However, I'm also very into political activism and visual arts, two qualities that run rampant at Oberlin and are lesser at Macalester. I think Macalester is a fine school with a strong IS major, but Oberlin just feels to be more intellectually diverse to me.</p>
<p>I did not apply to Macalester. But I know there is more of a International based environment up there. And so IS is pretty strong in Mac. They actively recruit International students so I heard. And it will be interesting experience to meet a lot of people from parts of the world one never heard.</p>
<p>However, I love Oberlin!! It is a wonderful college and my 1st choice. I know if my heart will be breaking in April though :) Adding to everything tht has been said up above... I continue here
Oberlin's admissions people too have been one the best I came across. Don't be scared to ask thm questions, because they sincerely do care. I hv had crazy experiences with one or two college with misplaced app materials, but Oberlin never missed a beat. They will really help u out during the admission process.
Admission process is an important part too. And I think Oberlin has a more personal touch. U know u are not just a number. And u can see how the Obi community cares about a lot of stuff. Check out their LJ too.
And there is a lot of freedom to explore ur intellectual interests I think. I hope this helps.</p>
<p>I know and love Oberlin and I've never even visited Mac, but there are a few obvious differences.</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Size. Oberlin is bigger by almost 1,000 students. In fact, Oberlin is bigger than most LACs (though much smaller, of course, than most universities). The larger size means more course offerings, a bigger social community, etc.</p></li>
<li><p>Location. Mac is one of the few LACs that's in a major metropolitan area. Oberlin, as we all know, is a cute but tiny town. Yeah, Cleveland is a half-hour away, but Cleveland ... eh. If you want an urban experience, the Twin Cities is the way to go.</p></li>
<li><p>Weather. Northeastern Ohio weather is damp and depressing, but Minnesota is frigid. I would guess that most college students at Mac and Carleton adapt quickly, but for some people the bitter cold is a deal-breaker and they don't apply.</p></li>
<li><p>International vibe. Oberlin has lots of international students, but Mac is really known for this - I think it has something like 12% international.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>There are also many similarities - generally left-leaning politics, good sciences, good academics in general. Oberlin is better known and has a little more prestige, but I have friends whose kids love Mac. Just depends what's right for you.</p>