<p>So now I've narrowed my college decision down to Oberlin and Colby. Can you guys help me on deciding which college I should go to?</p>
<p>Some things to consider:</p>
<p>Oberlin is offering me a $16,000 annual scholarship (amounting to $64,000 over the course of 4 years)
I have been named a Presidential Scholar for Colby.
I play the saxophone and I plan to do music in college.</p>
<p>Definitely Oberlin.</p>
<p>Which ever one is more affordable. I think they are comparable schools for the most part. Does the Prez Scholarship at Colby give any money?</p>
<p>Being a Presidential Scholar doesn’t give you any money towards tuition. However, they do give grants to do research. Also if you’re a music student they’ll give you a year’s worth of music lessons for free.</p>
<p>Colby. Being Presidential Scholar is a big thing. You’ll probably be first in line for all that the college has to offer. This is amazing at big colleges, like at McGill or something. I dunno how much this helps in something small like Colby.
But then again Presidential Scholar’s got #swag.</p>
<p>Choose Oberlin if money is a problem. As askjeeves said, they are comparable schools. But if money is not a problem at all, I don’t see why you have to pass up PS.</p>
<p>It’s more a question of fit. The cultures at Colby and Oberlin are quite different. Colby is more preppy, Oberlin more granola (to use some very, very broad stereotypes). The weather is different and may impact your willingness to try new things. Music at Oberlin is exceptional because of the conservatory. Outdooring is very popular at Colby and a high percentage of the study body participates or at least tries it out. Colby is a drive into town, as I recall, whereas Oberlin’s campus is more integrated into the town of Oberlin.</p>
<p>These factors influence your quality of life, your fit and possibly your overall happiness. Both great choices.</p>
<p>Have you looked at the course catalogs for your potential areas of interest? Which has the most courses (breadth and depth) in the areas you care about?</p>
<p>The Presidential Scholarship at Colby is nice - but that doesn’t mean your research can’t be funded at Oberlin. Most LACs provide some kind of funding for student research - the scholarship means you won’t have to apply for it. What other perks does it offer? A year of free music lessons is worth what? About $1,500? Does that make a significant difference to you financially?</p>
<p>Non-Con students at Oberlin can get free music lessons by audition. If you’re accepted you also get some college credit.</p>