<p>I know this may seem like choosing between apples and oranges - and in many ways it is! - but this is what my son is down to: Tufts engineering and Oberlin. He's interested in Computer Science, Physics and Chemistry - a math and science kid from birth - but also loves history, politics etc. As such he applied to LAC's with good CS/ science programs and medium LAC-like universities. The best two acceptances are Tufts and Oberlin.</p>
<p>He doesn't really care about location - he says it's all about the people and the academics. He's quiet and quirky with a subversive sense of humor and a bright analytical mind. My feeling is that Tufts might be a better academic fit (more tech courses) while Oberlin might be a better social fit. If so, social fit is probably the winner here, as it's the key ingredient to his happiness. We'll know more when we visit both this month, but in the meantime, I'd love some input on the campus culture/ students at Tufts vs. Oberlin?</p>
<p>You may be surprised to learn that Oberlin is extremely strong in the sciences. They have produced many Goldwater Award winners and have an outstanding record of med school and grad school admissions. I can’t speak specificly about C.S., but my D was involved in research with a professor freshman year, was a co-author on a paper that was presented at a conference, and has had many doors opened for her because of the relationships she has with her professors. </p>
<p>You can try to stereotype the typical Oberlin student, but the fact is that the student body is actually quite diverse. I think your son would fit in quite well, but so does my apolitical D who has many friends who are similar to her as well as ones who are polar opposites. People tend not to be judgemental and are open to a good discussion and sharing of ideas. People also tend to be passionate and motivated to make a difference.</p>
<p>My son is not particularly liberal, but is much more politically correct now after 7 months at Oberlin. This is a good thing for him as he could easily have become a closed minded fraternity boy in another setting.</p>
<p>Hey Hi I got into both Oberlin and Lawrence University ,I am interested in both of their conservatories .(Music is my thing) .Oberlin is not giving me that much financial aid and so is Lawrence . I Know that I will end up at either one of these two schools.Those anybody have any insight about both schools that will help me make a decision.?</p>
<p>What social needs/preferences does your son have?</p>
<p>I can say that my daughter is a freshman, and got the “Sci Fi Dorm” (her second choice) as opposed to the “Freshman Experience” Dorm. We are both SO glad. 65 kids all interested in geek culture (Whovians, Bronies, Anime, superheros, Joss Whedon, Harry Potter, etc etc.) They all go to dinner every night together at 5:30–they call it Family Dinner. </p>
<p>Just one little corner of the Oberlin universe :-)</p>
<p>My son got his first choice of Freshman Experience dorm. Loves it. He’s in the Conservatory with a roomate in the college, although he hangs out with mostly Conservatory students as their schedules are far more aligned with each other.</p>
<p>Well the results are in and my son has chosen Oberlin! I agree wholeheartedly. I think it’s a much better choice in terms of overall match. Besides, we found out the CS department is much stronger than we thought - about 60 majors, hot young faculty etc. He’s actually relieved not to be an engineering student, to be free to take a wider variety of courses. And as a CS student he’ll be relatively employable so that strips some of Tufts’ advantages away. In any case we’re all very happy with his choice.</p>
Checking in again, two years later! My son is very, very happy at Oberlin. A truly wonderful school and a wonderful fit. He says the classes, the teachers and the kids are what make it great. The weather and small-town-ness not so much. But so worth it. Phew! Always a crap-shoot…