<p>Hey Guys,</p>
<p>I'm trying to decide between Oberlin and Pitzer. I got into both and both gave me really good aid - so money isnt an issue. But I'm torn between the two. I am looking to probably double major in Black Studies and Theater. I love doing theater and music (which I know Oberlin has a conservatory for). I went to a boarding high school in NJ, so I'm used to being in the middle of nowhere, but i dont necessarily like it. Also I'm worried about winters at Oberlin, I'm used to (but do not like) east coast winters, but Ohio winters scare me. I love California weather though. I also want a school with a very diverse community both in matters of students of color and LBGTQ, but both seem to have that.</p>
<p>I'm on the wall. I really dont know which to choose.</p>
<p>Help? please?</p>
<p>Just a few quick comments on Oberlin. We live a few minutes from there and have visited the campus many times. DD was in a program (High School Program) that required weekely visits for rehearsals. Love the campus…very diverse in students, but very small town…which has its advantages! Oberlin is not really in the middle of nowhere either. You are about 40 minutes outside of Cleveland (ok…I know its not NYC) which gives access to arts, great shopping, and a very diverse culture. The music program is top notch. People notice when you have Oberlin attached to your resume with anything to do with music. We have seen theatre performances there and they are very good but I don’t know much about the program itself, sorry. As far as winters…ours are easier than most of the east coast. Having lived in both places, I can tell you that Ohio’s winters are usually milder with less snow, especially west of Cleveland. While we certainly can’t compete with CA weather, walking in the fall on that lovely Oberlin campus does make you feel that all is right with the world! Hope this helps some!</p>
<p>I went this summer to Sandusky, Ohio and it was freezing. It was like in the upper 50’s and 60’s in July!!! People had jackets on. I don’t know how far Oberlin is, but it does get cold in Ohio. I am from South Florida and Georgia, so I think you may guess why I think it is cold.</p>
<p>Thank you for the response about the weather and the music program
Does anyone know anything about the theater program at Oberlin?
And how frequently does Oberlin do musical theater?</p>
<p>Watufani- you might want to post over in the MT section, but to the best of my knowledge, Oberlin does not officially “do” MT, but there are some student-directed pieces. As far as LGBT friendliness, Oberlin is great, but if you aren’t into cold then you really might be more comfortable in California- the area around Cleveland is subject to the “Lake Effect Phenomenon”, which is where the winds blow across the Great Lakes and pick up moisture, depositing it in the form of heavy snow on the land. 45 minutes from Cleveland can well seem like eons when the roads are snow covered and unless you’re into gazing at picturesque small towns with pristine snow in the square, you may find yourself feeling isolated and stir crazy by the end of February (I can say all this because we live in one of those Great Lakes cities). My D loves being around night-life and the music and theatre scene, but one look at the town of Oberlin and it’s location was enough to send her in the opposite direction. That’s not to say that the school and the town are not a perfect “fit” for others and we know young people who adore the Oberlin Conservatory and the town; You have had enough experience with boarding school to know your tolerance levels. Make use of the “search” feature on these boards as there are plenty of threads to help you make your selection. Good luck!</p>