Can someone speak to the network that Smith has compared to that of Oberlin? I am trying to decide between the two schools and my parents believe that in the long run, Smith will be better for me and for my career and I want to know how much of an edge it will really give me over a school like Oberlin. I do not think I want to go to an all girls school but it is the reputation that Smith has that is preventing me from making my decision and I want to know how important that is or how much better it will be in the long run. I am leaning towards Oberlin but I don’t know if I am letting the all girls aspect cloud my judgement and is leading me to pick the “wrong” school.
Both of these have strong networks. I would give Smith a slight edge, as its students and graduates are part of the larger network of the so-called Seven Sister colleges. In the past this was relatively informal, but in recent years the network has become more formalized with the foundation of the Seven Sisters Alumnae Association https://sevensistersalumnaeassociation.com/
Other than the co-ed vs. single-sex issue, what do you like/dislike about the two places? Is there a difference for your particular projected major(s)? Is there a difference in projected cost for all four years? Is one or the other easier to get to-and-from in the case of an emergency? One suggestion I have seen recently is to check with current students to find out how they feel their college/university is handling the coronavirus crisis.
Truly, neither of these is a bad choice. You are in a very fortunate position to have them as options.
Wishing you all the best!
In recent years Smith and Oberlin have registered remarkably similar student profiles:
https://www.businessinsider.com/the-610-smartest-colleges-in-america-2015-9
@merc81 but doesn’t that only reflect SAT scores? I think may overall concern is that the reputation, connections, and networking at Oberlin does not live up to that at Smith.
@happymomof1 I do not have an exact major but I know that I want to go into STEM (maybe neuroscience) and both schools have great science programs, especially Oberlin’s winter term which would provide extra research time and opportunities. Oberlin is also 20k cheaper and although it is a bit further from home than Smith is, it is still only an hour flight. Oberlin has also been a lot more accommodating during the time of the virus, as they have held many virtual events, opened up their second semester classes to prospective students, and are even offering a free class to incoming students about covid through the lens of different departments.
I am definitely leaning towards Oberlin but my parents do not agree with me because they think the network and reputation of Smith is better and will be more helpful and useful to me in the long run and not just these 4 years.
Oberlin’s academic reputation extends across generations. Perhaps your parents are unaware of this, or perhaps they think it has slipped a bit lately? In any case, this Life article may be interesting for them to read, since it places Oberlin historically in the context of other colleges:
20k each year x 4 years = 80k
Oberlin is a fine institution. Save that 80k for something else you or your parents want or need. This is not a case of “cheaper” being “worse”. These are peer institutions.