<p>Whether to apply to either Oberlin or Brandeis ED. I have a lowish gpa (3.475) at a tough school and good SAT scores (770 CR, 680 M, 690 W). Do I have any kind of shot at Oberlin? Or should I focus my attentions elsewhere?
What is your favorite thing about Oberlin?
Your least favorite?
Why did you choose to come here?
What is Oberlin's strongest program?
How do Obies fare on the job market?
Thank you!</p>
<p>I’ll answer for D1
“What is your favorite thing about Oberlin?”
courses/profs, feeling of people can be who they are and be accepted (I’ve said that awkwardly)
“Your least favorite?”
There is a sizable contingent of highly political types, you might love that, but might not
“Why did you choose to come here?”
She visited all the colleges, did an overnight,perceived an intellectual atmosphere, just felt like it was right for her.
“What is Oberlin’s strongest program?”
As far as I could tell a broad range of programs there were considered strong by the students. Creative writing is one that gets mentioned, but really most of them seem to be considered very good.
“How do Obies fare on the job market?”
They have a couple really good programs to provide internships and opportunities to students. But as a general matter, a college’s location, size and reputation of student body interests,as well as abilities, all are relevant factors in attracting recruiters to a campus. My sense was relatively few recruiters came to campus, so from that standpoint you are largely on your own, I would say. Many LACs probably find themselves in nearly the same boat though. things like Peace Corps and teaching english abroad seem popular first destinations. If you call those “job market”.</p>
<p>I’ll answer for D/S
What is your favorite thing about Oberlin?
The mix of academic rigor and social opportunities; that it’s more libertarian than other campuses seem to be, so that oen is freer to be oneself here. </p>
<p>Your least favorite?
Despite the libertarian nature, still has it’s share of overtly kneejerk political discussions</p>
<p>Why did you choose to come here?
Mix of math and music was stronger than anywhere else; math department especially seems stronger than many other comparable institutions; right sized: big enough to be able to offer wider range of options than a small place and didn’t want a large school; Oberlin also provides merit money</p>
<p>What is Oberlin’s strongest program?
no idea; they classes D/S is taking are all challenging; came here for the math and am happy so far</p>
<p>How do Obies fare on the job market?
not sure; probably depends on the field (e.g., if you want turf management go to OSU 
acceptances to grad schools are among highest in the country</p>
<p>You have a decent shot! SATs are good, GPA may be a bit low but rigor is probably more important. Essay, teacher rec., ECs important as well.</p>
<p>You should be fine. I got in years ago with similar creds. Just make sure to have a killer essay, and if you really want it, apply ED.</p>
<p>What is your favorite thing about Oberlin?
The professors… and the music.</p>
<p>Your least favorite?
The snobbery I encountered from some of the students.</p>
<p>Why did you choose to come here?
I seem to recall all of my teachers and family telling me Oberlin was the best choice for me.</p>
<p>What is Oberlin’s strongest program?
Well their music department. Besides that? Well I only really dabbled in their social sciences, but they’ve got strong programs across the board.</p>
<p>How do Obies fare on the job market?
If you stay in Ohio I think fine. Otherwise it comes down to networking. Oberlin doesn’t have the wide name recognition of Stanford or MIT or the Ivies. Beyond that you may be looking at the route many Obies take: grad school.</p>
<p>Thank you so much everyone, your answers have been really really helpful!</p>
<p>Here are my answers:
What is your favorite thing about Oberlin?
Friendly environment, great academics, lots of music
Your least favorite?
Can be very stressful, not many chances to get out of town
Why did you choose to come here?
I wasn’t someone who was absolutely in love with Oberlin when I decided to apply. Oberlin and my other final choice both had a lot of good things going for them, but I finally chose Oberlin since it seemed to be a place where students were more politically engaged and cared about making things better.
What is Oberlin’s strongest program?
Most are strong; I think if anything it would be in terms of resources - some only have a few professors who offer a limited selection of classes.
How do Obies fare on the job market?
Well, hopefully!</p>
<p>P.S. I think you can definitely have a shot at Oberlin as long as the other parts of your application are put together well!</p>
<p>I’d give Oberlin a shot…especially considering you can overcome your perceived weakness with a strong personal statement demonstrating your desire to attend Oberlin. If you write a great essay making a strong case and ED, you definitely have a shot IMHO. </p>
<p>What is your favorite thing about Oberlin?
Intellectual atmosphere, rigorous courses, academically engaged classmates (Contrasted greatly with the comparative passiveness/lack of engagement I saw with classmates in undergrad courses I took/sat in on at two Ivies), strong intermix of arts/music in the campus culture, thought provoking lectures from guest speakers, large selection of courses and library/academic resources considering this institution’s size, etc. </p>
<p>Your least favorite?
Contentiousness among classmates who cannot tolerate even minor differences in political perspectives. </p>
<p>Snobbishness from a few because i graduated from an urban public high school as opposed to a private or well-off suburban public. Stopped when I ended up doing well in many classes they ended up struggling in. </p>
<p>However, keep in mind this is my memories from 10+ years ago and I heard things have gotten much better since. </p>
<p>Why did you choose to come here?
Strong programs in East Asian Studies and History, near-full ride scholarship, and the strong academic reputation it had with high school classmates, parental friends, etc. </p>
<p>What is Oberlin’s strongest program?
Better question is…does Oberlin have any weak programs? Don’t really know as the classmates who were willing to put in the effort and were engaged all ended up enjoying their college career and ended up in careers they enjoyed and/or at some of the best grad programs for their fields. </p>
<p>How do Obies fare on the job market?</p>
<p>What kinds of jobs are we talking here? Also, I heard Oberlin’s career services is much better nowadays than when I attended.</p>
<p>Thank you so much estargrl (nice user name btw) and cobrat. I really want a job of some kind after graduation and not be forced to go straight to grad school; probably as a translator for the government. </p>
<p>Your input has been invaluable, and the people on this board are WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY nicer than the ones on the Brandeis from…I’m thinking about applying ED much more seriously now</p>