<p>My D just received a postcard fropm Oberlin saying "We are pleased you are considering Oberlin...Although the Common Application is the primary part of your application, we prefer that you submit the supplement as soon as possible." (Italics THEIRS)</p>
<p>Of course she will call them to ask just how soon they mean. But I'm wondering - is this common?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>I just got that in the mail too... I'm going to have it in by mid August.</p>
<p>S can't seem to find supplement. Is it up yet?</p>
<p>Don't worry too much about submitting the supplement literally ASAP. As long as it's in before the deadline, they'll take it. Of course, it's always better to get it in sooner rather than later, but it's not something that necessarily needs to be done over the summer. I didn't touch a college app until September, and still managed to get all eleven of them done in a timely, relatively stress-free manner. That being said, if your kid really wants to get it done, then by all means, let him or her work on it, but if he or she just wants to enjoy the summer, that's fine too.</p>
<p>Hmm... Oberlin has piqued my interest but I'd like to visit before definitely deciding to apply. Would I be better off sending in the supplement, applying, and then visiting if I am accepted?</p>
<p>Your best option would be to visit before applying -- then you would know if and why you are interested, which would likely make for a better informed supplemental application ("Why Oberlin").</p>
<p>@magneticpoet: in a word, no. I applied to several schools without having visited because they were so prestigious or sounded so interesting or seemed like such a good fit, only to visit when I was accepted and discover that had I visited in the first place, I would never have applied at all. You'll save yourself a lot of time and trouble by visiting before you apply, and, as mamenyu pointed out, it'll probably help you write a better essay if you end up applying to Oberlin.</p>
<p>Oberlin admissions officers that I've heard say they care a lot about the "Why Oberlin" essay. It's my impression that they want to be sure an applicant understands how they perceive they'd fit in or contribute to the college, appreciates the resources offered, will be happy in that part of the country and so on. </p>
<p>I don't think that means you shouldn't apply if you can't visit. Visits are recommended, not required. But since you were planning to visit anyway, definitely schedule your visit before you write the application essays, to make stronger essays. </p>
<p>WIthout a visit, I'd say it's worth some thorough web-based research and serious reflection to express "Why Oberlin" for you, in terms of how their academic offerings match your interests, how you might flourish there. Avoid broad platitudes such as, "it provides an excellent education." Go beyond the website and into course catalogues; read articles from their online bulletins. Also dial up the alumni magazine for some interesting perspectives on what Oberlin graduates do afterwards. </p>
<p>Research can also be done by writing to admissions officers to ask about various things, are helpful if not overdone or irritating. As well, if there are h.s. graduates from your community who attend there now, try to contact them.</p>
<p>If financial resources are of issue, Oberlin has a fly-in weekend, so check if you;re eligible. I wish I knew if that's determined by URM status or economic profile, but I suspect it's URM status since the financial aid packages are made up later than the visiting for that admission year. If someone knows that answer, please post it.</p>
<p>the admissions site indicates that there are regional fly-in programs that appear to be for any interested student. This is from the website Oberlin</a> Visits</p>
<p>"Visit Oberlin to explore the ways in which members of our community approach the task of intellectual discovery, artistic excellence, invention, and preparation to contribute to the world and each other. Take advantage of a special trip to Oberlin for prospective students from the New York City, Boston, or the Greater Washington DC area! Visit dates for the 2008-09 year are as follows:</p>
<p>New York City: October 2-3 Application and Information
Boston: October 27-28 Application and Information
Washington DC: November 10-11 Application and Information"</p>
<p>I'm planning to visit&have an interview in Oberlin on October 3-4 or so, and do you think I should submit the supplement before my visit? Will they look at my materials before the interview?(I'm kind of hoping that they would ask questions about it)</p>
<p>I suggest you wait -- your supplement will be stronger after you have visited and have a first-hand experience with Oberlin; it will also give you a chance in your supplement to show a strong interest in the college. Be sure to arrange for the interview in advance of your visit. Visit classes while you are there -- look through the schedule of classes for ones that interest you; you may need to ask for permission to attend a small class, but it will give you a good idea of how liberal arts colleges approach teaching. Fall</a> 2008 Schedule of Classes</p>
<p>impsuit-</p>
<p>I'd hold off on the supplement until after you've visited. It's easier to do that way. As for the interview, your interviewer only knows your name, your hometown and your areas of interest. They won't ask questions about the supplement or your transcript or anything like that. The interviews are to let the school know you, not quiz you.
Out of curiosity, what's... questionable in your supplement?</p>
<p>Well, I could explain some of my extracurricular activities, since they look somewhat wierd and puzzling written down. But that's written down in the common app, come to think of it. ^^;</p>
<p>Generally, that's the stuff you talk about in the interview, so you'll be fine. What sort of stuff are you into?</p>
<p>I've had a lot of LAC-like experience in Korea(seminars, study groups, communes, etc..), so I wanted to emphasize that. Also I'm politically active and use my art as a medium.</p>
<p>That's really cool! I'd emphasize that in your interview, for certain!</p>