<p>Did anyone apply to Oberlin through Regular Decision? I applied in early Jan. and Oberlin is my top choice, but I still haven't heard anything from them besides the finacial aid things needed to fill out. If you applied regular, did you get any notifications? Thanks a lot.</p>
<p>Another data point: Daughter applied a bit over two years ago to the Conservatory only. She truthfully answered the question about other schools and was admitted in the Early Review phase. Of course, she also had a very good audition there. Her other schools were Boston University, Carnegie Mellon University, Cleveland Institute of Music, Curtis Institute of Music, New England Conservatory, Peabody Institute and Rice University. She chose Oberlin over acceptances from NEC and Peabody (having withdrawn applications from Cleveland and CMU after the Oberlin acceptance) and loves it there.</p>
<p>Oberlin is my all-time favorite school. My H and I both attended there and married l0 years after graduating. My brilliant older brother graduated from there. Our daughter is there now.
Oberlin's only problem, relative to its magnificent resources, is that too many people leave after their first year because the can't acclimate themselves to the geographic isolation. If you are the type who thrives on locally-run resources such as the ExCo, the co-ops, concerts and plays created by the students, and you go to all the great speakers and musicians that come onto the campus (e.g., I saw Yo-Yo Ma perform there at age l9), you will not feel isolated.
But if you can only think about how much fun it used to be back in "20 minutes from New York" where you grew up and went into the City on weekends, you might think Oberlin is isolated.
Sooo...they want to hear some indication that you really understand Oberlin. The "why oberlin" essay means a lot. If you have identified reasons that are genuine, that they can really satisfy, you will be less likely to become dissatisfied and leave as a sophomore.
At least, that's what I think. I don't know, I just think that these are the reasons they ask "Why Oberlin" and where else you might be applying. As long as your application in some way indicates appreciation for what Oberlin offers once you get there, they know you have a chance of great satisfaction and will be happy.</p>