<p>What is it that makes you want to go to Oberlin? Why does it stand out from other colleges you researched or are applying to? What initially drew you to it, and, if you go there, what ultimately led you to choose Oberlin over other schools you were accepted to?</p>
<p>Basically, what makes it so special?</p>
<p>the classes. i went through the course catalog they sent me and i could imagine myself taking specific courses there. also, i love the performing arts, and when i had my interview here in south america my interviewer talked about how many concerts and performances oberlin had each year; that pretty much cemented my decision, and it's been my first choice ever since.</p>
<p>Oberlin's been on and off my list for over a year. At first, it was just one of those liberal arts colleges I did some research on and appeared promising, but then it fell off. I decided I wanted a smaller school, some place more intimate since I got the impression Oberlin had larger classes than the usual LAC. But then I visited really really tiny colleges, and wanted something bigger and less boring on a usual weekday night. Oberlin ended up as the largest LAC I applied to, since...I can't imagine myself living on the East Coast and didn't try looking into those colleges (Wesleyan, Middlebury, etc.).</p>
<p>But...I didn't become obsessed with the idea of going to Oberlin until right after I finished my applications (that "Why Oberlin" essay may be the death of me...). I had my interview with a recent alum, who seemed very down-to-earth yet smart and interesting. Plus, she didn't take any notes on what I said, which impressed me. And the Obie blogs -- all the people who write there seem so cool and close to each other. I still find the admissions website and the admissions literature lacking, though...I don't really know, I just have a feeling that Oberlin might be a great place for me, even though it's one of the few schools I applied to and haven't visited.</p>
<p>Also, those womb chairs in the library look cool.</p>
<p>Yes, the womb chairs are cool - I sat in one when I visited!</p>
<p>Basically, I found that almost everything I read/heard/experienced about Oberlin was pretty amazing, and that's why I applied. The quality of academics aside - music pervades the atmosphere there, students love discussing and are very intellectual, and they are politically active. It also seems like a place where you can be whomever you want to be and be perfectly accepted. The atmosphere seems comfortable, intellectually nourishing, and homey (community feel).</p>
<p>My interview was by far the most comfortable interview I've had. My interviewers and I had some fun conversations, laughed, and just talked - they didn't try to pry academic information from me or sell Oberlin. They just wanted to find out who I was, put a face to all those stats. They sent ME a thank you card, and then admission sent me a birthday card! More than any other school with the possible exception of Hampshire, I felt that Oberlin really cared about who I was as a person. Hopefully that attitude is prevalent amongst professors once you're a student there!</p>
<p>Thinking rationally, Oberlin may not be the best choice for me and I may end up somewhere else, but I've gotten such a great "gut feeling" about Oberlin for several years!</p>
<p>However, I do keep hearing that some people are "socially awkward." Definitely something to investigate if you're a prospective.</p>