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Oberlin Admissions Information

Oberlin College
Oberlin, OH (map)

 

Oberlin College is a highly selective liberal arts college located in central Ohio. Founded in 1833, the college is known for its pioneering spirit, being the first college to grant bachelor's degrees to women in a coed setting. Oberlin has a tradition as a champion of education for African American students, as well. As a top rated institution that produces more Ph.D. holders than any other undergraduate liberal arts college, Oberlin is famous for both its academic rigor and world-class music conservatory. The college's academic excellence is coupled with its commitment to social justice, sustainability, and diversity. The strong learning community is also a close one, where creativity and individuality are highly valued. Students are encouraged to challenge intellectual and social conventions.

Located 35 miles south of Cleveland, Oberlin is a quiet town centered on the college. Cultural events lead the social scene and students can attend an annual average of 500 concerts and recitals and 40 theater and dance productions. Oberlin offers more than 200 student organizations and 22 varsity sports to choose from, supporting students’ various interests and skills. Such opportunities include a number of music groups, the Astronomy Club, the Oberlin Film Series, and the American Medical Association of Oberlin.

 

 

Basic Info

Main Address: 173 West Lorain Street
Oberlin, OH 44074
 
Phone Number: (440) 775-8411  
Website: www.oberlin.edu  

Characteristics

Type of school: Private, liberal arts college  
Type of school: Co-ed  
Setting: Rural  
Athletics: Division III, club, and intramural sports  
Degrees offered: Bachelor's, Master's, and Diploma  
Size of undergraduate student body: 2,888  
Percent out-of-state: 91%  
Percent international: 6.02%  
Female to Male ratio: 55:45  

Academic Life

Student to Professor ratio: 9:1  
Most popular majors: Biology
English Language and Literature
History
 
Special study programs: Cross-Registration
Double Major
Dual Enrollment of High School Students
ESL
Honors Program
Independent Study
Internships
New York Semester
Student-Designed Major
Study Abroad
Teacher Certification
Urban Semester
Visiting/Exchange Student Program
Washington Semester
 

Campus Life

Housing options:
Coed Housing
Women's Housing
Cooperative Housing
Men's Housing
Apartments For Single Students
Wellness housing (alcohol/drug/smoke-free)
Activities:
Campus ministries
Concert band
Drama
International students
Literary magazine
Model U.N.
Musical theater
Radio station
Student newspaper
Yearbook
Choral groups
Dance
Film society
Jazz band
Marching band
Music ensembles
Opera
Student government
Symphony orchestra

Fun Facts

  • Best Midwestern Colleges
  • Voted #16 Birkenstock-Wearing, Tree-Hugging, Clove-Smoking Vegetarians
  • Voted #10 Most Liberal Students
  • Voted #19 Intercollegiate Sports Unpopular or Non-Existent
 

Admissions Information

Oberlin has a 34% acceptance rate and is a selective college. When making decisions as to whom to admit, selecting officials take on a holistic approach. They evaluate an applicant's academic qualifications, but also look at the applicant's unique qualities--that is, what he or she can contribute to the Oberlin community.

An applicant is judged first and foremost by his or her academic background, making the academic GPA, rigor of the secondary school report, standardized test scores, and class rank very important in the admission process. After examining the applicant's academic record, the application essay, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, talent, personal qualities, and whether the applicant is a first-generation college student are important factors used to determine entrance. Also considered to a lesser extent are alumni relation, the interviews, racial status, volunteer and work experience, and the level of the applicant's interest. Minorities and first-generation college students are given special consideration.

Admissions address: Carnegie Building
101 North Professor Street
Oberlin, OH 44074
 
Phone number: (440) 775-8411  
Fax number: (440) 775-6905  
Admissions Website: http://new.oberlin.edu/applying/  
Email: college.admissions@oberlin.edu  
Contact Person: Debra Chermonte  
Number of first-year applications received: 7,227  
Percent of applicants admitted: 34%  

Application Information

Regular application deadline: January 15  
Early decision/action deadline: November 15; January 2  
Accepts the Common Application? Yes  
Admission requirements: 2 Academic Teacher Evaluation
School Report
Mid Year Report
Final Report
Standardized test scores
Interview (optional)
 

Application Information

Standardized test scores required? SAT Reasoning Test or ACT with Writing
SAT II Subject Tests are recommended
 
Policy regarding SAT score-use: Highest Section Scores Across Test Dates  
 
Middle 50% Scores

Low


Average


High
% Who Submitted Scores
SAT Critical Reading
640
690
740
83%
SAT Math
620
670
710
83%
SAT Writing
640
690
730
83%
ACT Composite
27
30
32
42%

 
College Board code: 1587  
ACT code: 3304  
Learn more about other Ohio schools:
Ohio University   Miami University  

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