College of Arts and Sciences Admissions

Frequently asked questions?

• Why should I attend an MVP visit weekend as opposed to a regularly scheduled visit?

  The MVP weekend is the only all expenses paid visit program hosted by Oberlin College. It is especially designed for students of color to give them the opportunity to learn more about Oberlin College and get a first-hand look at the diverse community and numerous resources that make up the Oberlin experience. During an MVP visit, students take part in a structured program that includes specially arranged open houses, faculty meet and greets, and various other activities. Participants are able to meet current students that visited Oberlin on MVP fly-ins at special meals, coffeehouses and/or open mics. The program also leaves free time for students to explore campus on their own. The MVP weekend visit is longer (Thursday to Saturday) than regularly scheduled overnights and allows for more visits to dining halls, residence halls, and campus facilities.

• Outside of visiting classes, what will I do while on campus?

  Depending on the weekend, there are various concerts, speakers, and campus productions that participants can attend as well as open houses that introduce participants to the many resources available to Oberlin College students.

• What should I bring for my visit?

  While you are on campus, you will need a sleeping bag and a pillow, as sleeping arrangements may not include an individual bed for each participant. Also, you will need a warm coat/jacket and other accessories for cool weather.

• Can my parent or guardian accompany me during the MVP weekend?

  Parents are welcome to visit Oberlin during the MVP weekend. However, parents are responsible for their travel and hotel accommodations. Parents are also welcome to participate in a limited number of activities that will include a meal, but are otherwise required to provide their own meals.

• How are flight schedules arranged?

  An Admissions staff person will arrange and confirm flights. Participants will be notified of their travel itinerary prior to leaving for Oberlin.

• How will I get to and from the airport?

  The student is responsible for transportation to the airport from home or school. Upon arrival at the Cleveland Hopkins Airport, students will be met by an Admissions counselor and escorted to a shuttle to Oberlin with other MVP participants. At the end of the program, students will be taken by shuttle to the Cleveland Hopkins Airport.

• Where will I stay once I get to Oberlin?

  Participants will be housed in a residence hall with a current student as their host. You will be paired with your host after dinner on the first evening of your visit.

• Will my residence hall host be my guide while I’m on campus?

  No, your host will assist you during your visit, but as a current student, may have a limited amount of time to spend with you during your stay. Admissions staff will be on hand during most of your visit to help make it a fulfilling one.

• How are meals taken care of during my visit?

  All participants will be issued a dining card that also gives them access to the residence halls. Participants will be able to dine at any of the dining halls on campus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

• Will I have an interview? Is it formal?

  If you attend a fall fly-in, you are required to do an on-campus interview. Interviews are fairly informal to give the interviewer an opportunity to learn more about you and allow you to ask many of your questions about Oberlin.

• How many students attend each program?

  The number of participants varies depending on the weekend a participant attends. However, programs generally include anywhere from 20 to 40 students.

• What does the program cost?

  The MVP weekend is an all expenses paid visit to Oberlin College. Students are not required to contribute to the cost of their visit. Students may wish to bring spending money for use at the College’s bookstore or one of the town’s many shops and restaurants, but it is not required.

• What if I am unable to attend and my ticket was already purchased?

  Participants, parents or guardians, and guidance counselors are required to sign a statement of financial responsibility prior to travel arrangements being made. If a participant is unable to attend after a ticket is purchased the participant will be required to reimburse Admissions for the cost of the ticket.