Admission
Admission to either
division of Oberlin College--the College of Arts and Sciences or
the Conservatory of Music--is competitive and selective, and based
on a student's prior achievement as well as future promise. Students
may apply to both divisions. Separate applications, fees, transcripts
and recommendation forms are required for each division. Students
admitted to both divisions can choose to enroll in either the College
of Arts and Sciences or the Conservatory of Music or in the five-year
Double-Degree Program (leading to a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor
of Music degree). Decisions on the two applications are reached
independently.
Application for
Admission
Applicants should
write to the appropriate Admissions Office for application forms,
indicating the date they plan to graduate from high school. Application
forms for high school seniors are available after August 1. High
school juniors may file a preliminary request card, which is kept
on file to ensure forwarding of the application at the appropriate
time.
Oberlin enrolls
new students in September and February.
Applications for
fall semester must be postmarked by
--November
15 (College of
Arts and Sciences, Early Decision I);
--January
2 (College of
Arts and Sciences, Early Decision II);
--January
15 (College of
Arts and Sciences Regular Decision and international students);
--February
15 (All Conservatory
Applicants); and
--March
15 (College of
Arts and Sciences transfer applicants).
All applications
for spring semester must be submitted by November 15.
Early Admission
Students wishing
to enter Oberlin before completing the traditional four years of
high school should submit a letter outlining their educational goals
and provide evidence that they are socially and emotionally ready
for the challenge of college. Early Admission students are required
to visit the campus for an interview.
College of
Arts and Sciences
Preparation
Students applying
to Oberlin should present a program of studies combining breadth
and depth, and are encouraged to include enriched or Advanced Placement
courses when available.
The best-prepared
candidates usually present the following:
--four
years of English
(with an emphasis on writing);
--three
years of one foreign language;
--four
years of mathematics;
--three
years of natural science;
and
--three
years of social studies, including history.
Applicants whose
interests in college may require calculus should take as much mathematics
as possible. Trigonometry and pre-calculus are especially recommended.
For students intending
to major in the natural sciences, courses in biology, chemistry
and physics are all highly desirable. Foreign language study beyond
the third year is also highly desirable.
Students from secondary
schools that do not offer all of these courses should not feel discouraged
from applying to Oberlin, especially if they have strong records
of achievement within their schools and are looking for an academic
challenge at the college level. Oberlin seeks students who exhibit
traits of leadership and significant involvement in their schools
and communities, and gives careful individual attention to each
application. Entry-level foundation and introductory courses are
offered to help entering students of special circumstance. For example,
Mastering Skills for Efficient Reading is a course designed to improve
critical reading skills.
Students who have been enrolled in ungraded or innovative systems
should present evidence of serious academic and intellectual effort,
including detailed recommendations from a variety of academic teachers
and counselors. Home-schooled students should contact the appropriate
Admissions Office for information about Oberlin's Home School policy.
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