Jon Polit

Majors: psychology and economics

Minor: law and society

I’m originally from Belmont, a small town just outside of Boston. I’m majoring in economics and psychology, which are two fields that really ought to communicate more with each other. I’m interested in the study of decision-making and behavioral economics, as well as public policy.

I also play clarinet, saxophone, and anything else I can get my hands on. I’ve had a lot of experience with making the music scene work for a non-music major (which isn’t always easy), and I’d be happy to help you find a satisfying experience in this regard.

I also conduct research with Professors Steve Mayer and Cindy Frantz in the psychology department which has provided me with hands-on experience in designing and conducting studies. If you make a real effort to get to know your faculty, you have a better chance of later doing independent work with the ones you like. I think some of my best academic experiences, especially getting to help my professors in psychology with their research, have come out of relationships with professors.

Short List of Favorites

Local Cuisine: Brunch at the Feve is just about the only reason to get up on Saturdays before 2pm. The menu changes every weekend, and there’s usually at least one item that makes absolutely no sense. That’s the one you should order.

Under-utilized Oberlin Resource: There are two big things I realized wished I’d taken advantage of much earlier. The first is the Office of Career Services. It has resources for everything from winter term internships (and even housing) to getting a job after graduation—which, believe me, comes up a lot quicker than anyone’s ready for.

The second thing is the importance of really getting to know your professors. I mentioned this above, but it really opens doors when you try to forge a relationship with your professors outside of the classroom. This is one of those big advantages of a small college that you always hear about, but it’s usually on the students to take the initiative and make a connection.

Favorite First-year Courses

FYSP 181, Selfishness or Altruism?. This was just about my favorite class of my first year and a half at Oberlin. Professor Tarvin is a fantastic teacher (and just a really great guy) and the class gives you a great chance to participate in a small discussion class right when you get to school.

POLT 122, Colloquium: The Israel-Palestine Conflict (second semester). Professor Schiff’s colloquium on the Israel-Palestine conflict was another highlight of my Oberlin academic experience before I declared a major.