Explore new horizons, by way of the academic curriculum, and other opportunities for growth.

Connect your ideas, values, and interests to your coursework and your co-curricular activities.

Deepen your connection to your fields of study and to the communities in which you live.

Develop independence in your life-long pursuit of intellectual, artistic and personal growth.

Final Year: For three years or more, you have laid the groundwork for your last two semesters. The final year is not just about finishing at Oberlin; it can also be a time to develop independent modes of learning and living that will serve you after you leave Oberlin. Select advanced coursework to focus and deepen your knowledge. Use your last electives to expand your horizons and to embrace the intrinsic joy of learning. Turn to advisors and other resources to think about life after Oberlin. Celebrate your Oberlin career and your achievements.

Develop independent, life-long learning and creativity

Aspire to create knowledge through your senior capstone. Use this opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of your field of study, and to draw connections between your major and your other interests.

Pursue opportunities to present your work on campus and in the community. Part of advanced work involves taking your knowledge to public forums and practicing the skills of effective speaking, writing, and presentation. Talk to your mentors and Career Services about how to give a talk, rather than read a paper.

Choose courses you have always wanted to take, particularly those that will enrich your life after Oberlin.

Develop your leadership capacities

Accept leadership positions in student or community organizations. These opportunities will teach you important skills of organization, and allow you to bolster the qualities of Oberlin you care about the most. Contribute to the vibrancy of the College and the community.

Mentor Oberlin students. Tutoring and advising can allow you to master what you already know and reciprocate the generosity shown to you when you arrived at the College.

Develop a concrete plan for post-Oberlin steps

Revisit Career Services: attend senior orientation session; practice interviewing skills, finalize your résumé, learn about writing graduate school essays. Seek out advisors to read drafts of your application essays.

At the beginning of the fall semester, think about which academic assignments might be included in your portfolio. Select a substantial assignment that you would be willing to send out with your graduate school applications (even if you are not planning to go straight to graduate school). Build a calendar for its first draft, revision, and completion. Set up appointments with the professor and your advisor for feedback. Submit a dazzling final project.

Review, edit, and polish your portfolio.

Complete applications for fellowships, graduate school, post-college internships, or jobs.

Take advantage of the networking opportunities available to you through Oberlin alumni and the Oberlin Alumni Association.