Change of Divisional Status

At Oberlin it is possible for a student to request a change of divisional status if the request is made in a timely fashion and if the entrance requirements of the appropriate division is met. Refer to the categories of divisional changes and the required steps in the chart below.

• Deadline to change status: Changes to a student’s division status must occur no later than the end of the third year for single degree students and fourth year for double-degree students. Changes must occur earlier when required by the Office of the Conservatory Associate Dean or the Academic Advising Resource Center (AARC) due to lack of progress toward a degree (i.e., completing the 16-32-40 rule, following the academic standing policy for a degree, etc.). Students who change their status after the second year must demonstrate the ability to complete the degree(s) without additional semesters in residence required for that degree. The number of semesters of remaining financial aid will be determined by the normal length of the degree to which the student is changing.

• Students applying to transfer to or add the College of Arts and Sciences division: The application is reviewed by the College of Arts and Sciences Admissions office once the student has received grades for at least two full arts and sciences courses (or equivalent) with a grade of B- or better; has submitted the recommendation forms from two arts and sciences faculty; and has discussed the arts and sciences requirements with the manager of advising support in the Academic Advising Resource Center. In addition, we will review the entirety of a student’s Oberlin transcript as well as the student’s academic progress and standing.

• Students applying to transfer to or add the Conservatory of Music division: The application will be reviewed after the student has met with the conservatory associate dean for student academic affairs to review conservatory degree requirements and completed an audition for the respective program. Although letters of recommendation are not required, we will consider the entirety of a student’s Oberlin transcript as well as the student’s academic progress and standing.

It is highly recommended that you meet with the appropriate dean or academic advisor before requesting the change and completing the Change of Status application.

Requirements for Changing Divisional Status: