College of Arts & Sciences Admissions

It’s nice to meet you! We’re so glad you’re here.

For nearly 200 years, Oberlin has offered one of the world’s great undergraduate educations. Here, students pursue multiple passions and interests within a supportive, collaborative community. We focus on undergraduate teaching, hands-on research projects, culturally immersive study away experiences, and world-class music opportunities.

An Oberlin education is extraordinary, and each person experiences it differently. With over 40 majors to choose from, we’re sure there’s a place for you here.

Discover what you need to apply to Oberlin’s College of Arts & Sciences, including important admissions deadlines, financial aid information, and more.

2/3 students participate in research
$5 rent a real Picasso for
500+ performances each year (many free!)
2025 Carbon neutral by

Applying to Oberlin Arts & Sciences

We make it as easy as possible to apply to the College of Arts & Sciences:

While we look for students who have demonstrated high academic achievement, we also seek individuals who care about the world, who believe they can improve it, and who have the courage to try.

If that describes you, we encourage you to apply!

First-year Applicants Transfer Applicants
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Oberlin meets 100% of the demonstrated financial need for every student

Admissions Requirements

A complete application includes:

  • A personal essay
  • One letter of recommendation from a core subject teacher
  • Secondary school report and high school transcript
  • Transfer students only: college report, college transcript, and mid-term report

Optional materials include:

  • SAT or ACT scores
  • Interview
  • Art or performance supplemental materials
  • Research abstract or résumé
  • One additional recommendation letter

Announcement

Read Oberlin President Carmen Twillie Ambar’s response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to end affirmative action in college admissions.

College of Arts & Sciences Application Deadlines

First-Year Applicants

  • Early decision I: November 15
  • Early decision II: January 2
  • Regular decision: January 15

Transfer Applicants

  • Fall: April 1
  • Spring: November 15

Oberlin supports students who have been affected by natural disasters, war, or other disruptions to their communities. If circumstances outside of your control have impacted your ability to submit your application or supporting materials by our January 15 deadline, please know that deadline extensions are available. Email college.admissions@oberlin.edu to inform us of your situation and request an extension. We are here to assist you through this process.

Visit & Explore

(and the answer to “so where are you, anyway?”)

Oberlin College is an integral part of Oberlin, Ohio, a quintessential college town located 35 miles southwest of Cleveland. Our fair city was recently named one of Ohio’s Best Hometowns by Ohio Magazine for its historical architecture, quaint shopping and galleries, and many cultural and entertainment offerings.

Whether you come to campus in person or explore virtually, an array of options are available to help introduce you to the energy and passion of this amazing place. We look forward to meeting you!

Why Apply to the College of Arts & Sciences at Oberlin?

  • At Oberlin, participate in an engaged, collaborative liberal arts education. You and your peers form a community of learners and leaders whose experiences extend beyond the traditional classroom setting.

  • Our faculty members are active scholars and dedicated teachers, and small class sizes mean you can look forward to abundant opportunities for mentoring relationships.

  • Experience our welcoming environment, peer advising cohorts, and small first-year seminars that lead to lifelong friendships and add to our tight-knit atmosphere.

  • Tailor your education to your unique interests in one of our several interdisciplinary minors and integrative concentrations.

  • There’s no shortage of study abroad opportunities for you to pursue as a College of Arts & Sciences student. In fact, 80% of our students travel off campus for study, service, internships, or winter term.

We’re Here to Help Your Admissions Journey

Your Admissions Team

We love connecting with prospective students, and we’re here to help! Reach out anytime with questions or to just to say hi.

Connect with Admissions

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Obies Working in Admissions

We employ more than 50 students here in Admissions, and, like the counselors, they love connecting with prospective Obies!

Meet Our Student Workers

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The (Real) Student Experience

Want the inside scoop on studying at Oberlin? Explore a variety of unfiltered perspectives about living and learning here.

Oberlin Blogs

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Affording Your Oberlin Degree

Oberlin’s financial aid policy is simple: We meet the full demonstrated financial need of every single Obie and also offer generous merit scholarships, including our $10,000 Commitment Scholarship (renewable every year!), which we give to all admitted students.

Please introduce yourself!

Tell us a bit about yourself, and we’ll keep you informed about Oberlin and our admissions process. We’ll send you general information about Oberlin, as well as updates about deadlines, campus visit programs, and opportunities to meet with us when we travel to your area.

Let’s connect!
A student adjusts electronic lab equipment.