First-Year Applicants
We’re excited that you want to become an Obie! Here is some helpful information to help guide you through the application process.
Additional Information
- Read about our test-optional policy
- Early Decision
- Explore the Oberlin Internship+ Commitment
- International Students
- Homeschooled Students/High School Juniors/ Undocumented Students: Please see the special circumstances section below.
What We Look For
Oberlin is a highly selective liberal arts college. When making our admissions decisions, we draw upon a holistic review process that allows us to get a sense of not only the applicant’s academic qualifications, but also of what the applicant is like as a person, and what they will contribute to the Oberlin community. We seek an incoming class that represents a variety of talents, viewpoints, and achievements.
We prefer a high school record demonstrating proficiency equivalent to four years of English, four years of mathematics, three years of the same world language, three years of laboratory science, and three years of social studies. Students from secondary schools that do not offer all of these courses should not feel discouraged from applying to Oberlin. We seek students who exhibit traits of leadership and involvement in their schools and communities, but the focus is on quality, not quantity. Both ethical engagement—especially concern for others and the common good—and intellectual engagement are highly important.
The holistic review process means that no one element of an application will ever guarantee a student’s acceptance or rejection, and we encourage you to give careful attention to each and every aspect of your application.
Want more insight? Check out our YouTube channel for a series of workshops led by Oberlin admissions counselors that cover different aspects of the college search and application process.
Application Deadlines
Oberlin offers two decision plans for first-year applicants: Early Decision and Regular Decision. Early Decision is a way for students to show us that Oberlin is their first choice! Submitting an Early Decision application means that if admitted, you will definitely enroll at Oberlin. If you're thinking about applying Early Decision, please refer to the early decision page for more information.
Steps | Early Decision I | Early Decision II | Regular Decision |
---|---|---|---|
Application Deadline | November 15 | January 2 | January 15 |
Financial Aid Deadline | November 15 | January 2 | January 15 |
Notification | December 15 | February 1 | April 1 |
Reply/Deposit Due* | January 2 | February 15 | May 1 |
All application materials should be postmarked or submitted online by the application deadline. Please be sure to request letters of recommendation well in advance of the deadline.
*A $300 matriculation deposit is required to secure your place in the incoming class. This deposit must be submitted via check or online payment along with your intent-to-enroll card. Failure to submit your deposit by the reply deadline may prevent you from enrolling at Oberlin. Payment plans are available for those experiencing financial hardship.
Requirements
For students in the United States applying to the College of Arts and Sciences as high school seniors. Separate application requirements apply to homeschooled students and to international students. If you are considering applying as a high school junior, please refer to Early Admission in the special circumstances section. The College of Arts and Sciences does not require an application fee.
Students intending to apply to Oberlin may sign up to receive deadline reminders and additional information by completing our prospective student inquiry form.
Application Materials
Special Circumstances
Financial Aid
Oberlin’s financial aid policy is simple: We meet the full demonstrated financial need of every admitted student through a combination of grants, loans, and money earned through student employment. Each year, more than two-thirds of Oberlin students receive some form of need-based financial assistance. Our three-part award package typically includes grants from the college, low-interest students loans, and work-study jobs. We commit more than $75 million annually to provide grant aid directly to students. This makes Oberlin affordable to many talented students who otherwise might not be able to pursue an education at Oberlin.
When you complete a financial aid application, Oberlin automatically considers you for need-based college grants and merit-based scholarships, in addition to any state and federal grants, loans, or work-study programs for which you may qualify.
Applying for Financial Aid
To apply for financial aid, students must submit both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the College Scholarship Service (CSS) PROFILE. Our Office of Financial Aid analyzes the information provided in these materials and establishes a "family contribution" amount for you. This amount will include contributions from both you and your parents. Your demonstrated need is the difference between this family contribution and the cost of attending Oberlin.
Applications
It’s free to apply to Oberlin! We accept the Common Application, the Coalition Application, and the QuestBridge Application. Oberlin does not have a preference among any of our application options. Please submit only one application.
Common Application
Oberlin was a founding member of the Common Application, which is now used by nearly 900 colleges and universities. The Common App is committed to the pursuit of access, equity, and integrity in the college admission process.
Coalition Application
The Coalition for Access, Affordability, and Success is a new initiative dedicated to increasing access and helping students find their perfect match college. All Coalition member schools provide substantial support to lower–resourced and underrepresented students, offer responsible student financial aid support, and demonstrate a commitment to student graduation.
QuestBridge Application
QuestBridge aims to increase the percentage of talented low-income students attending the nation’s best colleges. If you are working with the QuestBridge National College Match program, you can use your QuestBridge application to apply to Oberlin.