Early Decision
We celebrate your admission to Oberlin! We are thrilled you will be joining us and look forward to helping you begin your academic career. Use this checklist to help prepare for your arrival in fall 2026.
Confirm Your Enrollment
Submit the Intent to Enroll form on your applicant portal.
Follow the instructions to pay your $300 matriculation deposit. This matriculation fee is refundable upon graduation from Oberlin. (Please note that we are unable to refund your deposit if you do not follow through with your enrollment.)
Per the Early Decision Agreement, you must immediately withdraw all applications that may be active at other colleges/universities, and you may not initiate any new applications.
Next Steps
Once you’ve confirmed your enrollment, it’s important to stay on top of a few things to make sure your Oberlin experience gets off to a great start.
Submit official SAT or ACT scores within one month of receiving your ED acceptance, if you asked for scores to be considered and included only self-reported test scores as part of your admissions application.
Maintain the level of academic performance and course load as presented in your application. You must contact us before making changes to the courses that were listed in your application materials.
Inform us of any disciplinary action or unlawful conduct: You must contact the Office of Admissions within two weeks if you are placed on probation, suspended, dismissed from school, or if criminal charges are brought against you. Failure to do so may lead to the revocation of our offer of admission.
Spring 2026
Participate in All Roads Lead to Oberlin: Admitted students and their families are invited to learn more about Oberlin through our in-person and virtual All Roads Lead to Oberlin programming.
March 2026
Access your new student forms: We will email you when your Oberlin email account is created and when important forms related to your enrollment, including housing selection, become available. Forms will open on a rolling basis, with most available by the end of March.
May 2026
Course selection begins: In mid-May, course planning information will become available, and you will begin the course registration process. You will finalize your schedule in August after meeting with your academic advisor.
June 2026
Request your final high school transcript: We’ll need a copy of your final high school transcript, showing that you have graduated from high school, on file before you can start classes at Oberlin. Ask your school counselor to send us your transcript by July 1. Our offer of admission is based on our expectation that you will successfully complete high school while maintaining the level of academic rigor and performance demonstrated in your application as well as a high level of personal conduct. You will not be permitted to complete course registration until we have received your final transcript.
July 2026
Bill payment: The Office of Student Accounts will mail your first semester bill covering tuition, fees, housing, and dining. For more information about payment plans and other details, visit the Office of Student Accounts page.
August 2026
Attend New Student Orientation: Orientation will begin virtually in mid-August and will continue in person after you arrive on campus the week prior to the start of fall classes. You’ll meet with your advisor, complete your course registration, and learn more about the wide range of resources available at Oberlin. Classes begin on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
Conservatory Only
Class and Ensemble Placement: Over the summer, the Office of the Dean of the Conservatory will send you information regarding music theory/aural skills and piano placement, plus ensemble auditions. For details, visit the Dean's Office website.
Questions?
Contact us at college.admissions@oberlin.edu.