Oberlin Overnight Program

A photo of magnolia trees on Oberlin's campus.

Oberlin Overnight is an exciting opportunity for high school seniors interested in the College of Arts & Sciences to get a firsthand view of campus life through an overnight stay with a current Oberlin student. Participants will attend classes, tour campus, and participate in special themed programming. All programs include transportation between the Cleveland airport and Oberlin’s campus, as well as meals and accommodations during the visit. The Diversity & Access program also includes round-trip airfare and requires a special application.

Fall 2026 Program Themes

Oberlin Overnight: Diversity & Access
Oberlin Overnight: The Obie Experience
Oberlin Overnight: BA+BFA in Integrated Arts

Eligibility Notes:

Overnight programs are open to high school seniors. Participants must also be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or undocumented students currently residing in the United States. 

The Diversity & Access program includes round-trip airfare and requires a special application.
 

Oberlin Overnight: Diversity & Access

Program Description

At Oberlin, we have long understood that diversity, in all its forms, is essential to our mission to prepare our students to confront complex issues and spark positive change in the world. 

The Diversity & Access program will highlight how Oberlin welcomes and supports all students. Participants will have special opportunities to connect with current students and faculty from diverse backgrounds and meet representatives from a variety of identity-based student organizations. Learn more about how Oberlin builds community and helps students find their fit on campus.

Oberlin will cover the cost of transportation to and from campus as well as meals and accommodations during the program. 

Additional Eligibility Requirements

All students who share our dedication to diversity are invited to apply. We particularly encourage applications from students who identify with historically underrepresented groups, such as those who are the first generation in their family to go to college, low-income, and/or students of color.

Students will be selected for participation in this Oberlin Overnight program based on their academic qualifications and demonstrated interest in diversity issues, with priority given to students from families with limited financial resources.

The application deadline is September 7, 2026.

Diversity & Access Program Application

Diversity & Access Program Dates 

  • October 11-13, 2026

Students who are selected for the program will be notified in September.

Accepted students will receive round-trip airfare to and from the Cleveland airport or a travel reimbursement if they drive to campus.

You’ll need the following items to complete your application:

Answer these short-answer questions:

  1. Since 1835, Oberlin has been a leader in diversity, becoming the first school in the nation to admit African Americans and adopting a policy to admit students regardless of race or gender. Because of this, some students first hear about Oberlin in their history books. How did you first learn about Oberlin and how does Oberlin’s history of diversity, equity, and inclusion align with your values? (Maximum 300 words)
  2. Why are you interested in Oberlin College and how do you see your interests fitting in at Oberlin? (Maximum 300 words)

Oberlin Overnight: The Obie Experience

Program Description

With a focus on undergraduate teaching, a multitude of hands-on research opportunities, and a vibrant residential community, an Oberlin education prepares students to find their individual callings and apply them in a world that needs their intellect and energy. 

Get an inside look at Oberlin's College of Arts & Sciences by visiting classes, connecting with current Obies and faculty members, sharing meals in our dining halls with future classmates, and staying overnight in a residence hall. 

Participants are responsible for their own transportation. Oberlin will provide shuttles to and from the Cleveland airport as well as meals and accommodations during the program.

The Obie Experience Program Dates 

Four programs are available this fall. Attendees are also asked to attend a virtual orientation in advance of their visit, which will discuss the program schedule and logistics.

Program DatesRegistration ClosesVirtual Orientation
September 22-23, 2026September 8September 17, 7 pm ET
September 29-30, 2026September 15September 17, 7 pm ET
October 6-7, 2026September 22October 1, 7 pm ET
October 27-28, 2026October 13October 22, 7 pm ET

Students must submit a copy of their signed Overnight Visit Waiver as part of their event registration. 

Register for The Obie Experience

Flying to Cleveland

Students should schedule flights to arrive at the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm ET on the first day of the program, and depart between 2:30 pm and 6:00 pm ET on the second. Please do not book flights or make travel arrangements until you have successfully registered for the program and received a confirmation email.
 

Driving to Oberlin

Students who are driving to campus should arrive at the Admissions Office by 2:00 pm ET on the first day of the program (or 12:45 pm if you would like to have lunch in a dining hall), and plan to depart at 1:00 pm ET on the second. Free visitor parking is available behind the Admissions Office.

Oberlin Overnight: BA+BFA in Integrated Arts

Program Description

Oberlin’s five-year BA+BFA lets you dive into the art forms you love most — cinema, theater, dance, music, studio art, or creative writing — while also exploring how they connect with each other and the full spectrum of your academic interests. This overnight program includes special opportunities to learn more about the BA+BFA, engage with current students and faculty, and gain insight on how to prepare a portfolio for the BA+BFA application. This program is not intended for students planning to apply to the Conservatory of Music, including the Music Theater program.

Participants are responsible for their own transportation. Oberlin will provide shuttles to and from the Cleveland airport as well as meals and accommodations during the program.

BA+BFA in Integrated Arts Program Dates 

Two programs are available this fall. Attendees are also asked to attend a virtual orientation in advance of their visit, which will discuss the program schedule and logistics.

Program DatesRegistration ClosesVirtual Orientation
September 22-23, 2026September 8September 17, 7 pm ET
October 27-28, 2026October 13October 22, 7 pm ET

Students must submit a copy of their signed Overnight Visit Waiver as part of their event registration. 

Register for the BA+BFA Overnight

Flying to Cleveland

Students should schedule flights to arrive at the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm ET on the first day of the program, and depart between 2:30 pm and 6:00 pm ET on the second. Please do not book flights or make travel arrangements until you have successfully registered for the program and received a confirmation email.
 

Driving to Oberlin

Students who are driving to campus should arrive at the Admissions Office by 2:00 pm ET on the first day of the program (or 12:45 pm if you would like to have lunch in a dining hall), and plan to depart at 1:00 pm ET on the second. Free visitor parking is available behind the Admissions Office.

College of Arts and Sciences Admissions
(800) 622-6243 or (440) 775-8411
38 E. College St., Oberlin, OH 44074

Conservatory of Music Admissions
(440) 775-8413
39 W. College St., Oberlin, OH 44074

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