Oberlin Blogs

"You haven't written your application essays yet? Well get crackin'!" --A Pamphlet on applying to (not too many!) Colleges; Plus, a few modest Examples are included for the perusal of the curious Reader.

Some answers about who should write yours, what forms to use, and all that fun stuff.

There are a few differences between the liberal arts colleges and fish markets, though. Liberal arts colleges generally smell better, for instance.

What's the point of that extra application essay, and what should you write?

I just wrapped up a week's worth of travel in Dallas, my first trip of the '09 travel season.

In this post: the Montreal International Recorder Competition, recorders that look like plumbing, apocryphal stories, adorable taxi drivers, the death of punk, and Glenn Beck killing a frog.

Once upon a time (specifically, January 14th, 2006), I was a more-confused-than-usual high school senior applying to Oberlin.

If we don't know that you're interested in Oberlin, how can we tell you about all the cool admissions events that happen each year?

I have the unique perspective of having gone through two applications processes and now introducing new applicants to Oberlin, and so I want to give prospective students (or "prospies," as we fondly call you, in reference to our own nickname of "Obies") an idea of what it's like to visit Oberlin as a prospective student.

I headed to a small coffee shop and discovered that it really is an Obie world after all.

I love being a tour guide. The job is to share what you love while walking backwards, connecting with people from across the country and the world. What's more rewarding than that?

These aren't secrets to getting into your dream college, I apologize. I don't think there is a formula for that. What I'm offering in the following post is an approach to making your application a solid representation of yourself.