Admissions

Stay overnight: you won't get a decent grasp on what the campus is like just hanging out for a few hours on a week day.

Check out the Co-ops: Some people will tell you to avoid the Co-ops (especially Harkness) but its a great idea to go and see how they work and what they are all about.

Talk to a lot of people: get as many perspectives on campus life as possible.

Make sure your essay is creative, Oberlin is a very difficult school to get into because they want unique people. Oberlin truly believes that its students can change the world because the students they select are not just in the top percentile in terms of academics but the students are already entrepreneurs, or go-getters in some way. I didn't have top SAT scores and I was in the top 25% of my class, so I had to stand out in other ways. You need to do the same!

One of the most impressive features of Oberlin is the professors' genuine commitment to education and the individual. Whether you are looking at the college or conservatory, my number one suggestion is to schedule private meetings with the professors in the departments of interest to you, and learn about the things Oberlin has to offer which are specific to your goals. As a conservatory student, I would highly impress upon any conservatory prospectives to observe and take trial lessons with the teachers in which you are interested. Be sure to meet with the someone from the admissions office and ask specific questions, as well as of course taking a tour, staying overnight in a dorm, and observing classes.

1. Check out a co-op. 2. Stay overnight. 3. Do the interview. 4. Try to come with questions. (Don't just say tell me everything.) 5. Have fun! It's okay to actually engage in real conversations or go to events with students/other prospective students.

If you come to this school with an open mind and an open heart you'll fall in love.

Buy a calendar! Time management is absolutely crucial to survive in a difficult academic environment, but showing that you care will help professors and advisers help you in this process. A emphasis on caring about others around you will help greatly in your application process.

Put yourself out there. Stretch your limits, don't be afraid to push yourself as far as you can go. And be yourself; every student has something unique about their personality that makes them stand out from everyone else.

Spend an overnight and get in touch with someone who is currently at the school.