Jonathan (Sep 6, 2006 8:05:34 PM)

My name is Jonathan and I'm the moderator for this session. All student questions will go to me and will then be passed along to our guests. Don't be concerned if you can't see the question that you just typed, because it's probably just waiting to be answered.

Jonathan (Sep 6, 2006 8:06:47 PM)

We have Mary Mintel, the Assistant Director of Admissions

Scott Juedes, the Associate Director of Financial Aid

Marty Frazier, who's a current Oberlin student

and Kim Meinert, who's a current Oberlin student.

Jonathan (Sep 6, 2006 8:07:49 PM)

So before we get to the questions, would any of our Oberlin guests like to make a brief introduction?

KimMeinert_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:08:02 PM)

Hi, I'm Kim. I'm a senior here at Oberlin, and I'm a double major in Comparative American Studies, and Creative Writing

KimMeinert_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:08:51 PM)

I'm also on the varsity swim team. And involved in a lot of student organizations

I'm from the border of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho

ScottJuedes_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:09:43 PM)

Hello, I am Scott. As stated, I am the Associate Director of Financial Aid. I have worked at Oberlin for the past 7 years.

martyfrazier_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:09:49 PM)

I am a senior English major here

martyfrazier_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:10:27 PM)

I intern at the admissions office but also work in the writing center, dj a radio show, and sing in the college choir

MaryMintel_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:10:58 PM)

I have worked at Oberlin for a little over one year. I'm originally from Connecticut. I also help coach the Varsity Softball team and just came running in from a team meeting. Whew!

Jonathan (Sep 6, 2006 8:11:48 PM)

Thanks very much to all of our guests. What I'll do now is open up the floor for student questions. Please go ahead and submit whatever questions you'd like our panel to address.

KimMeinert_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:13:05 PM)

At Oberlin there are absolutely no classes you have to take

KimMeinert_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:13:34 PM)

All we have to do is complete our 9-9-9 distribution requirements which ask for 9 in sciences, 9 cultural diversity, 9 social sciences

KimMeinert_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:13:46 PM)

Credits, that is, not classes

moon (Sep 6, 2006 8:14:02 PM)

What is the campus like? Is it architecturally pleasing to the eye? New or old architecture? Lots of green or lots of concrete?

martyfrazier_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:14:02 PM)

There are so many different kinds of buildings on campus, ranging from huge gothic residence halls to newer, completely sustainable solar powered buildings as well

MaryMintel_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:14:04 PM)

No, no specific classes are required. Most freshmen take intro courses in a range of disciplines in order to find a major they enjoy.

moon (Sep 6, 2006 8:14:47 PM)

What is the campus like? Is it architecturally pleasing to the eye? New or old architecture? Lots of green or lots of concrete?

martyfrazier_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:14:48 PM)

It is rather flat, and there are so many green spaces...the majority of the campus is made up of quads

moon (Sep 6, 2006 8:15:01 PM)

What is the campus like? Is it architecturally pleasing to the eye? New or old architecture? Lots of green or lots of concrete?

martyfrazier_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:15:02 PM)

It's definitely expansive and well-groomed

Kat (Sep 6, 2006 8:15:02 PM)

A mighty pleasant hello to everyone, first off! My first question would be: is it true the entire time we attend Oberlin we have to live on campus?

KimMeinert_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:15:02 PM)

No, you only have to live on campus for the first three years of your academic career,

moon (Sep 6, 2006 8:15:02 PM)

What is the campus like? Is it architecturally pleasing to the eye? New or old architecture? Lots of green or lots of concrete?

ScottJuedes_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:15:02 PM)

The campus is beautiful! Not a lot of concrete, all the architecture is unique. The buildings are simply incredible. There is a lot of green space. Oberlin College is located in a rural area outside of Cleveland.

KimMeinert_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:15:15 PM)

However you can also live in college owned apartments or houses

KimMeinert_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:15:29 PM)

So it's kind of like living off campus even though you're paying the college

nicr (Sep 6, 2006 8:16:44 PM)

Hello; if any of the guests had to describe Oberlin in a few words to an international student, how would you describe it?

martyfrazier_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:16:44 PM)

I would say open-minded, academically engaging first of all

Hario (Sep 6, 2006 8:16:53 PM)

If I'm not sure what I want to do in college (Economics? Government? Engineering?), but am leaning towards majoring in Computer Science, is Oberlin right for me?

KimMeinert_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:16:54 PM)

Hario, we have a very strong Computer Science program. In fact, I have a good friend who graduated from Oberlin in 2004, and he just entered an accelerated PhD program at UPenn in computer science--he was selected out of a huge pool of applicants

Yazan (Sep 6, 2006 8:17:03 PM)

What kind of engineering and/or technology programs does your school offer?

MaryMintel_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:17:03 PM)

We offer a 3-2 engineering program. This means that you would take math, physics, and computer science courses at Oberlin and then take engineering at another school.

nicr (Sep 6, 2006 8:17:14 PM)

Hello; if any of the guests had to describe Oberlin in a few words to an international student, how would you describe it?

martyfrazier_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:17:14 PM)

I would add that there's a large sense of community here...people create homes at Oberlin...it's a tight knit group of people

nicr (Sep 6, 2006 8:18:38 PM)

Hello; if any of the guests had to describe Oberlin in a few words to an international student, how would you describe it?

martyfrazier_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:18:38 PM)

I would also say Oberlin is a place to challenge yourself, to grow immense amounts, and to have opportunities to do things you never thought you could or would

angelic (Sep 6, 2006 8:18:45 PM)

Hi. Does Oberlin have a pre-med major and how is Oberlin science project?

KimMeinert_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:18:45 PM)

We have a premed track, but not a major. However, I think that makes it a stronger background for grad school applications because you are multidisciplinary (with a strong focus in bio for example) on top of your pre med track of classes

ResoluteTwo (Sep 6, 2006 8:19:26 PM)

Coming from a large city like New York, how would one adjust to the rural life and surroundings of Oberlin College?

ScottJuedes_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:19:26 PM)

Oberlin is in located in the small town of Oberlin (about 8,500 people). However, we are just 20 minutes from the International Airport in Cleveland and about 40 minutes from Downtown Cleveland. That being said, there are some many activities/events at Oberlin, most students find that there is more than enough to keep them busy.

angelic (Sep 6, 2006 8:20:11 PM)

Hi. Does Oberlin have a pre-med major and how is Oberlin science project?

KimMeinert_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:20:11 PM)

As far as science projects, we have a very high percentage of students in the sciences that do one-on-one research with their professors. My room mate, for example, is doing private research with her professor this semester on muscle mutations in worms. Last year she did research with a different professor on the gestation of opossums

Ben_ (Sep 6, 2006 8:20:55 PM)

What would you consider areas of particular academic strength at Oberlin?

ResoluteTwo (Sep 6, 2006 8:21:02 PM)

Coming from a large city like New York, how would one adjust to the rural life and surroundings of Obelin College?

martyfrazier_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:21:02 PM)

Oberlin is an incredibly cosmopolitan place; most students come from cities already, and there are more kids from New York than Ohio in fact. Although the setting is rural, the mentality really is not. Oberlin attracts students who are from all over the world, so it's easy to find a place here I think. Also, the incredible amount of arts (theatre, dance, music) on campus makes you feel like you have the resources of a city

tsesera (Sep 6, 2006 8:21:27 PM)

What is the ExCo program?

KimMeinert_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:21:27 PM)

The ExCo program stands for Experimental College, and is an organic learning process in which students, townspeople, staff and faculty teach classes on things that may or may not be offered in the regular curriculum. Subjects vary from learning Tagalog to studying Sex and the City to learning to can peaches

ijoseph (Sep 6, 2006 8:23:27 PM)

How many undergrads are there per class?

KimMeinert_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:23:27 PM)

We have about 600 students per class. We are primarily an undergraduate institution; however we do have small graduate programs in opera performance, vocal performance, historical performance, music education, and organ performance

Kat (Sep 6, 2006 8:24:06 PM)

I have a decently financial background. However, I am receiving no aid from my parent - he refuses to help me in college. Will this prevent me from attending Oberlin?

ScottJuedes_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:24:06 PM)

Kat, without knowing your exact circumstances, I can't say for sure. However, I can tell you that Oberlin is very committed to financial aid. Each year Oberlin awards almost 40 million dollars in scholarships and grants for about 2800 students. Around 60 percent of our students receive need-based financial aid.

Kat (Sep 6, 2006 8:24:51 PM)

I have a decently financial background. However, I am receiving no aid from my parent - he refuses to help me in college. Will this prevent me from attending Oberlin?

ScottJuedes_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:24:51 PM)

You can contact the Office of Financial Aid at any point in time to discuss the specifics of your situation.

martyfrazier_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:24:56 PM)

Ben, Oberlin is well known for a number of programs. In the sciences, I would call neuroscience and biology to your attention. We have more students go on to get PhDs in the sciences than any other liberal arts college, and Oberlin has one of the earliest neuro programs in the country; two Oberlin alum have one Nobel prizes in science. Science is also fantastic here because you have the ability to do graduate level research as an undergrad.

martyfrazier_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:25:07 PM)

Ben, was there a particular department you were interested in?

martyfrazier_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:25:43 PM)

I would also call Creative Writing, Art History, English, and History to your attention as fantastic departments

Kat (Sep 6, 2006 8:25:59 PM)

Do you recommend going in for an interview, even if it is not required of you to do so? (I'm all the way out in California)

MaryMintel_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:25:59 PM)

If you are visiting the campus anyway, definitely schedule an interview. But I wouldn't come all the way here just for an interview. They are very informal, typically given by students. Also, you have the option of getting an alumni interview.

Ben_ (Sep 6, 2006 8:26:05 PM)

What's the library like?

KimMeinert_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:26:05 PM)

The library is awesome. You should totally come visit just to see the library! It was very obviously decorated in the seventies, and everything is rainbow colored. We also have round sphere-shaped chairs. As far as access is concerned, you can access it until 2am on a regular basis, but it is open 24 hours per day during finals and midterms. We also have a quiet study lounge, a computer lab and a reserve desk. The reserve desk has hard copies of all texts necessary for any course going on at any time during that semester, and you can check out these materials on an hourly basis. This helps to alleviate the cost of books for those for whom it might be a problem.

martyfrazier_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:26:36 PM)

We have a really cutting edge Comparative American Studies department that is working on fantastic research as well...I love that department

martyfrazier_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:26:50 PM)

Let me know what specifically you are interested in hearing about and I will do my best to tell you

Hario (Sep 6, 2006 8:27:00 PM)

What's the financial aid situation of Oberlin? As in, is it need blind, for example?

ScottJuedes_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:27:00 PM)

Oberlin is need-aware. This simply means that the admissions process may take into account your financial situation. I do stress May - for the majority of applicants, your financial situation does not effect your admissions decision. All well qualified students are admitted regardless of need.

Jonathan (Sep 6, 2006 8:27:03 PM)

FYI, Oberlin also has a fantastic art museum.

KimMeinert_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:28:27 PM)

One of the things I love about Oberlin is the fact that it teaches all students to be very analytical and to think things through on a critical, progressive level. This helps to put students in motion to constantly work towards positive change and social justice.

IZZY (Sep 6, 2006 8:29:31 PM)

Hi, what is Oberlin most prestigious for, in terms of majors?

MaryMintel_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:29:31 PM)

Sorry, I answered this and apparently deleted it by accident. Oberlin's most prestigious majors, in my opinion, are Creative Writing, Politics, Neuroscience, Environmental Studies, Biology, Music, and Classics. All across the board, huh?

Jonathan (Sep 6, 2006 8:30:05 PM)

Just to add on to Kim's point: Oberlin has a long history of being innovative and progressive. It was the first school to accept women and minorities.

ScottJuedes_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:30:27 PM)

Oberlin does offer Merit Scholarship - both in the College of Arts and Sciences and the Conservatory of Music. These scholarships are determined by the Office of Admissions and are based (for the College of Arts & Sciences) mostly on your academic qualities (class rank, GPA, Standardized test scores, etc), however, we do take into account your entire application. There is no separate merit scholarship application.

KimMeinert_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:30:54 PM)

Just to clarify what Jonathan said, we were the first school to accept women and racial minorities

KimMeinert_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:32:06 PM)

I think the conservatory has a very good influence on the community overall, especially when it comes to bringing outside performers to campus, and, of course, the performances put on by students themselves. The conservatory alone sponsors over 500 concerts per academic year. In the college, students are very active in the music scene as well. Students DJ at our dance club, we have one of the most prestigious college radio stations in the country, and there are all sorts of community bands and ensembles. We also have a very active group of hip-hop supporters who work to bring performers to campus.

LuLy (Sep 6, 2006 8:32:57 PM)

Marty, can you tell me about the English program?

martyfrazier_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:32:57 PM)

Can I ever! Oberlin's English department is the largest department at Oberlin and has more majors than any other. This means wonderful things because the breadth and depth of the dept. are fanastic. You name a literature interest of yours, and I'm positive that you can take a class on it here. The absolute best part is the relationships I have been able to foster within the English department. English faculty really take time to get to know students in seminar style classes. I meet with them regularly out of class and have had the opportunity to tutor classes as well. Another wonderful aspect of the department is its engagement in challenging traditional ways of learning and teaching literature. We have a wide variety of classes on asian-american lit, african-american lit, post-colonial lit, queer lit, etc. that cover more than just "dead white men." I've been able to learn so much about history, politics, and culture through the literature classes here. It's more than just words; we really end up studying society as well.

nicr (Sep 6, 2006 8:33:34 PM)

What is the teacher to student ratio?

martyfrazier_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:33:34 PM)

11:1

nicr (Sep 6, 2006 8:33:46 PM)

What is the teacher to student ratio?

martyfrazier_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:33:46 PM)

8:1 in the Conservatory, I believe

moon (Sep 6, 2006 8:34:17 PM)

I am interested in a fairly unique variety of fields: theater, environmental studies, and possibly law are quite interesting to me. Do you think I could pursue all of these at Oberlin?

MaryMintel_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:34:17 PM)

I know you can! You could even major in theater and environmental studies while taking law courses. Or, you could major in environmental studies and law and participate in our many theater productions. About 65% of Oberlin students double major. It is easy, due to the flexibility of our curriculum!

ResoluteTwo (Sep 6, 2006 8:35:10 PM)

What do "need-blind" and "need-aware" mean?

ScottJuedes_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:35:10 PM)

'need-blind' and 'need-aware' are terms that are used to describe how schools view family finances in the application process. A 'need-blind' school will never take into account a family's financial situation during the admission process. 'Need-Aware' means that in at times the admissions office may use financial considerations when determining admission. At Oberlin we are 'need-aware'. This effects a small number of applications. Oberlin does meet 100% of the calculated financial need of all admitted students.

Kat (Sep 6, 2006 8:35:14 PM)

What are some of the more interesting clubs and activities at Oberlin?

KimMeinert_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:35:14 PM)

Oberlin has SOOO many clubs and organizations that I couldn't even begin to list them all. Some of the ones that come to mind are our women's rugby team (which is our most popular sport on campus), Socialist Alternative, Zami (queer and questioning students of color), peer-to-peer HIV testing, the Oberlin Student Co-operative Association, Black Musician's Guild... But there are so many more! Everyone can find a niche here.

Emily (Sep 6, 2006 8:37:06 PM)

I am interested in hearing about your theatre department

MaryMintel_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:37:06 PM)

It has four main divisions- acting, directing, technical theater, and history. The strongest "track" is acting. It is similar to a conservatory style, requiring courses like movement and diction in addition to acting. Students have had a fair amount of success in getting into graduate schools, although making lots of money as a famous actress is not a given. That is why the department will encourage you to double major!

Becky (Sep 6, 2006 8:37:55 PM)

What is the average entering GPA? ACT scores?

MaryMintel_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:37:55 PM)

3.6 unweighted GPA and a 30 ACT score

IZZY (Sep 6, 2006 8:38:00 PM)

To major in music at Oberlin, is there any criterion that must be met before applying, for example, an audition or music theory exam?

martyfrazier_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:38:00 PM)

To audition for the conservatory, you have to send in a tape and then attend a live audition

IZZY (Sep 6, 2006 8:38:33 PM)

To major in music at Oberlin, is there any criterion that must be met before applying, for example, an audition or music theory exam?

martyfrazier_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:38:33 PM)

To major in music as a college student you also have to audition but you do it once you are enrolled at the school and I believe that the criteria is a bit different

moon (Sep 6, 2006 8:39:17 PM)

Wow! Well, sounds great. Where might I find pictures of the campus?

ScottJuedes_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:39:17 PM)

There are several pictures of campus throughout the Oberlin website (www.oberlin.edu). The news media site has some great pictures of the campus all in one spot http://www.oberlin.edu/newserv/gallery.html

Kira (Sep 6, 2006 8:40:19 PM)

What are the co-ops like?

KimMeinert_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:40:20 PM)

The Oberlin Student Co-operative Association is the 2nd largest student cooperative association in America. We are a 630 member organization, and the whole thing is entirely student run/owned/governed/etc. It's non-profit, too, so at the end of the semester, all the un-used money goes back to the members. There are dining nine co-ops, three of which are living and dining co-ops. Of these co-ops, three are special interest: there is one for vegan students, one for Kosher students, and one for students of color. These co-ops are not meant to segregate, but rather are a space for those who choose to be in the space. We also have co-ops that are not food related, such as the bike co-op (lending, trading), the good food co-op (buying at cost) and the cable co-op (tv, internet). Awesome environment, awesome people, you save tons of money. I’ve been in OSCA for every year I’ve been on campus.

martyfrazier_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:41:16 PM)

Izzy, for more information on conservatory admissions, please head to http://www.oberlin.edu/con/admissions/

dramadiva (Sep 6, 2006 8:41:34 PM)

Hello! I would like to know more information about scholarships.

ScottJuedes_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:41:34 PM)

Do you have any specific questions regarding scholarships? Oberlin has a very generous financial aid policy that awards close to 40 million dollars a year in grants and scholarships. We award both need based aid and merit based scholarships.

dramadiva (Sep 6, 2006 8:42:25 PM)

Hello! I would like to know more information about scholarships.

ScottJuedes_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:42:25 PM)

There is also some great charts and information on financial aid at Oberlin on the financial aid webpage at www.oberlin.edu/financialaid

LuLy (Sep 6, 2006 8:42:43 PM)

What is the ethnic breakdown of the undergraduate students at Oberlin?

MaryMintel_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:42:43 PM)

Not counting international students, 19% of the entering class is students of color. 5.5% African American, 1% native American, 7% APA, 5.5% Latino

Hario (Sep 6, 2006 8:42:55 PM)

Can I study abroad in Israel?

KimMeinert_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:42:55 PM)

Of course you can study abroad in Israel! We have a whole array of programs that are affiliated with the school. If there is a location you would like to go to that is not affiliated with Oberlin, all you have to do is apply and get in! Financial aid transfers to almost all study abroad programs, even the ones not connected to Oberlin. I studied abroad in Argentina last year on a program not connected to Oberlin. It was awesome.

moon (Sep 6, 2006 8:43:15 PM)

Do you take SAT scores too?

MaryMintel_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:43:15 PM)

Yes

moon (Sep 6, 2006 8:45:00 PM)

What if i want to travel while in college? What are your study abroad programs like?

KimMeinert_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:45:00 PM)

moon,

MaryMintel_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:45:14 PM)

We have a separate school of music at Oberlin. Students enrolled there receive a Bachelors in Music after four years. College students can also take courses in the Conservatory.

moon (Sep 6, 2006 8:46:16 PM)

What if i want to travel while in college? What are your study abroad programs like?

KimMeinert_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:46:16 PM)

moon, our study abroad programs vary greatly depending on what country you want to go to. Most of them, however, are consortiums with other schools such as Wesleyan, Smith, Bryn Mawr, etc. and tend to be small in numbers and heavy on immersion.

Hario (Sep 6, 2006 8:46:28 PM)

As a Jew, is there anything special I should know about Oberlin? Like, how are the Kosher food options? Is there crazy-orthodox kosher, or food simply made of purely OU certified, or food only guaranteed not to have pork in it? Does that make sense?

MaryMintel_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:46:28 PM)

Sure that makes sense! We have a food co-op that is completely kosher. Most "crazy-kosher" types will eat there. We also have a program house for anyone interested in Hebrew heritage and a resident rabbi.

Ben__ (Sep 6, 2006 8:46:37 PM)

What's the social scene like at Oberlin?

izzy (Sep 6, 2006 8:47:33 PM)

What’s the average SAT scores from your freshmen class?

MaryMintel_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:47:33 PM)

700 critical reading, 670 math, 690 writing

Emily (Sep 6, 2006 8:48:03 PM)

I am interested in hearing about your theatre department

martyfrazier_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:48:03 PM)

Theatre is one of the best parts about Oberlin. Who doesn't love jazz hands? It is really student driven and is led by fantastic faculty. People perform everywhere, not just on the stage. The other day at lunch there was a guerilla musical theatre group that got up on the salad bar and performed a rendition of Meatloaf's, "I would do anything for love, but I won't do that." Needless to say there are a lot of performers here. Theatre can be so many things at Oberlin. There are 3 major student theatre groups that put up shows ranging from one-acts to Gilbert and Sullivan to musicals, and it is super easy to be involved in these, both as an actor and a technician. There are also shows put on by the faculty here that are more intensive and audition only. They happen every semester as well and tend to be dramas, not musicals. In terms of the department, they prepare students for both the world of being a working actor and entering conservatory programs. Many students go on to get MFA's at prestigious grad schools. All theatre classes are audition only, so you're generally working with really talented kids right off the bat

moon (Sep 6, 2006 8:48:23 PM)

What range of sat scores do you accept? Is there a low score that could throw an application even if a student had a 4.0 or above? What would that score be?

MaryMintel_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:48:23 PM)

We have no score cutoffs. We recognize that very intelligent students often test poorly. It is the GPA that matters the most to us.

KimMeinert_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:48:32 PM)

The social scene at Oberlin is incredibly open and affirming. It's also a place where students are encouraged and feel very comfortable doing their own thing. It's definitely not one of those schools where you feel pressure to compete with everyone else--there is a lot of breathing room for students to just express themselves in however they choose.

kelly m (Sep 6, 2006 8:49:47 PM)

How much will GPA affect admissions chances if a student writes a wonderful essay, and shows how smart they are in other ways?

MaryMintel_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:49:47 PM)

The essay can influence us a great deal, and we love to see involvement and leadership, but we also need to be confident that you can do the rigorous academic work that exists at Oberlin. A low GPA would worry us.

MaryMintel_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:50:39 PM)

The requirements for what? Sorry.

Jonathan (Sep 6, 2006 8:50:58 PM)

I believe the student was referring to scholarship requirements.

Emily (Sep 6, 2006 8:51:44 PM)

Thank you Marty. I am also interested in Psychology and Philosophy as well as theatre and would like to double major. Do you audition theatre candidates as well as music? What are your theatre facilities like?

martyfrazier_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:51:44 PM)

Theatre majors have to audition to get into certain classes, yes. However, if you don't get into a certain class one semester you definitely can audition again the following year. Generally classes are of about 20-25 students, so it's not uber-exclusive. The facilities range in size from the mainstage of Hall Auditorium which seats about 700 people to the student theatres which seat more like 100. There is also Warner main space which is used for theatres, art shows, and other things. Students are also working on building a student theatre space that should be up and running as fast as they can approve their plans.

LuLy (Sep 6, 2006 8:52:26 PM)

Do we have to take any SAT Subject Tests?

MaryMintel_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:52:26 PM)

We like to see 2, but we don't actually require any. If you have taken the ACT, we don't want any.

ScottJuedes_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:52:31 PM)

There are no specific scholarship requirements. Of course you must have good academic qualifications, but we will review your application and the rest of the applicant pool to determine how we award our merit scholarships

izzy (Sep 6, 2006 8:53:21 PM)

Are the scholarship applications for Oberlin separate from the admissions application?

MaryMintel_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:53:21 PM)

Nope, the only application we want is the one for admission.

Ben__ (Sep 6, 2006 8:53:31 PM)

What's the social scene like at Oberlin?

martyfrazier_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:53:31 PM)

The social scene is really flexible here. Inclusive is a word I like to use to describe it. There are no frats or sororities, and there is generally a freedom to be who you want to be here. It's a super-open minded atmosphere

izzy (Sep 6, 2006 8:53:32 PM)

Are the scholarship applications for Oberlin separate from the admissions application?

ScottJuedes_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:53:32 PM)

There are no separate merit scholarship applications. There is a separate need based application

Kira (Sep 6, 2006 8:54:09 PM)

What kind of credit does Oberlin award for high AP scores?

MaryMintel_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:54:09 PM)

It varies by department, but typically a 4 or 5 will either get you credit or place you out of something.

martyfrazier_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:54:47 PM)

I would say that my social scene is dictated highly by arts and the performances here, lectures, and spending as much time as I can with my good friends at my house

Ben__ (Sep 6, 2006 8:54:59 PM)

What is the importance of volunteer labor and community oriented projects on an application? How do home projects stack up against those two?

MaryMintel_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:54:59 PM)

They show us your initiative and leadership, not to mention your compassion. After academic ability, that is what we most hope to see in an application.

izzy (Sep 6, 2006 8:55:15 PM)

Where can I receive more info on the need-based application?

ScottJuedes_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:55:15 PM)

If you go to www.oberlin.edu/financialaid/prospective you will find how to apply for need based aid

martyfrazier_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:55:34 PM)

There are certainly more adventurous options though...I'm just an upperclassman who can't keep up with the youngsters.

ScottJuedes_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:55:47 PM)

You can also call our office for help anytime during the application process

izzy (Sep 6, 2006 8:57:42 PM)

And that number I can get on the website as well?

ScottJuedes_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:57:42 PM)

Yes, all of our office contact info is on the website. Just so you have it now, the Office of Financial Aid (800) 693-3173

Emily (Sep 6, 2006 8:58:10 PM)

Do you have a policy for IB Diploma recipients as far as credit?

MaryMintel_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:58:10 PM)

Again, it varies by department. Typically a 6 or 7 will get you credit or advanced placement (or both).

moon (Sep 6, 2006 8:58:44 PM)

Are there places to take yoga classes or go hiking or swimming- just for fun, not as a serious class?

martyfrazier_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:58:44 PM)

YES. I, in fact, just had my first day of yoga today.

Hario (Sep 6, 2006 8:59:15 PM)

What are the car regulations, please?

KimMeinert_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:59:15 PM)

At Oberlin, you may have a car--regardless of year in school--just so long as you register it with the college. If it is not registered, there will be heavy parking ticket violations racking up right quick. While there is the opportunity to have cars on campus, i think you will find that most students use bikes or just simply walk, because it is often faster than driving around to find a parking space. The campus is small enough that you could walk from one end to the other in about 15 minutes, or about five minutes on a bike. So really, unless you see yourself driving into Cleveland on a regular basis (most students don't) there is not much of a need for cars here.

martyfrazier_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:59:47 PM)

There are so many ways to get active on campus, whether it's through a PE class like yoga or through our experimental college which has all kinds of classes on various marital arts, yoga, and others. The outing club organizes hikes and treks across the country

martyfrazier_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 8:59:57 PM)

I would also recommend Jazzercise, an Oberlin classic

Jonathan (Sep 6, 2006 9:00:41 PM)

Well unfortunately, I think it's almost time for us to close up shop. Thanks so much to all of our wonderful guests! Any last thoughts that you'd like to leave our students with?

martyfrazier_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 9:00:44 PM)

It is taught by Jazzerpat, an enthusiastic 40 something who wears bright spandex and get you sweating to today's best pop music. An Oberlin must and leg warmers are required.

KimMeinert_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 9:01:29 PM)

If it's possible, I'd encourage all of you to come visit our campus and spend the night with a student so you can get a feel of the student body

martyfrazier_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 9:01:53 PM)

I've never lived in a place I've loved so much. Oberlin's people and academics are unique and make for a fantastic way to spend 4 years

MaryMintel_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 9:02:08 PM)

I would also encourage anyone to contact our office with any further questions. Your questions tonight were all excellent!

ScottJuedes_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 9:02:21 PM)

If you will be a financial aid applicant, I would encourage you to visit while on campus. Please email, call or write with any financial aid questions.

martyfrazier_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 9:02:21 PM)

Definitely come visit and meet us in person for more info

martyfrazier_oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 9:03:03 PM)

Thanks!

KimMeinert_Oberlin (Sep 6, 2006 9:03:23 PM)

Good luck with your college search!