Oberlin: The Big Picture
Recently, people got all up in arms about the change in our school slogan ("fearless"). There was this huge effort on campus to get the change reversed. Students were really angry about it and some even said that they wouldn't have come here if "fearless" had been the slogan at the time they were applying to colleges. I say, what a bunch of crap. Stop whining and go back to work.
The thing I like most about the school is that you're surrounded by smart and inspiring people doing amazing things. It gives me hope.
Oberlin Academic Life
I don't have much to say about academics. I think I got a quality education at Oberlin, but I probably didn't make the most of the resources at my disposal. I felt a definite lack of guidance. When it came time to find a job, the career service people didn't help me, my advisor didn't help me. Most of my questions and ideas about where to look for a job came from other students. So yes, my education was great. But did it help me get a job after school was over? No.
Oberlin's Student Body
You're going to feel out of place at Oberlin if social issues pertaining to race, sexuality, and socio-economic status are completely foreign to you. I had a roommate (who ended up transferring) who was from a smaller town in Wisconsin and had never knowingly met a homosexual. She learned a lot during her two years at the school and became much more open-minded, but she just couldn't get used to it. She was also a little more politically conservative than most students at Oberlin.
Oberlin Student Activities + Social Life
We do not have fraternities or sororities.
If you have friends, the social scene can be great. It also drastically improves once you've turned 21 and can hang out at the college bar in town. There are plenty of parties (especially when the weather has improved). I don't really know if people date much. I have dated, but not much.
There's also ususally a lot going on around campus; plays, movie showings, art shows, musical events, speakers, etc.
Oberlin Naked Truth
The campus is small and the town is even smaller. After a while, you city kids may be yearning for some good restaurants and multiplex theaters, among other things.
