Oberlin College Top Questions

Don't settle for your dreams, and consider that your love of music extends beyond vocal performance. Also, that academics are well within the realm of possibility so they should not be traded in place for what is apparently a simpler, more carefree college major. There are not enough opportinities in life to peer into the future, so there is no way I could have known this as a high-schooler. I would have consoled myself that everything would work out for the best, and that it was never too late to believe in myself and try hard to accomplish some particular dream. More than anything, I would go back in time and encourage my old-self to audition for Berklee instead of Oberlin, but I do not have any regrets.

Looking back on my younger self, I would stress the importance of self-control. I would tell myself that yes, college will be fun, but there is plenty of time for fun after you make something of yourself. It is not enough to get adequate grades and attend classes regularly. You must make goals and identify the steps that are needed make progress. Dear me, do not be tempted to join in the revelry of the typical college student on a daily basis. You will have fun, that is guaranteed, but more importantly, you will LEARN. Do not take learning lightly. The knowledge you obtain during your first semester at college will be extremely valuable. Listen to your professors rather than your peers. They know what it takes to succeed and they will help you. Also, just because your parents are not watching your every move does not mean you are allowed to go crazy. Recognize that all your hard work getting into college has not ended. You are progressing towards your career. Hopefully, people will pay you for something that you actually enjoy doing! What a wonderful idea. Don't lose focus. You are just beginning.

Dear Jason, We have some things to discuss: first, do not think you know all the answers, even some of the answers. Okay, perhaps you know one or two, but don't expect them to be universally accepted. You are about to discover a cacophony of new views, beliefs, and influences, and you should not let yourself be trapped in the dead shell of lifeless ideals. Nevertheless, stay true to what you know, what you believe, and make modifications modestly, slowly, and with the utmost thought. Many teachers and students are going to challenge what you believe and why you believe it: be prepared with all your logic and creativity to unearth the truth behind anyone's most confident convictions. It is easy to get lost in the endless maze that is college intellectual life. Do not perish in some dusty dungeon, but erupt in all your vibrant colors. Though you do not have the key to Truth, and may only find yourself a few steps down the path to that bolted door, do not doubt you are treading toward it. The cacophony may be loud, it may be boisterous, but have the courage to make of it a symphony.

Given the chance to talk to my past self, I'd remind her to relax and try stepping outside of her box when she got to college--that the most important part of the college experience is the people you meet and the personal growth you go through. I got involved in many activities right away (working for the campus paper, joining an improv troupe, taking an Experimental College class about superheroes), but I didn't open up emotionally to the people I met through those activities. They were fascinating people, but I worried that we wouldn't understand each other. For instance, I've never been to a "real" party (with alcohol), so I don't know how to act at one, and I was worried I'd accidentally offend one of my new friends if I went--so I avoided invitations entirely. In my desire to avoid any awkwardness, I was, I realize now, too cautious; in trying to avoid uncomfortable situations, I limited my own growth. Therefore, I would tell my younger self to feel free to experiment and not to be afraid of mistakes: people don't mind much, and they're worth getting to know.

Dear Holland: Keep breathing. Life is not about getting straight A?s: it?s about what you learn on the way to achieving what you most desire and I know that what?s really in your heart is far beyond answering every question ?right.? Also: stop trying to be someone you?re not. You know exactly who you are so go be that optimistic, creative, loving human being no matter what people say or do in response to you. Don?t worry about people hurting you because you are strong enough to handle whatever life throws at you (I know that?s hard to believe, but you are and will continue to be stronger than most of the people you believe are ?doing it better?). Lastly: trust your intuition because it?s what led you to Oberlin. You DO belong at this school so stop saying you?re not smart enough! You knew that this college was going to give you opportunities you never believed were possible and, believe me, it's going to do that and more.

I would have told myself to start seeing more new people outside of school in order to relearn how to make new friends. Although I made new friends in my senior year, I most certainly did not go outside my typical social circle and actually pursue activities with them outside of class. I wish that I had done this because it would have helped me be more social in college. I do have friends, but I am still sticking with just a few close friends and I don't really go out with them anywhere besides to meals. I would like to expand my social circle more, but in a small high school, I didn't quite remember how to do it.

Don't worry if you don't get into your top choice school. The schools that accept you are the ones that will truly appreciate you for your specific skills and interests, and they in turn will be able to give you the most support in achieving your goals, even if they don't seem as prestigious as the ones that you most want. No matter where you go you will have a great time, meet great people, discover new passions, and learn a whole new way of looking at the world. I recommend meeting students from your prospective schools when you are trying to decide where to go,because they will be able to give you the best perspective on what kind of people go to the school and how happy people are there. Finally, make sure to get involved with campus activities as much as you can in your first semester, and don't be afraid to be friendly and outgoing with other incoming students. Everyone wants new friends, and you might meet some amazing people.

I would keep my GPA higher, and work harder at music, my intended field. I am happy with my school choice, but should have applied to more schools incase I wasn't excepted to my current college. I would also tell my self to find out more about the school you intend to go to before accepting it.

Most college-bound students have an idea of what they want in a college- these requirements can be filled by many different universities. There is no "soul mate" school for every student. I believe every student will be happy at the school they end up choosing, so there should not be such incredible amounts of pressure on students to choose the school that is perfect for them. In the end, you only apply to the schools that have qualities that you find attractive. Therefore if you end up at one of these schools I believe that you will love it and the experiences that you have while there. It is not about finding the perfect fit but rather about keeping and open mind and knowing exactly what you want in a school.

I like to think that the college process is a lot like an ice cream parlor. There are going to be the flavors that most people want and that everyone has heard of, flavors that aren't for you, and flavors that will have you unable to decide which one to pick. My best advice is to keep an open mind about what you want. I didn't go to my first choice, and I couldn't be happier. There are so many places where a student can flourish, and in the end it's up to that person to carve out their own future.

Carefully weigh your educational package, making sure that you are balancing a reasonable cost of attendance with a reasonable chance of success. But more importantly, you should feel comfortable at your school. Visit! Talk to real people: this will give you the best idea of how you feel and how others percieve the school. Even in the cornfields, some schools can have amazing opportunities while others in more urban areas can pale in comparison. College is an investment, so make sure that you're making a good decision. Then, when you get in, enjoy yourself and make the most of this experience. You can learn as much from your fellow students as you can from classes and teachers, use every resource available.

One piece of advice for parents helping their children find the most suitable college would be to offer their opinions, but do not force them upon their child. A bit of advice for prospective students would be to avoid basing their decision upon what their parents want, but do consider their opinions and advice. Also, do not rule a school out because it seems too expensive to pay for; there are always resources available to help pay for college. One final piece of advice for choosing a college would be to visit the schools to which they intend to apply and choose the one where they feel most comfortable. This last bit, especially, will help to make the student?s college experience memorable and fantastic.

Make sure you visit all the colleges you are seriously considering, and if possible spend the night in a dorm room with a current student. Also go to classes that my interest you and contact professors if you have questions about their teaching methods etc... A brochure or website can only tell you so much, expiriencing the institutuion first hand is what really makes the difference.

It's not about where you go; it's about what you put into it. Take courses based on the professor, not the subject. Figure out how you want college to serve you, and take advantage of all the resources available. There are often more than you think. Make sure you know what you are looking in an institution befor before enrolling. Sometimes a year off does a lot of good. Get involved and learn how to navigate through an organization. Do something beyond your means so you learn how to cope with stress and deadlines. Finally, make mistakes, for college is one of the few places that will help you make better decisions next time.

Envision who you want to be 4-5 years from now, then do all the research you can to determine which school will best help you become that person - not only academically and career-wise, but also emotionally, physically, socially, intellectually, spiritually, etc. Because the college years themselves are a time of incredible growth and change, it is hard to anticipate now who you will, or will want to, become - but think big and dream bigger! Examine the aspects of schools that are important to YOU - want to be able to hike on weekends? Investigate a school's outdoors club. Interested in traveling the world? Inquire about study abroad options. Want to collaborate on research with a professor? Set up a meeting with one to discuss options. Visit as many schools as you can, ask random students everywhere you go about their school. Research! Read everything you can get your hands on. Ask a thousand questions. I don't believe there is a "right" answer to the "Which college should I go to?" question; there are many answers, but each will lead you to very different experiences, so it pays to think now about what is most important to you!

Don't worry so much about finding a prestigious school as one that is right for you. Be sure to visit the campus on talk to many students, even if your shy. Talking to only a couple of students can be misleading because they are not necessarily representative of the campus as a whole. Relax. Parents, don't push your child. Ask questions when visiting campuses, make sure all the you have all the information, and leave the decision up to your child. It is there life after all, they know what's best for themselves. Students, don't get embarrassed with your parents for talking to all those people when you visit schools, what you learn could verywell make your decision for you.

When students are looking for the right college, their comfort level at the school they ultimately decide to attend is key. Students should go with their gut feelings when choosing a school, and must always remember that there is no shame in trying out a school for a semester or so and deciding that it is not the right fit. To make the most of any college experience, students must be willing to meet new people, try new things, attend unfamiliar events, and talk with professors to address any concerns. Lastly, since college can cost a large amount of hard-earned money, it is best to spend that money, as well as devote enough time and energy into the school with the best fit. Always remember: college is an adjustment for many, and it takes time to make it through.

Let your child choose. Pay attention to environment. Choose a school that does not encourage academic competition between students. Choose a school with a large pool of alumni.

People stress out about finding the right college. I myself remember hours spent comparing statistics and wondering where I would fit in. This is a good process, enjoy it, use it to cull your list down to your top choices -- but then forget the whole thing. Go to the campus, spend some time there, away from your parents, talk to real students, visit professors, sit in on classes. Ask yourself how this place will challenge you, change you -- because college will change you. They say you get a feeling when you're in the right place and it sounds cheesy but it's really true. You'll know you've found the right college when you step on the campus and it feels like home.

It is important to give credence to the "gut instinct" you have about a place. When I visited my top choice it didn't go well, but I knew deep inside that it was the perfect school for me. Also, I would recommend asking your schools how easy it is to change fields of study. I would suggest being open to changing your course of study if you feel the need. You're going to learn a lot, so get ready for it. Push to meet with your professors early on, and get to know them. They can help with job placements, and things of that nature over the summer and down the road.