Oberlin Overnight Program

A photo of magnolia trees on Oberlin's campus.

Oberlin Overnight is an exciting opportunity for high school seniors to get a firsthand view of campus life through an overnight stay with a current Oberlin student. Participants will attend classes, tour campus, and participate in special themed programming. All programs include transportation between the Cleveland airport and Oberlin’s campus, as well as meals and accommodations during the visit. The Diversity & Access program also includes round-trip airfare and requires a special application.

Fall 2024 Program Themes

Oberlin Overnight: Diversity & Access
Oberlin Overnight: Spotlight on STEM
Oberlin Overnight: The Obie Experience

Eligibility Notes:

Overnight programs are open to high school seniors. Participants must also be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or undocumented students currently residing in the United States. 

The Diversity & Access program includes round-trip airfare and requires a special application, with a priority deadline of September 22, 2024.
 

Oberlin Overnight: Diversity & Access

Program Description

At Oberlin, we have long understood that diversity, in all its forms, is essential to our mission to prepare our students to confront complex issues and spark positive change in the world. 

The Diversity & Access program will highlight how Oberlin welcomes and supports all students. Participants will have special opportunities to connect with current students and faculty from diverse backgrounds and meet representatives from a variety of identity-based student organizations. Learn more about how Oberlin builds community and helps students find their fit on campus.

Oberlin will cover the cost of transportation to and from campus as well as meals and accommodations during the program. 

Additional Eligibility Requirements

All students who share our dedication to diversity are invited to apply. We particularly encourage applications from students who identify with historically underrepresented groups, such as those who are the first generation in their family to go to college, low-income, and/or students of color.

Students will be selected for participation in this Oberlin Overnight program based on their academic qualifications and demonstrated interest in diversity issues, with priority given to students from families with limited financial resources.

Diversity & Access Program Dates 

  • October 10-12
  • November 7-9

The priority application deadline is September 22, 2024. Applications may continue to be accepted after this date until all programs are full. Students will be notified of their acceptance to this program on a rolling basis up to two weeks prior to the program date. Space is limited, so students are encouraged to apply early. 

Diversity & Access Program Application

Accepted students will receive round-trip airfare to and from the Cleveland airport or a travel reimbursement if they drive to campus.

You’ll need the following items to complete the application form:

  • An unofficial high school transcript containing final grades from spring 2024
  • SAT or ACT scores (optional)
  • Short answer question - respond to the following prompt in 300 words or fewer: 

"Since 1835, Oberlin has been a leader in diversity, becoming the first school in the nation to admit African Americans and adopting a policy to admit students regardless of race or gender. Because of this, some students first hear about Oberlin in their history books. How did you first learn about Oberlin and how does Oberlin’s history of diversity, equity, and inclusion align with your values?"

Students selected for the program are also required to complete the Responsibility Acknowledgement Form. You will receive instructions on how to do so after your application has been submitted. You must submit this form in order to participate in the program.

Oberlin Overnight: Spotlight on STEM

Program Description

Oberlin has long been a national leader in educating undergraduate scientists. Our students are encouraged to take a central role in research, working closely with faculty members and taking advantage of opportunities rivaling those found at graduate schools. 

The Spotlight on STEM program will highlight the distinctive aspects of studying scientific fields at Oberlin. Participants will have special opportunities to connect with current students and faculty across the scientific disciplines, gain insight into research opportunities, tour lab facilities, and get an inside look into the powerful student-faculty mentorship that is a hallmark of an Oberlin education. Learn more about why Oberlin graduates more students who go on to earn science PhDs than nearly all other liberal arts colleges.

Participants are responsible for their own transportation. Oberlin will provide shuttles to campus from the Cleveland airport as well as meals and accommodations during the program.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

All students who intend to major in STEM fields are encouraged to apply. This includes students interested in Astronomy, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, 3-2 Engineering, Geosciences, Mathematics, Neuroscience, and Physics. 

Spotlight on STEM Program Dates 

  • October 29-30, 2024
  • November 5-6, 2024

Registration for these programs will close two weeks in advance.

Register for Spotlight on STEM

Flying to Cleveland

Students who are flying to Ohio need to arrive at the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm ET on the first day of the program and depart between 2:30 pm and 6:00 pm ET the next day. Please do not book flights or make travel arrangements until you have successfully registered for the program and received a confirmation email. 

 

Driving to Oberlin

Students who are driving to campus should arrive at the Admissions Office by 3:00 pm ET on the first day of the program and plan to depart at 11:00 am ET the next day. Free visitor parking is available behind the Admissions Office.

Oberlin Overnight: The Obie Experience

Program Description

With a focus on undergraduate teaching, a multitude of hands-on research opportunities, and a vibrant residential community, an Oberlin education prepares students to find their individual callings and apply them in a world that needs their intellect and energy. 

Get an inside look at an Oberlin education by visiting classes, connecting with current Obies and faculty members, sharing meals in our dining halls with future classmates, and staying overnight in a residence hall. 

Participants are responsible for their own transportation. Oberlin will provide shuttles to and from the Cleveland airport as well as meals and accommodations during the program.

The Obie Experience Program Dates 

  • Evening Arrival: September 19-21, 2024 (designed to accommodate visitors traveling from Mountain and Pacific time zones)
  • Morning Arrival: September 24-25, 2024 (designed to accommodate visitors traveling from Central and Eastern time zones)

Registration for these programs will close two weeks in advance.

Register for The Obie Experience

Evening Arrival: September 19-21

Designed to accommodate visitors traveling from Mountain and Pacific time zones.

Flying to Cleveland

Students should schedule flights to arrive at the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport between 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm ET on September 19 and depart between 1:00 pm and 4:30 pm ET on September 21. Please do not book flights or make travel arrangements until you have successfully registered for the program and received a confirmation email.
 

Morning Arrival: September 24-25

Designed to accommodate visitors traveling from Central and Eastern time zones.

Flying to Cleveland

Students should schedule flights to arrive at the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm ET on September 24, and depart between 2:30 pm and 6:00 pm ET on September 25. Please do not book flights or make travel arrangements until you have successfully registered for the program and received a confirmation email.
 

Driving to Oberlin

Students who are driving to campus should arrive at the Admissions Office by 3:00 pm ET on September 24, and plan to depart at 11:00 am ET on September 25. Free visitor parking is available behind the Admissions Office.