As I’ve started looking into graduate schools, I’ve been thinking about the things I wish I knew the first time around, what’s changed for me this round, and what stands out to me about my time at Oberlin. As it’s decision season for undergrad prospies, I hope these reflections can help in thinking about your own college choices.
Cost
Thinking about tuition costs and student debt is scary, we all know that. To be quite transparent, it’s something I’m very worried about with my last year here, and with graduate school. However, my wonderful and wise parents have given me some great advice that I will pass on: It’s about balance. I chose Oberlin because it was the right school for me. I knew without a doubt that I belonged there, and that I would graduate as a very changed person. In the three years since, I’ve taken an incredibly diverse array of enriching classes with really amazing teachers. I’ve learned so much, not just about my major, but things I never expected as well. I’ve been part of a research process from start to finish. I’ve done three internships. The GSFS classes I’ve taken have completely changed my view of the world. In June, I will be going to Finland for a class, funded by the Internship Plus program and Green Edge Fund. I’ve met with so many Oberlin alumni in my field, and with their guidance, figured out exactly where I’m going next.
This is just the academic and career realms. The point is that yes, I will have student debt, and those numbers feel much more real now than they did three years ago. But at the same time, I’ve gotten so much out of this education. It is a big decision to make, and I’m not saying to take it lightly. What I will say is that (in my experience) an Oberlin education truly is as unique, robust, and life-changing as they say it is.
Location & Size
Looking at grad schools in cities like New York and Portland, I’ve been completely floored by the cost of living. I am suddenly very grateful for Ohio's cost of living in comparison. Regarding where Oberlin is situated, a frequent question I’ve heard from prospies is whether they would need to leave campus a ton. I didn’t have my car for the first two years, and stayed on campus for everything. The town and campus are very walkable. I have my car this year, and it’s really nice to have the option to leave whenever I want, but I haven’t used it nearly as much as I thought I would. Also, I’m very glad I was so adamant about going to a small school for undergrad. The connections and the community are something you just can’t replicate at a big institution, and small classes allow for so much in-depth discussion that you can't do in a lecture hall. I think Oberlin is the perfect size, while still being close to a city.
Support
Something that would have made me feel better when I made the undergrad choice is knowing how much support Oberlin provides, in a myriad of ways. You’re not just going out into the world alone. First year is overwhelming--you’re sort of learning how to be an adult, but also sort of still a kid, and there’s a lot going on! Especially first and second year, I got a lot of support from the Office for Disability and Access that was really exceptional. There’s also the Center for Student Success, the Career Exploration and Development Center, Student Coaching, and more offices than I can remember right now.
Best of luck with your decisions and remember to get out and enjoy this beautiful spring!!
