In addition to being a blogger here at Oberlin I am also a tour guide, and over the past couple of weeks I’ve collected some of the most uncommon questions I receive on my tours as well as some questions I get a lot, but I think are good to highlight in this blog regardless. These are questions that I think are unique and important, and truly highlight what makes Oberlin so special.
Before I get into discussing these questions and answering them, I want to take a moment to point out something I think is really important; there are no bad questions you can ask on a tour. Often prospies will start off by asking a question with “I know I should know the answer to this but…” or “This might be dumb but….” One thing to know about Oberlin is that during tours, orientation, in your classes, with your peers, and in tutoring sessions there are absolutely no dumb or obvious questions. Any question is completely valid and welcome. On my tours I get so excited answering any question, regardless of the topic, so please be sure to ask questions without any hesitation or guilt!
I know that when I was a prospective student there was a belief that asking questions that demonstrated you had researched the school made you stand out and increased your chances of acceptance. Likewise, as a prospective student I was advised not to ask questions about things that could easily be found on the website or answered with a bit of research. While of course I think it’s really important to research the schools you are touring and interviewing at, I am a firm believer that you shouldn’t refrain from asking questions because you think they can easily be found on a website or with a google search. For instance, it’s totally okay to ask a question like, “I know Oberlin's class size is small, but can you remind me what the average class size is?” This question is great because nobody is expected to memorize the exact class sizes at the school they are touring, but it also demonstrates that you know enough about Oberlin to know that we do have a really small average class size (which is 18 in case you were wondering). Long story short, never refrain from asking a question if you’re curious.
With the knowledge that all questions are equally important, let’s jump right into it!
I’m not applying to the Conservatory, but I’m still interested in music. What are some ways I can get involved?
There are so many ways to get involved in music at Oberlin, and it’s a reason that many students end up applying in the first place. There’s so much to say about this topic, so be on the lookout for my next blog that’s exactly about this topic! With over 500 concerts a year, one of my favorite ways to get involved in music is to go to performances. I’ve explored a wide variety of music here, from indie, pop, jazz, and folk. On the other hand, my friend Aila has gotten involved in the Conservatory through the Arts and Sciences Chamber Collective, secondary lessons, beginning improvisation classes, Internalizing Rhythms class, performance and improvisation ensembles, and TIMARA classes. As you can see, there are so many ways to get involved!
What is the relationship like between the town and the college?
The college and the town were both founded in the same year: 1833. As you can imagine, we have a really close bond. During my time at Oberlin I have attended concerts, classes, and events with community members. Likewise, Oberlin students love to participate in events hosted by the town of Oberlin as well as very regularly frequent restaurants, shops, and walking trails in town. One of my favorite community events is Walking in a Winter Oberlin, which is a fantastic event that the town puts on every winter that has a parade, fun activities, shopping, and yummy food.
If you could redo your first year, what is one thing you would do differently?
This one is an easy answer for me. I wouldn’t be afraid to go to events alone. For the first few weeks of college I restricted myself to only going to events with friends I had made or with acquaintances who were also going. I truly wish I had been open to going to events solo because, a few months into school when I was brave enough to go by myself, I had such a great time and made so many new friends!
I live in Cleveland now. Will I still be able to feel independent going to a college so close to home?
I was asked this question on my last tour, and honestly it’s a pretty tricky one to answer since my hometown isn’t in Ohio. However, since I was last asked this question on a tour I’ve talked to two of my friends who are both from Cleveland and gotten their take on what it’s like going to an in-state school. They both agreed that they are still able to feel very independent. Most students, regardless of where their hometown is, choose to live on campus instead of commuting. College is all about you, and so just like any other college student your time and priorities will lie in new experiences, opportunities, and making friends.
In the warm weather there is a real campus vibe, with everyone picnicking, outside, and playing sports. Does this vibe change when it gets colder?
In the winter people might not be outside as much but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a college vibe! Inside there are great events, concerts, and study groups. My favorite winter hangout spot is studying in Azariah's cafe where it is so cozy and always bustling with students.
Of course there are so many other questions that I could put into this blog, but these are the five that I think are the most unique. I hope they help you out as you continue your college application process. My biggest advice to you is to simply ask as many questions as you can think of and always trust your gut. Only you know what you want in a college, and the best way to find a college that matches what you are looking for is, you guessed it, questions.
