Oberlin College

Date: Sep 16 2007
Major: Genetics (This Major's Salary over time)
Before I begin listing my disappointment in what Oberlin College has to offer as a whole, I would like to say that I have never been to a college where the faculty and staff were so friendly and willing to help you out with your individual needs—this alone makes it worth staying at Oberlin and finishing up the year. My current plan is to transfer out by the start of my sophomore year. Also, the professors are very personable and open to all students' ideas. The coursework can be challenging at times, but I wouldn't go so far as to describe Oberlin College as a cut-throat, intensive, rigorous academic environment. There is opportunity to grow here and to learn what it really is to be self-suffient and self-reliant.

As for my negative experience here, I find the social aspect of this school to be quite banal to say the least. I come from a large city (Los Angeles, California), and I wanted part of my college experience to include adjusting to a life completely away from my family, so as to allow myself to grow as an independently-thinking person. However, this college is definitely NOT for everyone (as much as that sounds like a cliche, it is very good advice!). Cleveland, Ohio, is not what I expected it to be- it is dead just like the city of Oberlin (but what do you expect from a small town anyway?) and doesn't have much to offer for non-sports fans.

The quality of the social life is also poor; finding good weekend hangouts is moderately difficulty, if not IMPOSSIBLE! The inadequacy in the social life can be a good thing if you want to get your studying done, but most people spend a lot of their time trying to find something to do here, hanging out in each others' rooms, hanging out alone in their own room, or sleeping. This school is a perfect place for someone who wants a feeling of closeness and familiarness with their fellow peers, and especially with their professors, but this place leaves much to be desired for those of us who would be better-suited to a bigger university setting.

I will not lie. If you attend college here, then your life will always be consumed by the OC. If you are the type that has to get away from the campus every once in a while, I have to tell you this, it is almost impossible. I am lucky that I have people I know only three hours away (via airplane) and no Monday classes right now…it is making it easier for me to get through my first year in one piece.

Granted, you do not (typically) go to college to party and have fun, but to learn, for sure. Except that having a little balance is always good. The "OC" will definitely be your "home" and will grow to feel that way…it may take time, but this place is anything but impersonal. It does have a home-ish feel about it. This is a unique place, but you have to VISIT and STAY OVERNIGHT (maybe even two nights) to really know if you would enjoy going to school here. And think carefully about it…