| Hmm. My daughter is a junior, and both Smith and Oberlin look interesting to her. From her perspective right now, I'd guess Oberlin's advantages are the conservatory with all it implies (possibility of double degree, availability of fabulous teachers/studios/ensembles), co-ed is preferable to single-sex, SAT scores are higher.
Smith's advantages (again, for *her*) are location with all it implies (friends/family/comfort zone within 2-3 hours, Northampton is cool, 5-colleges...) and strength in sciences.
Anyway, without knowing enough to be a basher or supporter of either college, it seems natural to me that quite a few kids with the choice of Oberlin vs. Smith would pick Oberlin. I would be interested to know *how much* of the decision comes down to different fa packages, especially merit awards? All things being (close to) equal, price should matter - no? |