hatethisprocess

D is really brilliant (especially at math but also science and latin) is sweet but socially awkward, very disorganized (ADD). she's creative, funny. has trouble writing research papers. but very intellectually curious. so.... is chicago too big and socially difficult and academically overwhelming? too many papers to write and not enough support and she'll fall through the cracks? or is chicago not as daunting as it looks? is oberlin going to feel too small after the first year or two? is it intellectually stimulating enough? i am leaning towards the location (D loves city life) but am afraid she'll be lost at Chi. but also thinking that there's no guarantee she'd make friends at Oberlin either..... please, any advice from students or parents of people who 1) had trouble writing papers, and 2) weren't great at building a social life. How was Oberlin or Chicago for you (or your kid)? PLEASE???

anderonia

What are her career goals if any? Chicago is way more prestigious and rigorous than Oberlin. In the long run, Chicago is a better credential. I know UC is very tough, I imagine O is also challenging. If making friends/socializing is the issue, why not look at the clubs, etc at each school and the dorm themes? If she is truly ADD, you should also check in with the Disabilities Office and see if they offer peer mentoring and other services.

dave72

Since when is Chicago more prestigious than Oberlin???

But putting that claim aside: Oberlin is a very warm and welcoming school, certainly academically rigorous but not competitive or cutthroat, and where even kids who may have had a tough time socially in high school make friends for life. It's as intellectually stimulating as any school in the country. Sounds like a very good fit for your daughter--unless she decides she'd rather be in a city.

maayanplaut

@hatethisprocess - To address your question about academic support: Oberlin's Office of Student Academic Services is a spectacular resource. They offer courses in tackling college-level reading and writing, provide advising and peer mentors, and assist with the tutoring program. More info here: Oberlin College | Student Academic Services

Overall, Oberlin's just large enough that you'll recognize people as you walk about campus, but you could meet someone new every day. I found it to be an excellent size for socializing, since you can very easily spend time with a core group that you live or eat with, but due to the sheer amount of on-campus offerings and activities, you'll interact with many more folks on a regular basis.

Yes, we're not a city, but the town of Oberlin is an excellent supplement to campus life and if you need a dose of big-city, Cleveland's 30 minutes away and there's a shuttle that runs to the airport (from which you can connect to Cleveland Rapid transit) several times a day.

tortoise

Dave72, "prestige" is an awfully subjective concept, but the perception of UChicago's prestige may stem from contemporary factors such as its #5 ranking among universities nationally in USNews (and comparable worldwide rankings in Financial Times survey, among others) as well as UChicago's historical accomplishments, parade of Nobel laureates, etc., etc.

hatethisprocess

She chose Oberlin. The Chicago workload -- especially the amount of writing -- was clearly going to be an issue.

Maayanplaut: thanks so much for telling me about the Academic Services. I'll make sure that D connects with them.

I have to agree that Chi is more prestigious, and I hate myself for caring about that. But I know Oberlin is where she's more likely to make friends, feel comfortable and less anxious, and therefore be successful.

thanks to all and good luck to everyone!

nervedoctor

It seems like a lot of kids have to choose between U Chicago and Oberlin (my son's roomate for example). Oberlin is under-rated and a relatively safe, and supportive top LAC.

toledo

I think Oerlin may be perfect for an ADD student. I was looking at www.oberlinclassifieds.com recently and there were actually posts advertising "found" cameras, money, cell phones, etc. What cities do that?!

clienk

She should find other smart, socially awkward people at Chicago. Nerd-nerd interactions are always easier, intellectual conversation is easier than small talk. The impression I get is that U Chicago has more intellectual conversation than small talk, to a greater extent than any other school. I would say it should be socially easier.

Is she truly bad at writing papers, or does she just think she is? As someone who fits the same description as your daughter (good at math/science/foreign language, disorganized, terrible at social interaction, etc.) I've felt horrible about the sections of the research paper I've been writing (and every essay I've ever written), but the MD/PhD student reviewing them was impressed.