SDonCC

Since this question asking what other schools the student is applying to doesn't say "optional," I guess we should assume that it has to be filled in. Anyone have a sense whether they use this more to see what the overlaps are or as a basis for admission? For those who applied, did you put every school you were applying to, or just a few? I would say that my son's other schools are competitive with Oberlin, a few a bit more selective, but nothing that would scream "safety school" about Oberlin.

thebigcheese121

I have the same concerns. If I 'forget' to list a few schools, do I get screwed in the admissions process???

SwatGrad

I think it's truly optional. My D decided not to list the other schools and she's just completed the first half of her first semester at the big O.

Inquisitive Mom

I think this question is mostly for Oberlin's marketing strategies than for admission decisions.

The only possible problem I could see is if all of your other listed schools are of a different character (such as large research universities) and it might make them wonder if you know what Oberlin is about.

quibbler

"The only possible problem I could see is if all of your other listed schools are of a different character (such as large research universities) and it might make them wonder if you know what Oberlin is about."

That's totally what it's about -- if you're applying to big state schools, tech schools, tiny rural schools and Oberlin, that's pretty weird. If you're looking at other Liberal Arts Colleges, it makes sense. I don't think marketing has much to do with it.

quaere

In addition to what's already been said here, there was a thread about this a few months ago that may help: What is the purpose of the application

SwatGrad, I've never heard anyone call us "the big O" before, but I think I like it!

mamenyu

It might not be weird at all to be applying to state schools, larger schools, and also Oberlin - depending on what your plans were (for example, someone interested in music might apply to a wide range of types of schools, including conservatories and academic programs, as well as Oberlin). My sense is that it is both for marketing and to get a sense of the student's interest level in Oberlin - if it looks very obviously as though it is an afterthought, that might be an issue. Anything in an application has to be considered for its implications; if you leave it blank, that says something too.