<p>Here are my personal thoughts on Oberlin and Wake Forest: I applied to both schools, for different reasons. </p>
<p>I was immediately drawn to the type of student body that Oberlin attracts, the conservatory (for enjoyment/recreation, I am not that sort of musician), and the nerdy “granola” feel of the school. </p>
<p>I applied to Wake because of its academic reputation, its position as both a liberal arts school and a research university (a HUGE plus; I’m also looking to obtain a phD in a science field… see below), the climate/appalachian mountains, and the student body, though for a different reason. Coming from the liberal bubble of the northwest (where I do fit in very well), the idea of an environment where I am faced with lots of contradictory opinions and new ideas is attractive to me. It would certainly be challenging at times, but, even if you are a student who may fit the oberlin stereotype more, I have met and spent time with MANY people at wake who are on the left side of the political/social spectrum and are very accepting. </p>
<p>Both schools have small class sizes, undergraduate focus, and incredible teachers, and they also both have excellent scholarship opportunities (I was just awarded a full-ride to Wake, and while I doubt Oberlin will be as lucrative, I have heard they have significant merit/need awards). </p>
<p>I haven’t visited Oberlin (though I have talked with many students there), but I was given an extensive tour of the computer science department at wake and met all of its faculty; everyone was so engaging and excited that I was a prospective student, and each of the professors told me about projects they’re working on, many with freshman undergraduates helping research! </p>
<p>Sorry if this a bit detail-specific, hopefully it helps!</p>
<p>Some other schools that are a bit warmer but have a similar oberlin “vibe” are:</p>
<p>University of PUget Sound
Lewis and Clark, Reed (portland isn’t too cold!)
Claremont schools (especially pitzer, or mudd if you’re very science-focused)
New College of Florida (LOTS of scholarships, impressive stats on fullbright/rhodes winners. Don’t quote me on this but I recall reading they are within the top 5 feeder schools for elite phd/med/law programs)
Washington University (tougher entrance but an incredible school)</p>