Chances at Oberlin

What Are My Chances?
#1

<p>My son is head-over-heels in love with Oberlin, after visiting in May. I would love to see him get in, but what are his chances?</p>

<p>He has about a 3.9 GPA, SAT scores of 1560, went to regional and district band two years, has 2 years in honor society, co-founded the school literary magazine last year and founded a Young Democrats club this year, had 50 hours of community service the last two summers, belongs to wind ensemble for the fourth year, and is a Merit semi-finalist. He's taking 5 years of German, by taking 4th year for the first 2 semesters and then the 5th year 3rd and 4th. He's taking Japanese, but not a 4th year of science, 4 years of all the other major subjects, uncluding calculus this year, although math is not his strongest point. He does have a study hall this year.
He couldn't find a job last summer, but mowed lawns for people, after putting an ad in the paper.</p>

<p>If you need to know more, just ask.</p>

<p>Can anyone tell me if he has a realistic chance at Oberlin? It is his fondest dream.</p>

#2

<p>My son was accepted last year with considerably lower stats(3.4/1410). He had 7 years of one language, calculus, 4 years of science, the usual...I am pretty sure that his essay made a difference, since the Adcom who read it later communicated with him how much she hoped he would accept them, quoting directly from his essay. Son decided to go elsewhere, but Oberlin was in the top 3. It sounds to me like your son has a very good chance. If he is a writer, as my son is, all the better since I believe their adcom tips towards creativity... Oberlin sounds like a good match for him in terms of interests, that's for sure!</p>

#3

<p>Thanks for your answer. It gives me hope. Anyone else have any comments or advice? This is all new to us, as we never went through this process. Thanks again!</p>

#4

<p>I live in Ohio and I am quite familiar with Oberlin (it's one of my choices too) and your son sounds like a perfect potential Oberlin student. They will like his musical experience and if he's a good writer they'll like him even more.</p>

<p>Make sure he has great essays, recs and an interview (where he conveys his enthusiasm for the school). Also, if he loves the school so much, he should consider applying early decision if he hasn't already.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>