Is Oberlin a safety if I apply EDII? (and other questions)

Colleges & Universities Oberlin College
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<p>Here is my earlier thread:</p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/546651-i-m-fantastically-bored-feel-like-having-my-dreams-shattered.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/546651-i-m-fantastically-bored-feel-like-having-my-dreams-shattered.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Obviously nothing’s really changed except that now I know I’m a NMSF.</p>

<p>I have a few concerns. I’m planning on sending my QuestBridge application instead of the Common Application because my 800-word biographical essay is a ton better than the 500-word essays I have written. However, throughout the application I really played down my musical achievements in favor of my loads of math achievements because I was originally planning on attending a big research university (read: MIT) and not a small liberal arts college, but now I know Oberlin is my first choice. I think it would have helped to talk more about my amazing piano skills since Oberlin has the conservatory and all…</p>

<p>If I write a good “Why Oberlin?” essay and have an on-campus interview, do you think I can consider myself “basically in?” I’ve seen some other people on CC consider Oberlin a safety, but it seems strange due to its 35-ish percent admissions rate (I know ED is higher though).</p>

<p>What do you think about my chances for merit scholarships from Oberlin? I worry about the need-based financial aid because my parents are divorced (I live with my mother) and my father won’t help pay for my education, but he is completely willing to send tax forms and fill out the non-custodial CSS/PROFILE.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

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<p>I don’t think you can consider Oberlin a saftey, but I think you can consider it a very strong match. I will be surprised in the spring if you report that you have NOT been admitted, but stranger things have happened. Don’t worry about not stressing your piano skills. You have a lot of things going for you. I also think that you will be awarded merit aid, but I have to say that I don’t know how Oberlin’s endowment has been affected by the current economic downturn. It is hard to predict how private colleges will deal with losses in their endowments.</p>

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<p>“Safety” it isn’t. But you would seem to have a good chance at admission and a merit award, at least for national merit (usually they give 1-2,000 per year for that, unless you are a NM $2500 winner). Your math orientation and Questbridge status should also weigh in your favor - probably more than music in your case as you are not applying to the conservatory; Oberlin has plenty of musicians.
You should visit if you can and haven’t before applying anywhere ED.</p>

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<p>Thanks. I’ve already visited twice (it’s 20 minutes away :p) and I’m quite sure that, if I got in and enough financial aid, I would love to go.</p>

<p>One of my friends’ friends was admitted to Oberlin but not offered nearly enough need-based financial aid, but was able to, by simply meeting with a financial aid officer and explaining her situation, get the rest of what she needed. I hope I should be so lucky :)</p>