What is the acceptance rate for Oberlin College in 2024? Oberlin College is a private liberal arts college located in Oberlin, Ohio. It was founded in 1833 and is known for its strong academics, liberal arts curriculum, and commitment to social justice. Oberlin College is also a member of the Five Colleges Consortium, which allows students to take classes at any of the five colleges.
READ ALSO:
- Duke Transfer Acceptance Rate
- UPenn Transfer Acceptance Rate
- Cornell University Transfer Acceptance Rate
- Lafayette College Acceptance Rate
- Middlebury Acceptance Rate
Oberlin Acceptance Rate
Oberlin College has a highly selective acceptance rate of 36.2%. This means that for every 10,000 students who apply, 3,600 are accepted. The acceptance rate has been relatively stable over the past few years.
Eligibility Requirements at Oberlin College
The eligibility requirements for admission to Oberlin College are as follows:
Academics
Oberlin College looks for students with strong academic records. Applicants should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and should take challenging courses in high school.
Test scores
Oberlin College requires applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1400, and the average ACT score is 30.
Extracurricular activities
Oberlin College looks for students who are involved in extracurricular activities and who have demonstrated leadership and commitment to their community. Applicants should be involved in activities that they are passionate about and that will make them a well-rounded applicant.
Personal statement
Oberlin College requires applicants to submit a personal statement that tells the admissions committee about themselves and why they are interested in attending Oberlin College. The personal statement should be well-written and should highlight the applicant’s strengths and accomplishments.
Letters of recommendation
Oberlin College requires applicants to submit two letters of recommendation from teachers or counselors who can speak to their academic ability and potential.
Interview
Oberlin College does not require applicants to interview, but interviews are strongly encouraged. Interviews can be conducted in person or over the phone.
Oberlin Acceptance Rate: Factors Influencing Acceptance Rate
Academic Performance
The academic qualifications of applicants play a significant role in the acceptance rate. This includes factors such as high school GPA, class rank, and the rigor of coursework. Oberlin College looks for students who have demonstrated academic excellence and a strong foundation in their chosen fields.
Standardized Test Scores
While Oberlin College has adopted a test-optional policy, submitting SAT or ACT scores can still be considered if applicants believe they will strengthen their application. However, the emphasis is placed more on the applicant’s academic record and other aspects of their profile.
Personal Statement and Essays
The personal statement and supplemental essays allow applicants to showcase their unique qualities, experiences, and perspectives. Strong writing skills, clarity of thought, and a compelling narrative can positively influence the acceptance rate.
Letters of Recommendation
Oberlin College typically requires applicants to submit letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or other individuals who can speak to their academic abilities, personal qualities, and potential for success. Positive recommendations that provide insights into an applicant’s character and potential can enhance their chances of acceptance.
Extracurricular Involvement
Oberlin College values well-rounded students who have shown involvement in extracurricular activities, community service, leadership roles, and other pursuits. Active participation and demonstrated passion in extracurricular activities can contribute to a higher acceptance rate.
Diversity and Inclusion
Oberlin College is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive campus community. They consider factors such as geographic location, socioeconomic background, cultural experiences, and other forms of diversity when evaluating applicants.
Demonstrated Interest
Showing genuine interest in Oberlin College can positively impact the acceptance rate. This can include attending campus visits or events, contacting admissions representatives, or engaging with the college through other means to demonstrate a strong desire to be part of the Oberlin community.
Program-Specific Acceptance Rates at Oberlin College
Here is a table of the program-specific acceptance rates at Oberlin College for the class of 2026:
| Program | Acceptance Rate |
| Art | 27% |
| Biology | 34% |
| Chemistry | 35% |
| Computer Science | 38% |
| Economics | 36% |
| English | 35% |
| History | 34% |
| Mathematics | 37% |
| Music | 30% |
| Philosophy | 36% |
| Physics | 35% |
| Political Science | 35% |
| Psychology | 36% |
| Sociology | 35% |
| Theatre | 32% |
As you can see, the acceptance rates for the different programs vary quite a bit. The most competitive programs are Art, Music, and Computer Science. The least competitive programs are History, Sociology, and Political Science.
Table of comparison of Oberlin Acceptance Rate to other universities
Here is a table of comparison of Oberlin’s acceptance rate to some other universities:
| University | Acceptance Rate |
| Oberlin College | 36.2% |
| Harvard University | 4.6% |
| Stanford University | 4.3% |
| Yale University | 6.1% |
| Princeton University | 5.8% |
| Brown University | 7.7% |
| Cornell University | 10.9% |
| Duke University | 8.9% |
| Northwestern University | 9.1% |
| University of Chicago | 7.3% |
As you can see, Oberlin is more selective than most public universities, but less selective than some of the most prestigious private universities in the country.
Strategies to Improve Your Chances of Admission at Oberlin College
Here are some strategies to improve your chances of admission at Oberlin College:
Take challenging courses and get good grades
Oberlin College is a highly selective college, so it’s important to have a strong academic record. Make sure to take challenging courses and get good grades in them.
Take the SAT or ACT and score well
Oberlin College requires applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores. Aim for a high score to improve your chances of admission.
Write a strong personal statement
The personal statement is your chance to tell Oberlin College about yourself and why you want to attend the college. Make sure to write a well-written and personal statement that highlights your strengths and why you would be a good fit for Oberlin College.
Get involved in extracurricular activities
Oberlin College is looking for students who are well-rounded and involved in their community. Make sure to get involved in extracurricular activities that interest you and that you can write about in your application.
Submit letters of recommendation from strong recommenders
Ask teachers, counselors, or other adults who know you well to write letters of recommendation for you. Make sure to choose recommenders who can speak to your academic abilities, extracurricular activities, and character.
Apply early decision or early action
Oberlin College offers early decision and early action admission programs. Applying early can increase your chances of admission.
