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New Class Reflects New Times
THE
CLASS OF 2004'S ARRIVAL ON CAMPUS THIS FALL
ended an admissions cycle that has become cause for celebration
among members of the Oberlin community. Here are just a few
of the reasons we have to crow:
•
The College of Arts and Sciences and the Conservatory of
Music attracted the second largest applicant pools in their
histories.
•
We are always selective, and this year we were exceptionally
so. Arts
and Sciences admitted 48 percent of its applicants, a drop
of ten points from last year and 15 points lower than two
years ago. Only 29 percent of the students who applied and
auditioned for the Conservatory were admitted.
•
More students are accepting our offers of admission. Of
the students
admitted to Arts and Sciences, 33.5 percent enrolled, a
yield figure
that surpasses a number of our close competitors and more
closely aligns Oberlin with the most selective colleges
in the country. The Conservatory, too, boosted its yield
to an impressive 47 percent.
•
A quarter of the first-year Arts and Sciences class were
early decision
(first choice) candidates (up from 16 to 19 percent in recent
years).
The
significant improvement in Arts and Sciences admissions
and the world-class distinction of the Conservatory did
not occur overnight. A favorable economy and increasing
number of high-school graduates have provided a good foundation
on which to build our recruitment efforts, but our success
is the result of years of sustained efforts involving Oberlin
staff, faculty, alumni, and students.
We have been paying close attention to how we communicate
Oberlin's strengths through our publications, and we have
carefully crafted our web site. We have committed ourselves
to improving our financial-aid packages, including the selective
use of talent-based merit scholarships. And
we have nurtured connections with counselors and teachers
here and abroad.
Beyond enhanced communication strategies and new practices
lies the most essential factor in linking students with the
College: Oberlin people. By identifying future Obies and telling
them about Oberlin, alumni, friends, faculty, and current
students are invaluable to our recruitment efforts.
Look around you. Members of your family, your neighbor's
children, or your colleague's nephew might be Oberlin material.
Help us continue to spread the good news about Oberlin!
Debra
Chermonte
Dean
Oberlin College Admissions and Financial Aid
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