The Oberlin Viewbook: Picture Perfect?

I think it's getting closer to being realistic, but at the same time, it could be less stuffy. I do think what's in there is accurate, but it could definitely be more friendly. The college isn't as stodgy as the viewbook makes it out to be. I actually like the Con viewbook a lot more; it has a picture of faculty so you can find out who everyone is. As far as the college viewbook, in my opinion, students need to be asked, maybe in focus groups, to look at the layout and copy before it goes to print. In fact, I think Al Moran and his staff are trying to do that. There's definitely a move to get more user input. I feel pretty strongly that that's what will happen.

I remember it and it stood out because it had a black matte and an Earth on the cover. I thought it was pretty cool. It was a bold move to make it as they did while other schools were trying to present themselves as this all too picturesque place to go for four, six, or eight years.

The Viewbook made me want to be here more. It was more personal than others. It wasn't just stating fact. I know it was a bit embellished, but I didn't think it was totally unrealistic. It didn't seem like propaganda. I'm still deciding whether I like the school.

Such a stylish campus, truth presented through great photography, makes for a proud flock of Obies. At its height, the viewbook captures the Tank Co-op in all its grandeur, artistry, style and lovable nature. Most shockingly is the classroom picture (p. 16), which presents the harsh truth of college dress and sours the belly with a school desk, which is never an encouraging sight to see.

"It is only the shallow people who do judge by appearances."

-Oscar Wilde

I have never seen this Viewbook. My college counselor went to Oberlin. Since I was in Africa, I didn't have the privilege of visiting schools and seeing what I liked. There was one person who could tell me about one school. Now that I'm here, I'm happy to be here. I wouldn't think of being anywhere else.

It was an interesting concept. But I didn't think much of the cover because it was a slogan. The image was very much existential. Didn't seem personal. I know it would be hard to place people in that image without making it cheap, but it could have been better had they found a way to do that.

The Viewbook was tight. They should keep sending that whole package. It separates Oberlin from everyone else. I got the same financial package from another school but Oberlin sent all that cool stuff. It wasn't the reason I came here, but it helped. Next time, they should throw in some shorts for athletes and a hat for non-athletes.

I thought the Oberlin viewbook was very... well, impressive at least! I was amazed at all the colorful pages and stunning factoids. I personally believe that Oberlin is a beautiful place to learn and grow, so the viewbook is realistic in my eyes. As long as it's sending out the ideas of a wonderful college experience, it's realistic to me! But, of course, I'm extremely naive.

I saw a viewbook but it didn't matter. I loved Oberlin already. My parents loved the Viewbook. My grandmother stole one from the Office of Admissions.

I didn't even see the viewbook. It's probably important to people who had no clue about the school. But the fact that I knew people here from my hometown helped out a lot.