Oberlin

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm a sophomore at Oberlin and am quite content. Admittedly, I didn't expect to attend (I was dead set on PSU or Pitt) but I got really amazing merit aid, which brought the cost down to instate tuition for me.

I wouldn't worry too much about the politics issue - for what it's worth, I also disagree with the Bakery lawsuit/scandal but it's been several years since the event and nobody really on campus at the time is still enrolled and nobody else really talks about it. I'm a Bernie Dem/leftist myself but many of my classmates and friends are fans of Biden or are more moderate and other than participating in voting drives (local elections are important!) and occasionally seeing infographics on Instagram, politics are not the biggest, most talked about issue and it's easy to avoid the minority of outspoken leftist radicals.

I like the size of the campus and student body. It's sooo much smaller than most state schools but bigger than my admittedly tiny high school. The Con also brings in more diversity of interests and opinions. Students can be involved in the town and local community, so it doesn't feel super isolated like some rural LACs. There are a bunch of clubs, student orgs, and activities & events on most weekends pre-pandemic, so I don't feel like I'm missing out on too much but I don't feel like I'm studying 24/7 either.

If you like Oberlin, give Kenyon or Wooster a look. Kenyon may match Oberlin's merit aid and Wooster will probably give more if they grant merit aid. I have friends at both who are very happy. Honestly, Wooster is seriously underrated with its intense senior thesis/project and tight-knit community and generous aid. Good luck!

We are politically diverse! All the way from Bernie to Biden!
Thank you for concisely summarizing the problems of almost all colleges these days (and the DCUM reader- and posterage) How the hell can anyone expect to gain critical thinking skills when only exposed to such a small part of the ideological spectrum? This significantly contributes how many think that STEM ( without seemingly knowing that LACs also excel at STEM) is what college should be about. LACs will continue their long term decline until they provide an actual "diverse" education rather than the faux diversity advocated by the ovine academic community. This will be a shame, but is likely irreversible.

I wouldn't mind a little bit more political diversity, but most LACs and universities are trending on the liberal side. There are plenty that have a larger student body and a more significant conservative population that you can choose from. I have met several more conservative kids, especially among the athletes, and they seem to be fine and aren't very political to begin with. For the most part, at Oberlin, more liberal politics are synonymous with acceptance and inclusion of people's identities and a commitment to social justice and human rights. I don't see a problem with that. None of the more conservative students I've met have ever been singled out or excluded for their politics.

Look, most Oberlin kids and parents are on the same page about that, and if you're not, you're probably not thinking of sending your kid here. A liberal political bend could be said for many many LACs and universities - I have friends at Haverford and Bryn Mawr and Middlebury.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These cow-patch schools are not worth the dollars they are demanding. However, it assuages egos for FOMO parents whose DC can't snare admits to higher-ranked colleges.

This! Exactly!

So what are kids who "can't snare admits to higher-ranked colleges" supposed to do? Stay home? Fortunately Obama didn't throw in the towel when he was admitted to "cow-patch" Occidental.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm a sophomore at Oberlin and am quite content. Admittedly, I didn't expect to attend (I was dead set on PSU or Pitt) but I got really amazing merit aid, which brought the cost down to instate tuition for me.

I wouldn't worry too much about the politics issue - for what it's worth, I also disagree with the Bakery lawsuit/scandal but it's been several years since the event and nobody really on campus at the time is still enrolled and nobody else really talks about it. I'm a Bernie Dem/leftist myself but many of my classmates and friends are fans of Biden or are more moderate and other than participating in voting drives (local elections are important!) and occasionally seeing infographics on Instagram, politics are not the biggest, most talked about issue and it's easy to avoid the minority of outspoken leftist radicals.

I like the size of the campus and student body. It's sooo much smaller than most state schools but bigger than my admittedly tiny high school. The Con also brings in more diversity of interests and opinions. Students can be involved in the town and local community, so it doesn't feel super isolated like some rural LACs. There are a bunch of clubs, student orgs, and activities & events on most weekends pre-pandemic, so I don't feel like I'm missing out on too much but I don't feel like I'm studying 24/7 either.

If you like Oberlin, give Kenyon or Wooster a look. Kenyon may match Oberlin's merit aid and Wooster will probably give more if they grant merit aid. I have friends at both who are very happy. Honestly, Wooster is seriously underrated with its intense senior thesis/project and tight-knit community and generous aid. Good luck!

We are politically diverse! All the way from Bernie to Biden!
Thank you for concisely summarizing the problems of almost all colleges these days (and the DCUM reader- and posterage) How the hell can anyone expect to gain critical thinking skills when only exposed to such a small part of the ideological spectrum? This significantly contributes how many think that STEM ( without seemingly knowing that LACs also excel at STEM) is what college should be about. LACs will continue their long term decline until they provide an actual "diverse" education rather than the faux diversity advocated by the ovine academic community. This will be a shame, but is likely irreversible.

PP, do you bring this vitriol to discussions about being "only exposed to such a small part of the ideological spectrum" at Bob Jones, Hillsdale, or Liberty? My guess is no. You are probably aware that a senior GOP woman was removed from House leadership because she didn't adhere to the belief that Trump won the '20 election, but perhaps not. I definitely didn't see that as an "actual diverse" move or something demonstrating "critical thinking skills." Finally, the GOP ongoing response to the pandemic is not one rooted in public health or science. Fortunately Biden was elected to reverse the downward governance slide in managing COVID. Are you aware that a new study estimates nearly a million people in the US died from the virus? I will take the Oberlin bio major over the Hillsdale one any day of the week. The latter probably doesn't even subscribe to the fundamentals of evolution, let alone germ theory.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

PP, do you bring this vitriol to discussions about being "only exposed to such a small part of the ideological spectrum" at Bob Jones, Hillsdale, or Liberty? My guess is no. You are probably aware that a senior GOP woman was removed from House leadership because she didn't adhere to the belief that Trump won the '20 election, but perhaps not. I definitely didn't see that as an "actual diverse" move or something demonstrating "critical thinking skills." Finally, the GOP ongoing response to the pandemic is not one rooted in public health or science. Fortunately Biden was elected to reverse the downward governance slide in managing COVID. Are you aware that a new study estimates nearly a million people in the US died from the virus? I will take the Oberlin bio major over the Hillsdale one any day of the week. The latter probably doesn't even subscribe to the fundamentals of evolution, let alone germ theory.

It is exactly this this idiocy I am talking about. Have you actually ever had an intelligent conversation with someone with whom you disagree? It is precisely this closed-mindedness that leads to traditional LACs becoming irrelevant. And that is a shame.
(My comment was not specific to Oberlin. My alma mater is a more highly rated SLAC with the same issues.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

PP, do you bring this vitriol to discussions about being "only exposed to such a small part of the ideological spectrum" at Bob Jones, Hillsdale, or Liberty? My guess is no. You are probably aware that a senior GOP woman was removed from House leadership because she didn't adhere to the belief that Trump won the '20 election, but perhaps not. I definitely didn't see that as an "actual diverse" move or something demonstrating "critical thinking skills." Finally, the GOP ongoing response to the pandemic is not one rooted in public health or science. Fortunately Biden was elected to reverse the downward governance slide in managing COVID. Are you aware that a new study estimates nearly a million people in the US died from the virus? I will take the Oberlin bio major over the Hillsdale one any day of the week. The latter probably doesn't even subscribe to the fundamentals of evolution, let alone germ theory.

It is exactly this this idiocy I am talking about. Have you actually ever had an intelligent conversation with someone with whom you disagree? It is precisely this closed-mindedness that leads to traditional LACs becoming irrelevant. And that is a shame.
(My comment was not specific to Oberlin. My alma mater is a more highly rated SLAC with the same issues.)

Good public health practices and an effective governance approach to containing a pandemic is "idiocy"? A school can have a robust approach to social justice along with rigor in STEM. The fact that you are triggered by someone countering your points is telling.

And LOL on working in the more 'highly rated SLAC". Are you the PP of the "cow-patch schools" comments?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

PP, do you bring this vitriol to discussions about being "only exposed to such a small part of the ideological spectrum" at Bob Jones, Hillsdale, or Liberty? My guess is no. You are probably aware that a senior GOP woman was removed from House leadership because she didn't adhere to the belief that Trump won the '20 election, but perhaps not. I definitely didn't see that as an "actual diverse" move or something demonstrating "critical thinking skills." Finally, the GOP ongoing response to the pandemic is not one rooted in public health or science. Fortunately Biden was elected to reverse the downward governance slide in managing COVID. Are you aware that a new study estimates nearly a million people in the US died from the virus? I will take the Oberlin bio major over the Hillsdale one any day of the week. The latter probably doesn't even subscribe to the fundamentals of evolution, let alone germ theory.

It is exactly this this idiocy I am talking about. Have you actually ever had an intelligent conversation with someone with whom you disagree? It is precisely this closed-mindedness that leads to traditional LACs becoming irrelevant. And that is a shame.
(My comment was not specific to Oberlin. My alma mater is a more highly rated SLAC with the same issues.)

You didn't engage with the substantive points PP made. Can you do that? Or only name-call?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These cow-patch schools are not worth the dollars they are demanding. However, it assuages egos for FOMO parents whose DC can't snare admits to higher-ranked colleges.

This! Exactly!

So what are kids who "can't snare admits to higher-ranked colleges" supposed to do? Stay home? Fortunately Obama didn't throw in the towel when he was admitted to "cow-patch" Occidental.

And then there are the high-performing kids who can't pay for top ten schools but don't want the large state flagship either. Oberlin and its peers are heavily populated with those students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

PP, do you bring this vitriol to discussions about being "only exposed to such a small part of the ideological spectrum" at Bob Jones, Hillsdale, or Liberty? My guess is no. You are probably aware that a senior GOP woman was removed from House leadership because she didn't adhere to the belief that Trump won the '20 election, but perhaps not. I definitely didn't see that as an "actual diverse" move or something demonstrating "critical thinking skills." Finally, the GOP ongoing response to the pandemic is not one rooted in public health or science. Fortunately Biden was elected to reverse the downward governance slide in managing COVID. Are you aware that a new study estimates nearly a million people in the US died from the virus? I will take the Oberlin bio major over the Hillsdale one any day of the week. The latter probably doesn't even subscribe to the fundamentals of evolution, let alone germ theory.

It is exactly this this idiocy I am talking about. Have you actually ever had an intelligent conversation with someone with whom you disagree? It is precisely this closed-mindedness that leads to traditional LACs becoming irrelevant. And that is a shame.
(My comment was not specific to Oberlin. My alma mater is a more highly rated SLAC with the same issues.)

You didn't engage with the substantive points PP made. Can you do that? Or only name-call?

A discerning reader will note that I never called anyone a name other than to describe a post as idiocy. Actually, there were no substantive points in the reply, but I will respond just to humor you. As to the size of the political spectrum, I will note that roughly half of the country did not vote for the Democrats. That suggests that Liberty, etc. also do not comprise the entire rest of the political spectrum. (Trying to smear those you argue against with your non-universally-thought prejudices merely highlights your illiberality.). Liz Cheney being removed from leadership only indicates she no long represents her constituency of other legislators and does no imply the party is monolithic. (Check out Pelosi's tolerance of opposing views in her party.). That the GOP does not "follow" science is utter hogwash and is being born out in cross-sectional evidence of how different states have faired with the virus, particularly after analyzing the social costs from mitigation efforts. Check out this survey from last summer showing Republicans had a better understanding of the virus than Democrats (although both were pretty bad): https://www.franklintempleton.com/investor/article?contentPath=html/ftthinks/en-us-retail/cio-views/on-my-mind-they-blinded-us-from-science.html. Maybe the mask you are still wearing after being vaccinated is cutting off your oxygen and impairing your cognition.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

PP, do you bring this vitriol to discussions about being "only exposed to such a small part of the ideological spectrum" at Bob Jones, Hillsdale, or Liberty? My guess is no. You are probably aware that a senior GOP woman was removed from House leadership because she didn't adhere to the belief that Trump won the '20 election, but perhaps not. I definitely didn't see that as an "actual diverse" move or something demonstrating "critical thinking skills." Finally, the GOP ongoing response to the pandemic is not one rooted in public health or science. Fortunately Biden was elected to reverse the downward governance slide in managing COVID. Are you aware that a new study estimates nearly a million people in the US died from the virus? I will take the Oberlin bio major over the Hillsdale one any day of the week. The latter probably doesn't even subscribe to the fundamentals of evolution, let alone germ theory.

It is exactly this this idiocy I am talking about. Have you actually ever had an intelligent conversation with someone with whom you disagree? It is precisely this closed-mindedness that leads to traditional LACs becoming irrelevant. And that is a shame.
(My comment was not specific to Oberlin. My alma mater is a more highly rated SLAC with the same issues.)

You didn't engage with the substantive points PP made. Can you do that? Or only name-call?

A discerning reader will note that I never called anyone a name other than to describe a post as idiocy. Actually, there were no substantive points in the reply, but I will respond just to humor you. As to the size of the political spectrum, I will note that roughly half of the country did not vote for the Democrats. That suggests that Liberty, etc. also do not comprise the entire rest of the political spectrum. (Trying to smear those you argue against with your non-universally-thought prejudices merely highlights your illiberality.). Liz Cheney being removed from leadership only indicates she no long represents her constituency of other legislators and does no imply the party is monolithic. (Check out Pelosi's tolerance of opposing views in her party.). That the GOP does not "follow" science is utter hogwash and is being born out in cross-sectional evidence of how different states have faired with the virus, particularly after analyzing the social costs from mitigation efforts. Check out this survey from last summer showing Republicans had a better understanding of the virus than Democrats (although both were pretty bad): https://www.franklintempleton.com/investor/article?contentPath=html/ftthinks/en-us-retail/cio-views/on-my-mind-they-blinded-us-from-science.html. Maybe the mask you are still wearing after being vaccinated is cutting off your oxygen and impairing your cognition.

You've proved my points.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These cow-patch schools are not worth the dollars they are demanding. However, it assuages egos for FOMO parents whose DC can't snare admits to higher-ranked colleges.

This! Exactly!

So what are kids who "can't snare admits to higher-ranked colleges" supposed to do? Stay home? Fortunately Obama didn't throw in the towel when he was admitted to "cow-patch" Occidental.

Occidental College is located in Los Angeles, not cow-patch Oberlin, Ohio.

Also, President Obama transferred FROM Occidental to Columbia.

So what is your point exactly?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These cow-patch schools are not worth the dollars they are demanding. However, it assuages egos for FOMO parents whose DC can't snare admits to higher-ranked colleges.

This! Exactly!

So what are kids who "can't snare admits to higher-ranked colleges" supposed to do? Stay home? Fortunately Obama didn't throw in the towel when he was admitted to "cow-patch" Occidental.

There are two types of students who enroll in Oberlin.

1. Those who truly want to go.
2. Those who are convinced (i.e., pushed) by their parents who seek an obscure, but "name" (for those who care) college to brag about around the country club watering hole (since admits were not forthcoming elsewhere from T25 SLAC or National Universities).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In addition to Wooster, also check Lawrence and Beloit, and maybe Kalamazoo and Knox. Also maybe Grinnell and Macalester.

My friends kids love Oberlin. They are progressive.

My kids preferred Lawrence, Beloit and Macalester.

Beloit has some in common with Oberlin but is more centrist (still left of center generally though). Nicer location IMO.

[Anonymous]

Long thread so forgive me if already mentioned

Lena Dunham went to Oberlin. She is definitely their type.
And that GDS teacher who molested a 13 yr old in his advisory group.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These cow-patch schools are not worth the dollars they are demanding. However, it assuages egos for FOMO parents whose DC can't snare admits to higher-ranked colleges.

This! Exactly!

So what are kids who "can't snare admits to higher-ranked colleges" supposed to do? Stay home? Fortunately Obama didn't throw in the towel when he was admitted to "cow-patch" Occidental.

There are two types of students who enroll in Oberlin.

1. Those who truly want to go.
2. Those who are convinced (i.e., pushed) by their parents who seek an obscure, but "name" (for those who care) college to brag about around the country club watering hole (since admits were not forthcoming elsewhere from T25 SLAC or National Universities).

Again, where should these kids go? You haven't answered that question.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These cow-patch schools are not worth the dollars they are demanding. However, it assuages egos for FOMO parents whose DC can't snare admits to higher-ranked colleges.

This! Exactly!

So what are kids who "can't snare admits to higher-ranked colleges" supposed to do? Stay home? Fortunately Obama didn't throw in the towel when he was admitted to "cow-patch" Occidental.

Occidental College is located in Los Angeles, not cow-patch Oberlin, Ohio.

Also, President Obama transferred FROM Occidental to Columbia.

So what is your point exactly?

What's the problem with LACs outside of E/W coast?