First year students may apply Early Decision I, Early Decision II, Early Action, or Regular Decision. A strong high school performance in a full range of challenging courses is essential. When making our admissions decisions, we draw upon a holistic review process that allows us to get a sense of not only the applicant’s academic qualifications, but also of what the applicant is like as a person, and what they will contribute to the Oberlin community. We seek an incoming class that represents a variety of talents, viewpoints, and achievements.

If you’ve been enrolled in a degree-seeking program at a college or university, you should apply as a transfer student, no matter how many college credits you’ve earned. If you participated in a dual enrollment program during high school, you should apply as a first-year student, even if you earned college credit. Transfer students may apply for either spring or fall semester. We accept transfer applications from students in their first, second, and third years of college, although students in their first year of study at another college may only apply for fall admission.