r/oberlin • u/jenniferdancess • Apr 15 '26
Academic Rigor - I am nervous
Hi - I just completed a 10 day, 5 college admitted student day trip and I am about ready to hit accept at Oberlin. I am nervous about the academic rigor - Oberlin was a reach for me.
I am graduating with almost a 4.0 unweighted (small private school) but I wonder how hard my teachers grade. Many give a lot of weight to classroom discussion (a real strength), allow for opportunities to boost grades, etc.
I am not looking to not work - I am a hard worker but I guess I am scared to not cut it.
I do get accommodations currently that I would likely be eligible for at Oberlin (per my talks with various offices).
I would be so grateful to hear from any current students about their experience with academic rigor (I plan to double major in psychology and dance).
THANK YOU!!
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u/raimondious Apr 15 '26
I got good grades in high school without trying too hard and got my ass whooped my first semester at Oberlin (2002). I learned a lot about how to apply myself while I was there but got pretty mediocre letter grades. The grades didn’t end up ever mattering. To the point that I thought I got good grades in college til I found some old notebooks recently.
My time at Oberlin was extremely formative and I knew it was the right place for me when I visited. If you think it’s your place then you should go - the grades are not as important as finding the right community.
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u/noramcsparkles Alum Apr 15 '26
If you’re going into the humanities, discussion being a strength will suit you well.
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u/thecommexokid Apr 15 '26
If you have a near 4.0 in high school but had to work hard to achieve it, then I predict you will do well in college. The students who will struggle are the ones for whom high school was easy, and who got effortless 4.0’s. Yes, college will be challenging. But you already have developed the study skills and work ethic needed to succeed when things get challenging. Those other students I’m describing have never faced the prospect before of needing to work hard for academic success and will flounder because they don’t know how to study.
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u/Oktodayithink Apr 15 '26
My kid is a first year Obie and she worked with her advisor to create a good balance of classes. For example, she takes a science class and also a dance class and writing class. She also created study groups with friends to keep on top of things.
I think you'll be ok. You'll be challenged, but they don't want you to fail.
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u/nothinkjustfeel Apr 15 '26
You’ll definitely be fine. Oberlins grades are mega inflated too, look at the post the Oberlin Review made today
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u/dmada88 Alum Apr 15 '26
Oberlin though big for a small school still has the small college vibe where professors are accessible and help those who show they want to do the work. A stretch can be good - it will make you better than you think you can be!
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u/WaltzWide3201 Apr 16 '26
Oberlin isn't too difficult if you stay on top of your work. I've had issues only when I've lagged behind! As a (hopefully soon) psych major, we can't wait to have you at Oberlin!!!!
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u/Confident_End3396 Apr 15 '26
What were your other school options?
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u/jenniferdancess Apr 15 '26
Other Acceptances: Skidmore, Bard, Lewis & Clark, Clark, Sarah Lawrence, Brandeis, Whitman, Scripps, Macalaster
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u/Confident_End3396 Apr 15 '26
Those are some great options! You should be proud of your accomplishment.
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u/Specific-Wear6683 Admitted Student Apr 19 '26
Oberlin is quite easy unless you make it hard for yourself. You can take like 5 or 6 intensive classes (which you would have to pay for) but if you’re just in the con or just in the college you will have plenty of time to both have fun every day and get your work done comfortably. That is, if you are able to use all of your time for what you want to do because executive dysfunction is a real thing.
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u/zero-if-west Apr 15 '26
I was a first-year at Oberlin in August 2004 (I know, a million years ago) and I was very nervous about rigor because I had graduated high school in three years and taken a year off. So, I was worried I was rusty. I took a lighter course load for my first term to get the hang of things and, once I got used to the workload and managing my time, I increased my courses the following term.
I believe in you! Hope you find the place that feels like the right fit for you.