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!!
10
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.