Expedited Application Admission Opportunity
Oberlin College's Conservatory of Music offers an Early Decision (ED) application round, a process that differs from the regular application in its binding nature and timing. ED applicants commit to attending Oberlin if admitted, and the application deadlines are typically earlier than regular deadlines, with decisions usually delivered earlier as well.
One of the key advantages of the ED application is the opportunity to receive an early estimate of financial aid eligibility. Early Decision applicants are encouraged to register for the College Scholarship Service (CSS) PROFILE as soon as possible, allowing the financial aid office to use the information early in the evaluation process. Oberlin meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all students, including Early Decision admits, and commits over $100 million annually to financial aid.
Merit scholarships play a significant role in the financial aid packages at Oberlin. The college awards merit-based scholarships to all applicants, with admitted students notified of their scholarship award with the admission packet. At minimum, all new students who enroll will be awarded the renewable $10,000 Oberlin Commitment Scholarship.
It's worth noting that unlike some institutions, Oberlin guarantees a minimum $10,000 merit scholarship to every admitted student, ensuring that Early Decision applicants are not disadvantaged in scholarship consideration. Financial aid packages, including merit scholarships and need-based grants, are determined based on the submitted financial aid documents.
For students interested in pursuing degrees in both the Conservatory of Music and the College of Arts and Sciences, separate applications are required for each division. The Early Decision application deadline is November 1, and the reply/deposit due date is January 2.
For those in the Midwest, there's an additional incentive: admitted students may be eligible for the $25,000 Midwest Merit Scholarship. For a more in-depth estimate of need-based financial aid eligibility, students can request an official Financial Aid Estimate, with requests for an early Financial Aid Estimate accepted starting in early August.
Early Decision offers the advantage of early admission notification and possibly earlier financial aid estimates, but it requires a commitment to enroll if admitted. Regular Decision applicants apply later, receive decisions later, and complete financial aid processes on standard timelines.
In conclusion, the Early Decision application process at Oberlin Conservatory offers a binding commitment and earlier deadlines, with the advantage of early admission notification and potentially earlier financial aid estimates. The financial aid awarding process is robust, meeting full demonstrated need and including a guaranteed minimum merit scholarship for all admitted students regardless of application round.
Education and self-development opportunities are abundant at Oberlin College, particularly for Early Decision applicants to the Conservatory of Music. By committing to attend Oberlin if admitted and complying with an earlier application and decision timeline, Early Decision applicants can receive an early estimate of their financial aid eligibility and be considered for merit scholarships, with a guaranteed minimum $10,000 merit scholarship for all admitted students.
