Transfer and Visiting Students
An applicant is considered to be a transfer student if they meet one of the following criteria: 1) They have been enrolled in a degree-seeking program, regardless of how many credits have been earned. 2) They have earned more than 30 semester hours of credit without being enrolled in a degree-seeking program. This is determined on a case-by-case basis, so students who fall into this category are encouraged to contact the Office of Admissions to discuss their situations.
Transfer students may apply for either the spring or the fall semester. The deadline for Spring admission is November 15th and the deadline for Fall admission is March 15th. Applications completed after these deadlines will be considered as space allows. We accept transfer applications from students in their first, second, and third years of college. If you are currently in your first year of study at another college, you may only apply for fall admission.
The application for Oberlin's College of Arts and Sciences is the Common Application, plus a supplement for transfer students. All parts are required:
- Common Application
To be submitted online - Oberlin Supplement to the Common Application
To be submitted online including personal essay - College Official's Report
To be completed by academic dean of previous college or university - Transfer Midterm Evaluation
To be completed by current professors - High School Report
To be completed by guidance counselor or principal - Letters of Recommendation
Two recommendations are required. One must be completed by an academic professor at your current college/university. The other must be completed by another faculty member or by someone else who can provide valuable insights about you (employer, clergy person, etc.).
Transcripts
You are required to submit official transcripts of all high school and college work completed, as well as evidence of good standing, both academic and personal.
Standardized Test Score
Results of either the SAT or ACT with writing score (SAT II subject tests are optional) should be sent directly from the testing service.
Note: If you are applying for Visiting Student status, please complete the same application form as do transfer students, with three important differences:
- Your essay should explain why you want to spend a semester or year at Oberlin (describe courses, subjects, or experiences that may not be available at your home institution).
- In place of the College Official's Report, you should ask an administrator at your home institution (a registrar, academic dean, or advisor, for example) to send a brief letter to the Office of Admissions endorsing your application for visiting status at Oberlin College.
- On your application form, indicate whether you want to stay for one or two semesters.
Application Fee
A $35 application fee is required. If paying the fee would pose a financial burden for you or your family, you may request that the fee be waived.
