Tackling Ohio's most Competitive Colleges

Hi all, I'll be applying for colleges soon and was curious about the ones in my home state, Ohio. I keep hearing from my counselor about selective colleges and their rigors. Could anyone help me understand which colleges are the most selective in Ohio? Additionally, I'd like to know a bit about their respective admission processes. Do they prefer high GPAs, extracurricular activities, or something else?

Sure, I'd be happy to help! In Ohio, three colleges are frequently highlighted for their selectivity. They include Case Western Reserve University, Oberlin College, and Kenyon College.

1. Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) - CWRU is a research university located in Cleveland. It’s particularly well-known for programs in medicine, nursing, engineering, and management. The admission team at CWRU emphasizes academic rigor, so they'll be looking for strong test scores (if you choose to submit them), challenging courses throughout high school, and a high GPA. They consider APs/IBs and dual enrollment college courses as indicators of your readiness for their rigorous curriculum. Extracurricular activities, particularly those that align with your intended major or showcase leadership and commitment, are also valued.

2. Oberlin College - Oberlin is a liberal arts college renowned for its conservatory of music. Oberlin tends to value the full profile of a student, including their academic performance, extracurricular pursuits, and personal qualities. They are interested in students who exhibit intellectual curiosity and are ready to engage with the community. Therefore, your essays, recommendations, and participation in clubs, sports, music, or community service can weigh just as heavily as your academic indicators.

3. Kenyon College - This liberal arts college is located in Gambier. Like Oberlin, Kenyon's admission process is holistic. They value a rigorous transcript with challenging courses and a solid GPA. Your extracurricular involvements, especially ones showing a long-term commitment or leadership role (think Tier 2 or 3 activities), can be beneficial. Strong essays that demonstrate thoughtful reflection and a clear understanding of what Kenyon offers are also key.

Each school has its own specific criteria, but overall, they're looking for students who have demonstrated a commitment to their studies and their communities. Applicants are typically expected to have a strong academic foundation, but also show characteristics such as leadership, creativity, and initiative through their extracurriculars. These colleges, like many selective institutions, strive to admit a diverse class of students who will bring different strengths and perspectives to campus. The best way to approach the application process is to present a balanced profile, excelling both inside and outside the classroom.