Oberlin College essay prompts
2025-26verified Oberlin College admissions
These are the most recent published prompts. Final 2026-27 supplements typically land by early August. These are the most recent prompts Kolly has verified for this school. Schools typically publish final 2026-27 supplements by early August; check the official source below before submitting.
Compositional Development
Tell us about your development as a composer so far. Include in your response a discussion of composers, specific works of music, and musical styles and genres that have inspired and influenced you.
1,000 words max · Required
Aspirations & Goals
Tell us about your aspirations for your creative, academic and professional trajectories. Address such questions as: Why are you pursuing a degree in composition and what do you hope to achieve at Oberlin and beyond?
1,000 words max · Required
About the application
Applies via the Common App.
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Common questions
- What are the Oberlin College essay prompts for 2025-26?
- Oberlin College lists Compositional Development (1 prompt); Aspirations & Goals (1 prompt) for 2025-26.
- How many essays does Oberlin College require?
- Oberlin College requires 2 essays based on the published group instructions for 2025-26. The page lists 2 required and 0 optional prompts.
- What are the word limits for the Oberlin College supplemental essays?
- The published word and character limits are 1,000 words max.