Oberlin Conservatory of Music: what international applicants need

What are Oberlin Conservatory of Music's application deadlines for 2026–27?

Oberlin Conservatory of Music has 2 application deadlines for 2026–27: Early Decision on November 1, 2026 and Regular Decision on December 1, 2026.

• Early Decision is binding: if you're admitted, you commit to attend and withdraw your other applications.
• Deadlines are usually 11:59 pm in your own time zone, unless the university says otherwise on its site.

What is Oberlin Conservatory of Music's acceptance rate?

34.2% for students who started in fall 2024: Oberlin Conservatory of Music admitted 3,601 of its 10,536 first-year applicants.

• The rate covers all first-year applicants, US and international: the federal data doesn't give a separate rate for international applicants.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release). Source

Does Oberlin Conservatory of Music require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?

No. Oberlin Conservatory of Music is test-optional for 2026–27: you decide whether to send SAT or ACT scores.

• This is the policy listed for all first-year applicants. Some universities treat international students differently, so confirm it on the testing page.
• For the Early Decision deadline (November 1, 2026), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is October 3, 2026: scores on October 16, 2026, registration by September 18, 2026 (late registration September 22, 2026).
• For the Regular Decision deadline (December 1, 2026), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is November 7, 2026: scores on November 20, 2026, registration by October 23, 2026 (late registration October 27, 2026).
• Official score reports can take a few more days to reach universities.

What SAT score do you need for Oberlin Conservatory of Music?

The middle half of first-year students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores had 660–760 in Math and 700–760 in Reading and Writing (32% of them sent SAT scores).

• On the ACT, the middle half had a composite of 31–34.
• If your score is above the middle of these ranges, it helps your application. At a test-optional university, a score below the lower number usually isn't worth sending.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release): 25th to 75th percentile of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores. Source

How much is Oberlin Conservatory of Music's application fee for international students?

Oberlin Conservatory of Music's application fee is $100 for international applicants, the same as for US applicants.

Does Oberlin Conservatory of Music accept the Common App fee waiver from international students?

Yes. Oberlin Conservatory of Music accepts the Common App fee waiver and doesn't limit it to US students.

• Your eligibility is confirmed through the Common App, usually with your counselor.

Which English tests does Oberlin Conservatory of Music accept?

Oberlin Conservatory of Music doesn't list its English tests on the Common App: they're detailed on its international applicants page.

• Minimum scores and exemptions (for example if you studied in English) are set by the university: check its international page.

How many recommendation letters does Oberlin Conservatory of Music require?

Oberlin Conservatory of Music requires a counselor recommendation for 2026–27.

• Whatever the letters, your school sends the School Report and, after graduation, the Final Report: the Common App says every university requires them.

Does Oberlin Conservatory of Music require the Common App personal essay?

Yes. Oberlin Conservatory of Music requires the Common App personal essay (250 to 650 words) for 2026–27.

How many international students does Oberlin Conservatory of Music have?

278 of Oberlin Conservatory of Music's 2,896 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 9.6%.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 enrollment (provisional release). Source

How much does Oberlin Conservatory of Music cost for international students?

Oberlin Conservatory of Music's published tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $67,366, the same for every student. On-campus food and housing was $19,510. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $90,692 before any financial aid.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Published charges for 2024–25. Costs usually rise each year: check the university's site for 2027–28. Source