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Colleges and Universities A-Z Claremont McKenna College
1

<p>Hi everyone!</p>

<p>My name is Jessica and I'm a freshman at CMC. I can totally imagine how most of you are feeling right now about applications/decisions coming out. I was in the same place just a year ago. I just wanted to make this thread for you to ask any questions you have for me or any of the other CMCers who are CC stalkers; things you're wondering about the campus, student life, admissions, athletics, etc. I might not be able to answer everything, but I will to the best of my ability, even if it takes a little bit of research. Feel free to ask me any personal questions, too. I will gladly share my experiences with you! I'm sure the other CMCers on this board will as well. </p>

<p>Just get those jitters out!!</p>

2

<p>I'm a junior from IN, and I probably won't be able to visit, but I'm going to apply anyway.
Here's my questions: How much do the 5 colleges interact with each other? also, How intense is the academic side of things, and how much do people party there? and, are the students there really liberal? I've heard that Pitzer is but I don't know about CMC.</p>

3

<p>Do you know when the letters will be mailed out with the decisions for the McKenna Achievement/Seaver scholarship?</p>

<p>According to data from previous years, the letter usually arrived the first week of February. Do you have any reassuring information that it will arrive at least during the 2nd week??</p>

4

<p>Major difference in the women who attend Scripps and those who attend CMC? Academically, socially, or whatever else comes to mind?</p>

5

<p>What is the atmosphere with regard to expression of political beliefs at CMC and the other colleges? Will professors and students show an openness to discuss and debate ideas with which they disagree? Or are there some points of view that one would be wise to keep to oneself?</p>

6

<p>Hey all, </p>

<p>My name is Charles Johnson and I'm a sophomore at Claremont McKenna. I'll do one better than Jessica and give you my email address -- <a href="mailto:CJohnson11@cmc.edu">CJohnson11@cmc.edu</a> if you want to ask me questions directly.</p>

<p>Tonytet, the students are not as balanced between conservatives and liberals as they let on. It's basically 80% liberal -- or at least, 80% of the student body voted for Obama. On the academic side of things, CMC, Pomona, and Mudd are the most rigorous, but there's pretty big grade inflation in anything that isn't quantifiable. </p>

<p>Broetchen, there's quite a difference between Scrippsies and CMC girls. As CMC tends to be a little more preprofessional, a lot of the women feel the need, in my experience, to be kind of snarky or even mean. That's not so with Scrippsies who tend to be very nice, but also sometimes hopefully naive. </p>

<p>Bird Rock, if you are a liberal, you'll be fine pretty much anywhere, but I get the sense that you are conservative. If you are, there are basically two majors (in the humanities) where you won't be harassed. They are economics and government. Fortunately, those two are the best majors on campus. Professors will sometimes debate you, but you have to take the initiative yourself.</p>

<p>Hope that was helpful.</p>

7

<p>Along with Jessica, I'm a freshman at CMC and thought I would offer my perspective.</p>

<p>Tonytet - As a perspective student, I thought I realized the extent to which the colleges interact, but I completely underestimated how great the Consortium is. The 5 Colleges share a library and anyone can eat at the 6.5 dining halls spread out over the campuses. This is more of an overlap of resources than anything. I'm taking two classes at Pomona this semester and I took one at Scripps last semester, which definitely broadens the network of people you know. I have friends at all of the 5 Colleges and think it's one of CMC's greatest assets.</p>

<p>As far as academics, I think it depends on your professors, major, and the classes you choose to take. I had a lot of work last semester in a literature class with Prof. Adam Bradley and a government class with Prof. Pitney, but I ended up learning a ton in both classes and truly enjoyed them. This semester, I choose to overload and don't have much more work than I had last semester. I did the IB Diploma program at my high school and I would say that CMC is more challenging, but not in raw amounts of work. There is definitely more reading in college and I think it's harder to do well, but, at least at CMC, I don't know anyone who gets Cs or Ds. There is a fair amount of grade inflation, but everyone I know has to work to do well. Compared to my friends at Ivies and elite LACs on the east coast, it sounds like we don't have as much work, but then again I usually stay up until two or three doing homework.</p>

<p>College, at least at the Claremont Colleges, tends to be a very social place and is different than high school in that there isn't a parent or authority figure telling you that it's unwise to play beer pong on Tuesday. Therefore, there are parties to go to Tuesday-Saturday. If you care about academics and are as involved as I am, you probably won't have time to attend parties until the weekend (Thursday or Saturday). That being said, I didn't drink in high school and have multiple friends in Stark (substance free...Read-Jessica) who rarely drink and are very happy at CMC. Don't worry if you don't party or drink now, CMC allows you to make that decision on your own and I've never experienced peer pressure to drink, which I appreciate.</p>

<p>I've come across a wide spectrum of political views at CMC. It's fairly common to meet libertarians and Republicans (Read-Charles Johnson), but there are also some very progressive and liberal folks as well (myself). I never really considered myself very liberal until I came to CMC (I'm from Oregon) and have become rooted in my beliefs as a result of being around such diverse ideologies. It really depends on who you spend your time with. I'm an environmentalist and my views tend to clash with conservatives, but as far as CMC being "really liberal," it isn't.</p>

<p>Xannaxanna - I know they've already chosen the list of kids they are going to invite to McKenna weekend, but don't know when they will be sending those letters out. I've mentioned this before, but the McKenna scholarship is meaningless if you have financial need as it's just a fancy grant as part of your financial aid package... (Relax)</p>

<p>Broetchen, I would say the major difference between Scrippsies and CMC ladies would be their personality and attitudes towards guys. I would disagree with Charles and challenge his assertion that CMC women are more snarky. I find CMC girls to be more laid back, more intelligent, and have a better sense of what direction they want to pursue in the future. Scrippsies can be very nice, but I've also found them to be kind of needy and either very forward or kind of prude. This is a very broad generalization and I have friends at Scripps and CMC. I suppose the Motley embodies Scripps (student-run coffee shop). At the register, there is a sign with eyes that says "If you exhibit homophobic, sexist, racist, or rude remarks, are talking on your cell phone, or are wearing an offensive t-shirt, we will not serve you." This wouldn't really happen at CMC because the girls just aren't overly sensitive regarding "bias-related incidents."</p>

<p>Birdrock - I alluded to this earlier, but I would say that there definitely is an ideological spectrum at Claremont. In the CMC classes that I have taken, the professors promote debate and discourse. In my government class, I was the only vocal advocate of affirmative action and my professor, who happened to work for the RNC and be very conservative, came up to me after class and told me that he thought my argument had some merit and he wanted to develop it further in the next class. Even though our political views are almost polar opposites, professors care enough about their students to challenge their idea and play devil's advocate. My friends and I often debate during lunch (two liberals, I tend to be very liberal, an "upbeat" moderate/conservative, and a libertarian) and we disagree, but enjoy discussing pressing political issues. I would say that this is a common practice among students. Don't come here if you are politically faint of heart...</p>

8

<p>Johnson, your comment about Scripps girls being "also sometimes hopefully naive" is obnoxious. Pretty revealing about you at least.</p>

9

<p>Does anyone know if receiving a letter for the McKenna Achievement scholarship means you are also in contention for the Seaver scholarship?</p>

10

<p>Talkobeach55- here's the site that should answer your questions: McKenna Achievement Award Merit Scholarship, Applying to CMC, Admission, Claremont McKenna College</p>

<h2>those two scholarships are pretty exclusive of each other, other than the fact that you can check both boxes for them. I am almost sure you cannot receive both scholarships; however, being in contention for both is a possibility. But even so, you'll almost for sure, only get one of them.</h2>

<p>THANK YOU other CMCers for picking up my slack today, esp. mr. skyhawkk08 whom i spoke to just a few hours ago hahahhaa</p>

<p>btw, Mr. Charles Johnson set a new precedent of handing out his email, and I wouldn't mind handing out mine for anyone who wants to hear a female asian's take on CMC life: <a href="mailto:jmao12@cmc.edu">jmao12@cmc.edu</a></p>

<p>Here's some things I'll address in order to enhance previously stated answers or add to them: </p>

<p>tonytet- my friend skyhawkk08 pretty much hit the nail on the head for your questions. I just want to add that CMC is roughly 30% conservatives, 40% moderates and 40% liberal. By no means is this super accurate... but I feel that it's one way to quantify the spread. If you were to look around campus near election time, you would see as many mccain signs in windows as obama ones. This is rare at any liberal arts college, many parents/counselors even noted this as I was giving a tour. From my numbers, CMC definitely leans left... but is more right than most liberal arts colleges. This is what provides for our diverse political atmosphere. Throughout the year, there are debates held occasionally on hot issues between conservatives and liberals that encourage students to hear both sides and meditate on what they've heard. I, personally, am a moderate. I'm like square in the center of the road and I feel that a lot of people who choose not to speak out too much about controversial issues are in the same boat as I am. </p>

<p>Pitzer, FOR SURE, is a much more liberal school than we are. To justify that... when Karl Rove came to speak at the Athenaeum, the majority of protestors outside were Pitzer students. BUT.. the fact that the political atmosphere is way different right across the street from CMC makes 5-C interaction even more enticing! :) </p>

<p>broetchen- to be perfectly honest... the line between a CMCgirl and a Scrippsie is pretty smudged and thin. It's really not right to accept the stereotypes as a 100% true. Take into consideration that there are plenty of CMCgirls who applied to Scripps as well, and vice versa. Sure, people start to take on the stereotype as time goes, but truthfully, girls are girls. There really isn't that much of a difference between us. I can shamelessly say that in my bored moments, I would try to look at people in the dining halls and see if I can tell CMCers from Scrippsies, and so on. It is REALLY hard. A lot of Scripps girls are athletic like CMCgirls; a lot of Scripps girls actually hangout with CMCgirls. Thus, though there are some differences, they're pretty minute and not super-worth taking heart to. </p>

<p>bird rock: In essence, most CMC classes are what you make them to be. If you discuss, most professors will discuss back. I have hardly heard of any professor who will shut discussion down. EVEN if that happens, CMC students are really good about seeking justice. Like skyhawkk08 said... be prepared for some intense discussions. They'll be worth your while. </p>

<p>OH YEA.... skyhawkk08 mentioned something about the sub-free dorm. YES.. CMC offers this option to anyone who wants to take it. There's kind of a trade-off in having a cleaner sub-free dorm with more bathrooms and bigger rooms (doubles at least): a lack of a very social atmosphere. The way Stark is set-up makes it hard to get to know people on your floor. My floor just had a hangout today in the main lounge after a semester of closed doors and foreign faces. This typically only happens in Stark, but it is what you make out of it! I love it in Stark..but when I want to go out and party... it's there for me! The dorms all have different personalities to suit the diverse student body. There are different trade offs for living in each dorm, you choose all according to what trait is more important to you in the end! </p>

<p>Hope this wasn't too dreadful to read. hahahhaa</p>

11

<p>It would be great if you and any other CMC students could list the dorms and make comments recommendations. Thanks!</p>

12

<p>thanks guys, that was really good, except for juggly_head saying that its 30% conservative, 40% moderate and 40% liberal, which =110! sorry, I had to point that out, but anyway, i get the point and thanks for the info!</p>

13

<p>LOL i didn't catch that... i think i was like pulling numbers out of my memory that someone told me before, but i didn't remember them correctly.... let me rephrase that: </p>

<h2>30 conserv. 30 moderate. and 40 liberal. LOL don't be sorry for pointing that out... stupidity needs to be revealed, or else what do we laugh at? </h2>

<p>List of Dorms: (<em>=north quad, ^=mid quad, '=south quad)
Wohlford</em>
Appleby*
Boswell*
Green*
Phillips^
Berger^
Beckett^
Benson^
Claremont^
Marks'
Auen'
Fawcett'
Stark' (sub-free)</p>

<p>Quick definition:</p>

<p>North quad dorms: suite style set-up, 4 doubles connecting to 1 bathroom that has 2 of everything, 2 floors of dorms that all open to the outside. Centrally located and has a very social atmosphere.</p>

<p>Mid-Quad dorms: traditional style dorm with all dorms opening to the inside of the building. Long hallways with a big community bathroom in the middle of each floor (minus Claremont Hall) There are both singles and doubles. </p>

<p>South Quad (excluding Marks, which resembles a mid-quad dorm): Tall towers with singles and doubles. Dorms face in, the higher you go, the better the view. 1-2 bathrooms per floor (6 floors of each tower are dorms), about 12 people per floor. </p>

<p>I am currently living in Stark, the sub-free tower in South Quad. I would recommend it if you like to have your room has the main place to study. It's very quiet and NOT like north quad. The bathrooms and rooms are especially huge here with potentially great views. I live on the 6th floor (out of 7) and I face south, so I can see all the city lights of Pomona and on. There are actuallly 2 bathrooms per floor and the bathrooms are very clean and spacious. </p>

<p>Negative: It can feel very anti-social on each floor. In essence, it's what you make of it; but Stark is naturally set-up to make socializing harder. It's not like mid-quad where you have rooms on both sides of the hallway and one restroom you share with all 30+ people on your floor. In Stark, you have to work a little bit harder to get to know your floormates. </p>

<p>Um.... I just realized this can really take me hours to write because I would have to acknowledge all possible point of views of the dorms. </p>

<p>okgal: Let's make this a little more specific: Do you have any particular questions about the dorms? What sounds good to you so far, north, mid, or south quad? I guess the better I know your personality, the better the recommendation I can make.</p>

14

<p>thanks for the help; my D is going there in the fall and on our visits we didn't really take note of dorms too much. She is very social but I don't think she would like a partying dorm. She's a clothes horse, so storage/closets are important. She will want to get to know people and have lots of interaction.</p>

15

<p>A guy who was a guest professor at CMC told me that the focus of the college is very pre-professional. That at CMC the focus is on getting one ready for a job right after college. I've applied to CMC, but now I'm pretty sure I want to pursue a Ph.D. and go into academia. Is CMC still the right place for me?</p>

16

<p>okgal: Your daughter sounds like she could potentially live in South Quad's Auen or Fawcett, or any of the mid-quad dorms. </p>

<p>I highly recommend Auen or Fawcett (2 of the 3 towers) They're nice in that they have a lounge on every floor, so you can potentially get to know your floormates well because the lounge is in the middle of all the rooms. There's a decent amount of closet space. Downside-there's no mirrors in Auen/Fawcett dorms and no doors to the closet, but that could be a good thing haha. If you get a room on a high floor, you could get a really nice view. The rooms in these towers are generally bigger than a lot of the mid-quad dorms too. </p>

<p>Mid-quad is good if you want to meet more than just your 11 floormates. With one community bathroom for all the boys or girls in each dorm, you will definitely run into lots of different people and have a big pool of people to pick your core group of friends from, but it's really what you make of it. You could still do the same in Auen/Fawcett, but you have to make the extra effort to go to different floors. Mid-quad dorms like Berger, Phillips, and Beckett do not have A/C, keep that in mind. and closet space is about the same as any dorm. </p>

<p>Hope this helps! :)</p>

17

<p>jennyheart: to be honest... the Ph. D and academia thing makes you sound like you would fit at Pomona better. That's the general stereotype for them, students who learn things just because they love to learn. CMC is pretty pre-professional, BUT that doesn't mean you can't go into academia and get a Ph. D. It just means that your interests would reflect that of a minority of people. No one is going to stop you from learning for the sake of learning if you come to CMC. If I were you, I would only be concerned if I felt that being this minority was uncomfortable. </p>

<p>Hope this was helpful!</p>

18

<p>Although I mostly agree with Jessica, I would say that it depends what you want to major in at CMC. If you're thinking about getting a PhD in Economics or Government (I have a couple friends who are considering this route), then I would highly suggest coming to CMC. If you want to get a PhD in Art History, I wouldn't say that CMC isn't the place for you, but you'll be taking most of your courses at Pomona or Scripps. It really depends on what you want to do and how comfortable you are with yourself.</p>

19

<p>I have a junior D interested in California schools. We will looking at the Claremont schools this summer. She is interested in Biology/sciences, maybe geology, hinting at premed or prevet. She is involved in athletics but doesn't want to be recruited.She just wants to keep active in intramural or club sports. Is there a "better" Claremont school to go to for her interests? I noticed there is a joint science program but not clear on how it works. Thanks in advance.</p>

20

<p>purplegirl: hmmmm.. this one is a toughy because all your daughter's interests seem to each match a different school. </p>

<p>Brief things about the Joint Science Department: It is shared between Scripps-Pitzer-CMC. It is this huge building sitting on the corner that borders all 3 campuses. Negative side: it is about the only building you can go to for science (at least for CMC), so obviously it's not a huge resource, but it is nice. I actually am a Science and Management major, I'm taking Chemistry at joint science and am really liking it! It's nice to meet students from other campuses, but also the science education is great. The professors in joint science are pretty top-notch (from what i've heard) and majoring in a science is definitely a great choice! However, at CMC, you won't find many science majors :(, but that doesn't mean the program isn't great. 90% of the pre-med students from joint science graduate and get into their first choice med school. That's a high percentage! </p>

<p>However, Pomona is probably the better school for sciences/pre-med and Mudd is top-notch for any science/engineering type major. Pomona just had a new bio building built in 2005. I think Pomona just has more resources for science than CMC.</p>

<hr>

<p>I don't know much about intramurals at Pomona or Pitzer, but CMC/Scripps/Mudd not only have a joint athletics program for recruiting sports, but also intramurals. We have dorm to dorm competitions frequently throughout the year for typical outdoor-sy sports, as well as bowling, indoor soccer, and inner tube water polo (a very popular one :D). </p>

<p>I REALLY love the intramurals here. I'm one of the coordinators for my dorm and it has been a lot of fun. It doesn't seem like Pomona is big on that at all, but I could be wrong. </p>

<p>So.. TADA... your daughter should just apply to Pomona, CMC, and whatever other Claremont school interests her. After getting in, she can decide from there. Sometimes when two schools have different things that you like or want.. it all comes down to your visit on campus and which campus you feel that you fit better.</p>