<p>Okay, I liked the thread about the midwest LACs. However, I'm interested in California. But when I look at California schools, all I see are the UC's (past deadline), Stanford (denied), Claremont Consortium (I applied to Pomona) and various other religious LACs.</p>
<p>For example, Santa Clara, Pepperdine, Westmont. All of these schools appealed to me simply because it is sunny California, but then when I investigated it seemed like religion was a big part of the colleges identity. </p>
<p>Are there others I'm missing? Any California schools you would recommend? Or, any other schools in other warm parts of the country? </p>
<p>My D applied to Santa Clara and Pepperdine. She is comfortable with a religious orientation but I'm told these schools aren't over the top. She did not apply to Westmont, in part because that school seems more like the Christian High School setting she is currently in. What about the other Claremonts ? Mills (if your a female) ?</p>
<p>U San Francisco, although the deadline is rapidly approaching. (It's technically Jesuit, but I wouldn't say that the religious influence is very strong. It's what I'd call a liberal arts university).</p>
<p>there are very few real LACs in California (Santa Clara is a mid-sized Uni, but not that religious btw). But, look at Redlands or Mills College (all girls).</p>
<p>You know, a very solid school near the ocean in Marina Del Rey is Loyola Marymount University LMU</a> Home</p>
<p>I was shocked yesterday to pick up a Fiske Guide, 2006 edition, and find that LMU was not listed! And it is not a small school.</p>
<p>Anyway, the attending students' test scores are solid and it is a beautiful campus with typical Jesuit small classroom sizes.</p>
<p>Out here on the west coast, religion is not what it is in other places. I don't believe, for example, at LMU you <em>ever</em> have to attend chapel. And I think the only religion requirements are 2-3 classes in philosophy or ethics. Of course if you actually are interested in exploring those areas, the opportunities are there.</p>
<p>Pepperdine while not requiring that you practice the Christian religion, does require a standard of behavior while on campus that does not embarrass the benefactors. Just common sense.</p>
<p>Westmont as I think you gathered is much more serious about the religious commitment of the students. It is not unlike Wheaton in Illinois, just a much smaller school.</p>
<p>P.S. GERMAN?? Not sure you're going to find many schools, let alone smaller ones, that are strong in German.</p>
<p>My D spent two years at LMU and loved it. She transferred this year to UCSD because the athletic team she is with is bigger....and we live in SD. I would definitely check it out. USC gives a lot of money to good students...and the kids who've gone there are all very nice and bright. USD in SD has the most beautiful ocean view campus I have ever seen. I've never seen Pepperdine, but know one girl who hated the religious scene. The two students I know at Occi are pretty happy so far, and it also is a good school. I have another friend's S at USF and he is very happy.</p>
<p>As to Florida, I went to Rollins (many years ago!) and absolutely loved it, but I love California more.</p>
<p>You might try University of the Pacific in Stockton. Obviously not a true LAC, but they have a free online application and a late (1/15) deadline. I don't know anything specifically about the German program, but they have an individual School of International Relations, if that's any indication. At any rate, I would take a look at it.</p>
<p>Wow thank you to everyone for the wonderful posts. Very helpful! </p>
<p>About the German thing.. I don't want to major, but I just want to keep taking German classes. I know kind of strange, but it is surprising how many schools do have German programs.</p>