Claremont Mckenna is really good fit for me academically. But I am not interested in partying whatsoever, and I heard that CMC has an overwhelming party culture. Of course, many schools do, and while I’m okay with some partying, I don’t want an overwhelming party culture. For those of you who attend CMC, how is the party scene like?
anyone?
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I go to Pomona but a lot of the parties at the 5cs are at CMC. I would say you can probably find people that don’t party, but definitely certain dorms hold consistent parties every weekend so you would want to watch out for that. I’ve definitely sensed a fratty party vibe from a lot of CMC people but I’m sure theres a group for everyone, you can also do substance free housing which would probably be a good fit if you don’t want parties.
I’m a Junior at CMC. The party scene at CMC is something I know a lot of potential students worry about, so I’d like to extend an invitation for anyone to PM me (even if reading this message months form now) if you want to chat about specific concerns or whatever is on your mind. Please please please don’t hesitate. I’ll give a general overview:
CMC attracts many extroverted, social students. Naturally, a lot of extroverted students like to party. I get that. I think anyone would understand that. Due to our small campus size, if you go wandering around at 11:00 or midnight (like I frequently do) you’re bound to hear music flowing from one of the North Quad lounges and see a bunch of people standing around chatting. There are a lot of parties, big and small.
I have NEVER seen anyone pressured into a party situation. I was completely sober my freshman and sophomore years, and I can speak towards the courteousness of the student body in regards to my desire not to drink. People will ask you to come along. People want you to come hang out and dance and jump around to music. Nobody will ever put a drink in your hand and tell you to drink it. That is not what CMC is about. I have numerous friends who stay completely sober and still enjoy ‘going out’ to parties. They like jumping around and dancing and acting like a goof just because it’s fun. It’s also a great way to meet people. Yes, some people go overboard. Some people drink too much. That’s just college. But what other students do should not dissuade you from the quality of education that CMC offers.
I think many people neglect the efforts of the College Programming Board. Multiple times a week there are activities scheduled for anyone to join in on that are the polar opposite of a stereotypical CMC party. They are a great way to meet people too. Examples: go watch the LA Kings play hockey, go watch the dodgers play baseball, go on a hike to the Hollywood sign, go to a trampoline park, go rock climbing, go watch a movie being hosted on campus, and countless others. There are always things to do that don’t involve partying. In the substance free dormitory there are always people down below in the lounge chatting and hanging out, even at times like a Saturday night when there is frequently a party. There are people who choose not to engage in the party scene, and you will find them if you want to.
I have been extremely satisfied with my experience at CMC. The academics are outstanding, and I would never trade the small class sizes and intimate student-professor relationships for an ivy-league name or comparable. Kids are getting amazing educations and amazing jobs out of this place. If you are interested in the school (heavily focused on academics like I was and still am) go for it. Don’t let the party scene turn you down. You’ll find a group that fits your lifestyle and who knows, maybe you’ll find out you like dancing after all, and you’ll end up enjoying ‘those fratty north quad parties’ 
I hope this helps, and let me know if you have any questions either in the chat or through PM.
Best,
A CMC Junior
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