Claremont McKenna vs. Whitman

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I was accepted to Whitman in early March and was really thrilled until I stayed overnight in late March. Whitman nominated me for the "Garrett Scholarship" which is supposedly rather prestigious at Whitman. I stayed overnight and had a bad experience. My host was a Garrett Scholar (chosen as one of the top students in his class) and works in the Admissions Office, but ending up getting both high and drunk on a Wednesday night. I didn't really feel an intellectual vibe on campus and it seemed rather earthy.</p>

<p>Ironically, I found out that Claremont McKenna accepted me while I was staying at Whitman in late March. I love Claremont and the other 5Cs and it seems perfect for me. I visited and had a wonderful time meeting the track team and the professors. Furthermore, everyone I've met on the Claremont McKenna facebook group is amazing and really involved in their school. CMC eliminated all of their loans as well and was generous with financial aid. I have some reservations about the social scene because alcohol is very prevalent on campus and I think I'll drink in college, but not excessively.</p>

<p>Currently, I'm at Whitman spending the night. I've had dinner with the President and have met with numerous faculty members. One thing that stood out at Whitman was student interest in social justice and making an impact on the world. I think Claremont students might be more driven to Investment Banking, etc. I'm just not sure about how the focuses of each school might match/not match what I want to do later in life.</p>

<p>Eventually, I want to work in government/non-profits and go to either public policy/law school. Any advice?</p>

2

<p>Claremont McKenna is pretty clearly the better option for you.</p>

3

<p>In the end, if you're not happy where you are then it's not worth it. And from what you've said about Whitman, it doesn't seem like you would be happy there.
Even with that aside, I think CMC would be the better choice. Especially since you have an interest in government and law. I got the impression that was its specialty. And even if you can't find the focus that you're looking for, chances are you can find it at one of the other colleges while still having the resources of CMC. CMC has the Athenaeum, which seems pretty awesome, and has lots of speakers that would probably match your interests. And I've heard from many people that if you don't drink it's no problem. There are pleantly of people who don't drink there. Don't let that be the deciding factor.
Whitman is an amazing school too, and I may be a bit biased since I will be going to Scripps in the fall, but it really does seem to me that Claremont McKenna will be the better choice.</p>