<p>I lived within easy walking distance of Soka, so I’m familiar with the school. Based on the OP’s descriptions, Soka would probably be a horrible fit. Most of the students I’ve spoken with, including a girl from my high school who attends there, say that although it’s not officially religious, it has very heavy ties with the Soka Gaokki (sp) sect of Buddhism, socially, academically, and culturally. Many of the students are extremely religious which the OP clearly indicated she doesn’t want. </p>
<p>Although it lacks a party scene, the aforementioned high school friend (who chose it because it was free) claims that social life, of any kind, is extremely limited. Again, not what the OP wants. Finally, and this might not be a concern to the OP, but the surrounding city of Aliso Viejo isn’t what I would consider a college town. Other cities around Aliso Veijo, including Laguna Beach, Irvine, and Los Angeles are good, but getting to them requires a car. Public transit in South Orange County is terrible.</p>