<p>I previously get accept off the wait list at occidental college. now i am having a hard time to decide which one i should attend.....? anyone have any ideas about both college?</p>
<p>Congratulations on having a choice.</p>
<p>I have visited both campuses. I assume you need to make a decision fast so I’ll give you a brief list of some things to think about.</p>
<p>Thee biggest differences IMO:</p>
<p>-- Weather, obviously. If you are indifferent to weather or can enjoy both a continental and a temperate coastal climate, then this won’t matter to you. If you have a definite preference for snow or palm trees, wildly varied or placidly predictable, you can align yourself accordingly.</p>
<p>-- Topography: Mac is definitively flat and Oxy built on big hillside. You’ll be walking uphill and downhill a lot at Oxy, but it is more interesting.</p>
<p>-- Demographics: Ethnically, the student body at Oxy is a little more diverse than Mac, but geographic distribution favors Mac: 80% are out of state vs. 53% at Oxy (although Californians tell me that the north is really a different state than the south, so perhaps this is misleading). With respect to the neighborhood, however, Mac-Groveland is predominantly white middle class while Oxy’s Eagle Rock neighborhood is most decidedly racially integrated to a degree that can’t be found anywhere in Minnesota.</p>
<p>Both are about the same size and, for the most part, do not put much emphasis on the success of their sports teams. Both schools are situated firmly in the city but Oxy feels more “urban”. Oxy’s buildings are nicely integrated and predominantly white/grey Southwestern and Mac’s are more square and red brick. The food is very good at Mac (no experience at Oxy), but the dorms I have seen are blase and I preferred the ones I saw at Oxy. Mac is a bit more academically selective than Oxy, its students (in a very subjective judgment) more politically active, and its bent a little more international, but both of these are fine schools and you will be making a strong choice no matter which way you go.</p>
<p>The administration at Oxy has had a bit of turnover the past decade. You might want to check out student comments and other sites for more info. Mac has had a very stable admin for the past several years (which can impact the student experience in a number of ways). I know students at both schools, however… and all are happy.</p>
<p>Agree with other posting that schools have similar reputations. Although, we do hear from people that the west coast LACs do have more of a laid back vibe and may not be quite as intense academically. (Someone has kids at both Carleton & Pomona and said Carleton was MUCH more rigorous even though both schools have fab rankings…)</p>
<p>So, it really gets down to location, location, location.</p>
<p>thanks both of you. The info you guys apply really really helped a lot :)</p>
<p>Where will you go next year?</p>