<p>I am trying to choose between Oxy and Whitman but I love both and can't make a decision.
Besides location and cost, what are some of Oxy's advantages over Whitman?</p>
<p>This is an interesting question for me, I have sons at both schools and BOTH of the schools are perfect for each of the boys. While they are both true liberal arts colleges, their campus “vibe” is so different. Oxy, in a metropolitan setting, is diverse in its student body to the “nth” degree…social life is based around LA offerings…baseball, Staples Center, museums, local politics/government. Kids vary widely in background, heritage, orientations, beliefs. Whitman, a rural college, is very environmental, “outdoorsy”, mellow. Kids there go camping, skiing, climbing, most look like they stepped out of an L L Bean catalog. I think both colleges are exceptional in their curriculum and course offerings. Athletics differ (Oxy has a football team) but sports, whether Division 111 or intramural, are popular and available. Music at Whitman is hugely popular, nearly 1/3 of the students participate in some sort of musical program. The campuses are quite different…Whitman is flat, everything (including downtown Walla Walla) is walking accessible. Oxy is hilly (campus is easily walkable) but the surrounding area is more accessible by car or bus. Whitman has snow and cold weather but springtime is beautiful. Oxy gets hot (and sometimes smoggy) but most days are southern California perfect. I think they are both FABULOUS schools, I wish you well in your decision!</p>
<p>We are currently trying to make the same decision. We kind of feel like Whitman is the better fit - but the isolated location makes us a little nervous. We visited Whitman last month and have a visit to Oxy scheduled in a few weeks. I’ve been reading on some websites that it is sometimes hard to get your classes if you aren’t in Oxy’s stronger departments. Anyone know how the physics department is at Oxy (or at Whitman)? What are Oxy’s strongest departments?</p>