I’ve been researching Claremont Mckenna a lot this summer and I love almost every part about it. The dorms, the food, the location, and I know I want to major in government or political science or something like that, so it seems like almost the perfect school for me. Yet the only thing that I didn’t seem to like about the school is its party scene. I like to party sometimes, but I know after about a semester of dripartyingnking I’ll get tired of it and want to pursue other interests for my weekends. My question is: How avoidable is the social scene of CMC? Are there enough people at the school who eventually get tired of it and do other things? Or do you hang out with less CMC people and more people from the other colleges, or no matter what, is it hard to find something else to do and the fratty culture just extremely present? Also how much intermingling is there between students at the different colleges?
I think there is a great deal of intermingling as they are literally across narrow streets from each other. There is a lot to do in the greater LA area but you need a car for many of the things. There is a metro rail stop right there, though. In the immediate area is a walkable ‘Village’ area with shops and eats and movies. Further it is suburban sprawl, further is beaches and mountains.
Try the CMC forum
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/claremont-mckenna-college/
In addition to visiting the CMC forum here on CC as suggested by BrownParent, take a look at the “Forum,” the Official Publication of CMC. http://cmcforum.com/ There are many interesting student written articles there, including these two differing takes on the CMC party culture:
http://cmcforum.com/opinion/01282015-partying-like-a-pre-professional
http://cmcforum.com/opinion/02112015-self-discovery-the-party-doesnt-end-after-college
Also one from 2012: http://cmcforum.com/opinion/12042012-5-myths-about-cmcs-alcohol-culture
I graduated from CMC a few years ago and was by no means a party person or even much of a drinker in general. Yes, it happens at CMC, and yes, it is partially sanctioned by the school. Which is awesome in many ways and much safer than the alternative. However, I never felt left out if I chose not to go out. In fact, after freshman year, people tend to branch out and make friends on other campuses, go camping for the weekend, or generally have other social opportunities going on. I actually lived in the dry dorm on campus as well and really enjoyed that quiet environment. I wouldn’t let that reputation keep you from applying - it is an amazing school!
I am a recent graduate - the party scene has definitely dropped off in recent years as the administration has taken a much stricter stance on social activities. The thursday night parties are mostly dominated by freshman now, while saturday night parties are still frequented by most people from all 5Cs. It is important to understand that due to the nature of the consortium, there is never a shortage of events to attend and things to do. If you’re into partying, you could probably drink yourself into a stupor 5-6 nights a week and find people to do it with you. However, you can also attend poetry readings, dinners with professors or at the athenaeum, lectures by distinguished speakers etc. I got into ballroom dancing my sophomore year and started salsa dancing every other friday, and swing dancing on Saturdays. The diverse nature of the 5cs allows all of this to happen; there were probably hundreds of clubs and events that I didn’t get to go to or even hear about.
check out some students quotes and the feeling of the school and neighborhood of the Claremot Colleges at http://www.daytripper365.com/collegetrips/2015/8/2/claremont-university-consortium