<p>Take caution, this is a rather long post, but it was the only way I could only convey everything I wanted to ask. I promise I won't ask questions typical of this forum, like if 39 leadership positions in ECs is enough, or if CMC is a good pathway to a prestigious MBA program.</p>
<p>Like most people here I am interested in CMC because it appears to have a pleasant balance between academic and vocational experiences. I like the prospect of receiving a liberal arts education, thinking on a higher level, and practically applying that to the real world. However, it appears that those circumstances welcome hordes of I-banking bros who are majoring in econ because it's a gateway to business. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a lot of them applied to CMC for the same reasons as me. But I can't help thinking that this mentality really pervades college life at CMC. Whenever I'm curious about social life at the 5Cs I look on the other message boards for Pomona or Pitzer and most times when CMC is mentioned I read about the vibrant bro culture it has. Maybe those students haven't given CMC kids a chance, and they see gelled hair or a pastel polo shirt and automatically think of alpha males, stockholders in Natty Light, and meathead athletes who live to hit on any hot pieces of ass that cross their path. </p>
<p>Is this the type of "Bro" to which the CMC detractors refer? I bet a lot of people would consider me a bro, too, but am I the kind that would fit in with the majority of my schoolmates at CMC? I enjoy watching football--but also discussing the finer points of athletic skill and strategy. Sometimes, not every single night, I like to relax with friends and drink, with a purpose of actually getting drunk--but while we get there I won't mind collectively appreciating the gastronomic intricacies of a cheap sour mash whiskey. With some free time I'd like to pass around a bong and listen to music--but I want to play something good, like David Bowie or Bob Dylan, not the latest Nickelback LP. I want to major in economics like a lot of other people--but because I think it's a fascinating subject and want to explore it in the classroom through in-depth discussion, as well as on Wall Street through being a part of its practical applications. If we're going to do something in LA I want to see a local music show or an independent film, not the big UFC match. And I own a lot of polo shirts, and sometimes I pop my collar--but it's because I'm joking around with friends about how ridiculous it is that there are people who actually consider doing this to be fashionable. </p>
<p>That's how I'm a bro. So is CMC a blend of sophistication and bro-ness as much as it is liberal arts and vocational prep? I can't tell that off of an admissions website, so you tell me.</p>
<p>D says you will be fine at Claremont. She told me she was just having this conversation about her younger brother with a Pomona friend and they came to the conclusion that he also is not a true “Bro” or whatever the Pomona stereotype is either. What she said is, he has friends that are both types, (like she did in HS as well) so fitting in should not be a problem.</p>
<p>D now has friends at all of the 5Cs. Sounds like you likely would have friends on the other campuses too.(Some of your references made me think Pomona-are you applying there?) Friendships tend to develop around interests. I think that is one of the major selling points of the consortium.</p>
<p>Current student here.
Honestly, you should never listen to stereotypes about schools, especially about the Claremont Colleges. Yes, we all have our stereotypes, but they are NOT pervasive to the degree that people will try to tell you. Yes, we have ‘bros’ here. But the difference between the traditional bro and the CMC bro is that our ‘bros’ aren’t unidimensional. Honestly, I don’t think guys here are much different from college guys anywhere. We’re a work hard play hard school and it shows, and I think that’s where our ‘bro’ stereotype comes from.
Don’t let it deter you from the school because this place is absolutely wonderful and exceeded any and all expectations.</p>
<p>Because of CMC’s reputation for econ, it does attract some competitive future investment banker types. But generally speaking, most people at CMC are pretty sharp, so it’s not like these people are dumb jocks-- they’re perfectly capable of carrying on an interesting conversation. Personally, I’ve found that I don’t really have much in common with people whose main goal in life is just earning piles of money, but it’s fairly easy to find people who don’t fit that stereotype (I’d say 70% or more of the student body is not like that at all). A more defining characteristic of CMCers I think is that they’re very politically aware. I had plenty of late night dorm room discussions about politics, world events, legal issues, etc. I think people at most other schools are not nearly as informed or passionate about politics/policy. </p>
<p>I recently graduated from CMC, and I don’t think in my four years there I ever knew anybody who liked Nickelback or UFC. I knew maybe one guy who ever popped his collar (although I think of that as more preppy than broish).</p>