Questions about Pitzer and the 5'C's

<p>I have a couple of questions for current Pitzer students. </p>

<p>Are Pitzer students elect a joint major (Science, Religious studies) limited in the number of courses they take at other campuses during first semester of Freshman year?</p>

<p>Do Professors at other colleges write letters of recommendation for Pitzer students applying for graduate school if the student is not in a joint college major? </p>

<p>Do friendship circles typically stay within a single college, or do Pitzer students regularly socialize with those on other campuses?</p>

<p>Is there more drug use at Pitzer than the other Claremont Colleges?</p>

<p>-if you have a good reason for taking a class off campus during the first year, you can do it.</p>

<p>-to my knowledge, yes- grad schools understand the 5C consortium</p>

<p>-most of the time they stay within a college, but may especially branch out due to 5C clubs (especially religious/cultural) or sports teams</p>

<p>-probably slightly more pot use, probably ranks in the middle in terms of alcohol use (above Scripps, below CMC)</p>

<p>[please keep in mind these answers are based on my personal experience and knowledge]</p>

<p>Hi, how is the air quality in Claremont? What is the surrounding area like...suburbia, strip malls, any villages? Green areas or concrete jungle?!</p>

<p>air quality is not exactly claremont's strong suit, but for a non-asthmatic the air quality is a problem for maybe 1-2 days every semester. since we're by the mountains, we tend to gauge air quality by how well we can see mt. baldy that day. sometimes it's clear and beautiful and people whip out their cellphones and digital cameras to take pictures of the beautiful landscape behind us, other days you literally can't see anything higher than the buildings.
the surrounding areas is funny- the full city of claremont has a ton of parks, greenery, trees- very family friendly. downtown claremont is a cute little village area, with maybe 15? square blocks of shops, boutiques, restaurants, town necessities. we recently got a movie theater and some trendier, more upscale shops and restaurants as the "village expansion" which was big news for claremont, google it for more info.
outside claremont in most directions is strip mall mecca with every type of chain you've ever heard of in your life, but also with actually some very nice traditional shopping centers around too, like victoria gardens in rancho cucamonga and the montclair plaza.
PLUS: LA's about an hour away on the 10 or the 210. so we've got a little bit of everything, in good measure.</p>

<p>I'm REALLY tired, so sorry if the above text is gibberish.</p>

<p>cantsaythatido,
can you tell me about upper class housing? It is an issue or not? I have heard some kids have to live off campus. If so what are options and are rents insane?
Thanks!</p>

<p>cantsaythatido,
can you tell me about upper class housing? It is an issue or not? I have heard some kids have to live off campus. If so what are options and are rents insane?
Thanks!</p>

<p>Hi radannie,</p>

<p>Upper class housing isn't a problem at all. Most juniors and seniors can get singles on campus if they want them.
Some people wouldn't live off campus if you paid them a million bucks (I'm one of those, I love living at the 5C's), and some people move off campus as soon as they can, during their second year.</p>

<p>People live off campus because they choose to; there are a ton of very close off-campus houses and apartment options that are very tempting because they let people have more freedom/autonomy.</p>

<p>Surprisingly, to live off campus is MUCH, MUCH, cheaper than to live on campus. </p>

<p>Also, if you're crunching the numbers and it seems like Pitzer has way fewer on-campus beds than students, don't forget that almost every junior studies abroad, which frees up new spaces every single semester.</p>

<p>Actually, you can see the smog as you drive in that direction. The schools that are the worst in terms of smog are UC-Riverside and the Claremont Colleges. All other known schools in Southern California have better air quality. I don't think schools want to advertise their smog problems. Most of the year, the smog will be really bad compared to Los Angeles or Orange County or San Diego. It was terrible but typical in Claremont, yesterday, and it's April. If you are at all concerned about your lungs, this is a factor where you should consult your doctor.</p>

<p>I think that when people live under a gray filter, they often get used to it and stop seeing it.</p>

<p>That's the downside of the area. </p>

<p>The city is relatively affluent, ultra-conservative, but safe if you stay in the area of the school. One of the student written college books mentioned racial and sexual problems at Pomona. I haven't heard of anything bad happening at Pitzer. It's the more laid-back university in the group.</p>

<p>I have my interview coming up for Pitzer in SF and I was wondering if it’s wise to bring my resume. </p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>I wouldn’t. The interview (at least my experience) was more of a conversation. Just be yourself.</p>

<p>No need to bring a resume; if you attached it or sent it in as part of your application, that’s fine. I agree, from my interview, it was more of a conversation than a “grilling”</p>