I realize they are very different schools, but I have the opportunity to possibly play a varsity sport at both schools and I’m having a hard time deciding. Cost would most likely be the same. I am from the North east but I’ve always liked California even though traveling would be harder. I like the size of Wash U but I have heard the claremont schools feel like a bigger school because resources and classes are shared between the 5 schools. Any input on these schools in general would be helpful, or specifically about their sports programs/athletic culture? Thanks!
(I’m posting in both threads, but any info on one/both schools would be great.)
I messaged you. Hope that helps!
Do you want your school to be “bigger”? Personally, I think WashU’s size is just about right. I definitely don’t want it to be any bigger.
In terms or resources, the claremont schools are definitely great for being liberal arts, but I don’t think they can be compared to a major research institution like WashU (its endowment is 2 or 3 times of the claremonts combined). One of my favorite things about WashU is that you are your own limit, anything else the school can provide as long as you want it.
Now, since you specifically asked about sports, WashU is definitely not sporty haha. I like it personally, but very few people care about football here, and the popular sports stars from high school are virtually nonexistent here. Now, what we do have are fun intramural sports, where you can make a team with buddies and compete in futsal, basketball, etc. So, if you like to play sports for fun, definitely come. Otherwise, our varsity teams are really good too (just that they aren’t very publicized), ranked at the top of D3 schools.
Will you be able to visit? My daughter is at WashU and we live about 45 mins from CM. The locations and weather are so different - MidWest, green, and close to urban areas vs Southern CA. My daughter loves WashU - she is having a wonderful experience and loves the friendliness and collaborativeness of the students. You have two great choices - good luck.
What? WashU is also much, much larger. Claremont McKenna’s endowment per student is comparable to WashU’s (both around $500,000-600,000), so financially, graduates at both schools will find similar opportunities for funding and such.
Liberal art colleges and universities can absolutely be compared. StartClass, which pairs these colleges together by considering a lot of factors, rates WashU #27 and CMC #29, so they’re institutions of comparable caliber. Most of CMC’s cross-applicants are not other LACs, but top universities, given CMC’s more pre-professional focus.
The combined Claremont Colleges are slightly smaller than WashU. But you’re really not losing much. You’ll take some 30-40 courses in your four years, so the Claremont Colleges, with 2200 courses, will provide you far more than enough. These aren’t just any ordinary colleges either- all are ranked in the top 35 LAC by US News. The social life is rich thanks to all five colleges (over 7000+ events), as are the number of student organizations (250+) and dining halls (7).
Important to note, however, is that you will be primarily a Claremont McKenna student. The school has a distinct vibe. Economics and government are heavily emphasized by the school, and most students are pre-professional. WashU has a more balanced atmosphere. Consider which school will be a better fit for you.
Classes are smaller at CMC. 84% are under 20, compared to 63% at WashU; only 1% of classes are over 50, compared to 10% of courses at WashU. Professor accessibility and a tight-knit community is a highlight of liberal art colleges like CMC’s. Both schools draw super satisfied students and are highly regarded by Princeton Review’s various rankings. Retention rate is the same at both. By its sheer size and reputation among universities, WashU is more well known to the general public audience than Claremont McKenna, but in certain circles and on the West Coast, CMC is regarded as elite.
To me, SoCal/LA is a much more desirable location by both weather and offerings than St. Louis, however, WashU is only 8 miles away from Downtown St. Louis compared to 35 miles for Claremont to Downtown LA. The location is urban compared to CMC’s suburban.
WashU and CMS (CMC’s athletics programs) are both regarded in the top 15 of DIII programs. WashU ranks higher (I think they were actually #1 out of all DIII programs), offers more sports, and probably recruits more competitively.
Personally, if I had a choice, and it came down to these two, I would go to WashU. But that’s because CMC doesn’t fit me culturally at all, and not really indicative of WashU being objectively “better”.
@nostalgicwisdom I guess we can agree to disagree.
CMC leans more conservative politically. That could be a pro or a con, depending on your viewpoint.
I chose WashU over CMC
If you plan to play a varsity sport, you should really check the culture of the team. I know of one top LAC where most of the freshmen recruits are leaving after one year as they do not like their experience. As the parent of an athlete, the team occupies so much of your time, it can make or break your experience.
Are most of the freshmen recruits leaving CMS or WashU after one year?