<p>So I'm from Oregon and went to Occidental College. About midway through the year, I've decided that the fit isn't quite right (I like the classes but the weather, location and some of the people are driving me nuts), and am looking to head back to a comparable school in the Northwest this fall for the remainder of my undergrad career. I'm looking at Whitman, Lewis & Clark, University of Puget Sound and Willamette (in order from first to fourth choice). I was wondering if anyone has made one of these switches, or is considering it? My main worry is that I'm going from a well-thought-of school at Occidental and "stepping down" in prestige--though ultimately I'm more concerned about my happiness.
I'm looking for a small LAC. I'm not positive as to what I want my major to be; possibly English, some version of Foreign Languages/Lit, or potentially Sociology. I'm interested in Kinesiology/Physical Therapy, which is the main reason why UPS is on the list (and the fact that I'm hoping to play varsity soccer at any of these schools), but I'm not positive that's something I want to try to make a career out of. I want a welcoming, academically challenging school with a laid-back vibe, very outdoorsy and a place where I don't feel the need to have a car to be able to go anywhere. I also want to be able to have easy access to somewhere to run that's not along a busy road (which is what I'm finding to be the case at Oxy, given that I don't have access to a car).
I was admitted to L&C and Willamette the first go-round, and didn't apply to the other two. I received a 3.0 this semester (not super strong, but I'm working harder this semester) and graduated from a strong IB school with a 3.74 and a 31 composite ACT score and good writing skills, plus extracurriculars (sports, volunteering, work experience). I also took several IB certificates and got a 5 on the AP French test and took AP Calc senior year. Anyone care to throw out their two cents or chance me? I know that transfer data isn't the same as entering freshmen.</p>
<p>I’m not a student, but I have a son who goes to Whitman. The description you gave of the type of school you want to attend fits Whitman exactly. The academics are rigorous but the atmosphere is relaxed and the students are involved in many things on campus. Each school seems to have a personality and Whitman’s is gregarious. They have a terrific outdoor program and it’s easy to go on outdoor treks of every kind. My son has taken up rock climbing. Walla Walla is a small town but it’s really charming and the campus spills out into the Main Street. There are coffee shops, good restaurants, clothing stores and grocery stores within walking distance. For slightly longer treks my son and his friends have bikes. A lot of students don’t have cars, so much goes on at the campus that it has not been a hardship in the least. I think there are many places to run without heavy traffic. The campus itself is beautiful, I visited during the family weekend and loved the architecture and landscape. If you get a chance you should try and visit, you’ll know right away if you like it, at least my son did. </p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Occidental and Whitman are often considered comparable, probably more so than any of the other schools on your list. However, you are mistaken that Whitman is a step down. If you compare stats of admitted freshmen, Whitman has twice as many with GPA’s of 3.75 and above, and higher SAT scores across the board. Both have high retention rates and similar admission rates. As Bopambo said, it does sound like what you’re looking for. Lewis and Clark is also lovely, but a different vibe.</p>
<p>Whitman sounds like a god choice for you. The only thing to keep in mind is that none of these schools meets need as Oxy does, so hopefully you’re not counting on financial aid.</p>
<p>OK, so you hate Socal weather and yearn for PNW weather? That’s a first for me!</p>
<p>Haha, I do like the weather here; I just prefer seasons. I love the rain and the cold, and I always feel that I appreciate warm summer months vastly more when I’ve been through the fall, winter and spring.
Anyway, thank you all for your input. Currently Whitman is my #1 choice, with L&C following fairly close behind. UPS is dropping further in my rankings, for a number of reasons, and so I think Willamette is my choice #3. Does anyone have any thoughts about a transfer to L&C, or to Willamette, given my prior information?</p>