Urgent: Scripps v. Wellesley

Colleges and Universities A-Z Scripps College
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<p>Hello!
I was wondering if anyone could help me with a predicament I am in with choosing colleges. I am currently torn between Scripps (of the Claremont Colleges) and Wellesley. In short one school has the lifestyle, sense of home, and consortium that I strongly desire (Scripps) and one school has the renown, the incredible academics, and the life-long connections that I need (Wellesley).</p>

<p>Allow me to brief you. I plan on majoring in English, Creative Writing, or Film and Media Studies. I am also very interested in traditional photography. I visited both schools. I fell in love with Scripp’s location, its proximity to coed schools (and amazing schools in terms of academic oppurtunities), and even the food. However, I left feeling a bit disappointed with what I had heard about the fields which I am interested in going into (as in there is no real creative writing program at Scripps). When I visited Wellesley I also loved the campus (though I found it to be less soothing and home-like than Scripps) but was struck by a sense of isolation and profound stress (and everything I’ve read about Wellesley notes the extreme stress-levels (and believe me I’m no stranger to stress)). This was disheartening until…I attended a few classes. I loved them. The professors knew students names, discussions were lively, and the material was fascinating. (Admittedly, I only got to attend one class at Scripps and it was not in my intended area). </p>

<p>I am at a loss and I sincerely hope that someone can help me. What do you know about Scripps English and classes? What can I do for creative writing? How is the film and media program?
I feel as though by choosing between these schools I am choosing between quality of life and academics.
Help would be greatly appreciated, even at this, the nth hour (I have to choose by tomorrow evening!)
Thank you!</p>

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<p>I visited my friend at Wellesley over Spring Break, along with 3 other friends at 3 other schools (Clark, Brandeis, and Harvard). Wellesley was the only place I could’ve imagined myself going to. I personally felt that in both quality of life and in academics the Scripps and Wellesley were equal. </p>

<p>Now, honestly, I didn’t go to any of the classes at Wellesley. But considering the work that my friend and her friends were doing I felt that the academics were equal. Though, to me it seemed the Claremont Colleges might have a less conservative curriculum, which is something I like. </p>

<p>As far as Media Studies goes, The Claremont Colleges have on of the very best media programs in the country. It is definitely much more prestigious than the media studies programs at Wellesley, and because of our proximity to LA it is very easy to make connections in the media industry. I have a friend who is about to graduate as a Media Studies major. He was able to intern at Verizon between his sophmore and junior years and he has about 10 job opportunities (including a high-paying job at Verizon) to choose from as he graduates. He has decided to go with a non-profit instead, because Scripps, Pitzer, and Pomona generally advise against becoming a corporate whore (though CMC and Harvey Mudd are another story…).</p>

<p>For creative writing, you have a decent number of options. We are offering 7 creative writing courses next semester, and Scripps hires at least one working novelist every semester as the Mary Routt Writing Chair. This year we have Bernard Cooper as a writing professor. Here’s some info about him: [Bernard</a> Cooper ★ Steven Barclay Agency](<a href=“http://www.barclayagency.com/cooper.html]Bernard”>http://www.barclayagency.com/cooper.html)</p>

<p>I know Wellesley has a very well respected English department. Whether ours is as distinguished, I do not know. I am a Creative Studies Major, which is basically an Literature, Writing, Media, Art History, Theatre, and Music major all in one. So, I’ve taken a decent number of literature and media courses. I really love the department. It’s really easy to take whichever class you like and forgo prerequisites. At this very moment I’m writing my final paper for a class called “Ritual and Magic in Children’s Literature”. This is one of the most amazing classes I’ve ever taken. It’s incredibly challenging and astoundingly interesting. </p>

<p>As far as quality of living goes, I personally like Scripps’ quality of living better, but Wellesley has really nice dorms and food as well. Their campus is also much bigger and has a lake, which is cool. Of course Scripps has a much more unique and unified architectural theme, which gives it a lot of character. Also Scripps’ consortium works much better.</p>

<p>When this time came around for me last year, I had to choose between Brandeis and Scripps. Being the East Coast daughter of a New York Jew, I thought that Brandeis was much more prestigious, but I liked the feel of Scripps better. My mom and I immediately flew up to Boston and met with an admissions officer. He had gone to Pomona for his undergrad, and when he heard I was choosing between Scripps and Brandeis, he looked at me and said, “They’re really similar the two. Both have great professors and smart and interesting students. Don’t worry, either school would make a great home for you…But choose Brandeis!”</p>

<p>So, I’m going to give you the same advice. Scripps and Wellesley are very similar in many ways. They are both great schools with great students and great professors. They both have beautiful campuses and delicious dining halls. Either school with give you a great education with many choices after you graduate. Don’t worry, you can’t make a wrong decision…But choose Scripps!!!</p>

<p>P.S. I’ve never taken a class where the professor doesn’t know all of the students’ names. The classes here are very small and intimate and I’ve found the professor to be very approachable (even when your super nervous to talk to them because of their brilliance).</p>

<p>If you need to ask me anymore questions, my email is: <a href="mailto:tigerlillymelody@hotmail.com">tigerlillymelody@hotmail.com</a>. It’s finals week, so I will probably be up most of the night and will be able to respond promptly.</p>

3

<p>Quick call Scripps, tell them you will be attending Wellesley and that you would like to give your spot to historygirl! </p>

<p>;) JK best of luck with this wonderful decision. You can not go wrong!</p>

4

<p>I wish I had seen this earlier, as it’s too late to help you by now! But last year, I was making this same choice. I also struggled with the attractiveness of the prestige at Wellesley, but I ultimately chose Scripps because I fell in love with it when I visited. Granted, I never got to visit Wellesley, so I guess I never gave them much of a chance to woo me.
Let us know who you choose! (If you went with Wellesley we promise not to hold it against you)</p>

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<p>Historymom— I was going to post what you did!</p>

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<p>LOL Karen! You are the sweetest to think of my D! Thanks for the thought and energy!</p>

<p>OP what did you decide??</p>