Westmont or PLNU

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hi everyone, I'm a senior in high school and have just been accepted to both of these schools. I want to be in the Caifornia area and definitely near the beach. I'm interested in both Marine Biology and Music for majors, and from what I can see these would both be great choices for them. </p>

<p>My questions would be towards living on the campus. I really liked the idea of being right on the beach at PLNU, and right outside San Diego as well. I'm not sure if there's a lot to do in Santa Barbara as there is San Diego. Also the size of Westmont, 1,300 or so, is a little concerning to me. I would like a smaller school but I'm not sure if this is too small. </p>

<p>Any opinions of each school would be great and helpful! Also do either of these schools have a curfew?</p>

<p>Thanks! </p>

2

<p>Congratulations on your acceptances to two great schools! Both are beautiful, with great students and academics.</p>

<p>If you are drawn to larger cities, you are probably right that there is less to do in Santa Barbara, though there is certainly still lots to do! Students at Westmont are not bored. </p>

<p>I have known students at both schools, and all students except one were very happy. The one was a young man who thought Westmont was too small. He had an especially difficult time after breaking up with a girlfriend who was also a student at Westmont. The school was so small that it seemed everyone took sides - with most of them taking her side against him - and he felt somewhat trapped. He transferred to a larger school and is much happier. </p>

3

<p>Thanks or the reply! That is a good point about dating, It probably makes it where you have to be serious about someone I date them. </p>

<p>Any other opinions that people have? Does anyone find these schools to be judgemental or close-minded?</p>

<p>Also I’m just interested in knowing if there’s a curfew at PLNU. </p>

4

<p>Hi collegekid144, </p>

<p>My son has been accepted at both schools, and so your question is very relevant for us as well. Both schools have much to offer, and so you can’t go wrong either way. Overall, Westmont seems to us academically stronger and more serious, though I know your question has to do with the residential community.</p>

<p>Both schools are located in fabulous residential areas: Westmont is in Montecito, a world-class (literally) estate-oriented suburb just east of Santa Barbara and about 1-2 miles above the Pacific Ocean (with great views of ocean and mountains), and PLNU is in Point Loma, one of the premier residential suburbs of San Diego; moreover, its campus is right on the beach, with wonderful surfing and water sports literally on your doorstep. Though PLNU is numerically larger, many of its students are graduate students or living off campus; in fact, about 1600 students reside on campus, v. about 1200 at Westmont. There is undoubtedly more to do in San Diego than Santa Barbara (though plenty to do in both places), and if you are drawn to urban areas (and activities) more than an outdoor-oriented lifestyle, San Diego might be a better choice (though PLNU is about 7 miles from downtown San Diego). </p>

<p>I think the dating example mentioned above could potentially occur at either school, or at any equivalent college. </p>

<p>Two suggestions: first, visit both campuses and stay overnight with students. Do think of questions to ask before arriving, but be sure to just take in the experience and see if you can imagine yourself living and studying there for the next four years. Second, investigate the faculty in the areas you want to study: where did they study, and what is the nature of their research? Try to meet with them when you visit, or (if you can’t visit), send them an email message introducing yourself and asking about their programs in marine biology and music. </p>

<p>Again, either school will provide a great education, so you are in a very good position. </p>

<p>With every blessing and good wish, </p>

<p>Birdhow</p>