<p>Here are just a few questions i was wondering about, I'm in highschool and currently researching colleges before i start applying... </p>
<p>How do you like Claremont McKenna ?
What is the best/ worst part about going there?
What programs are you involved in or recommend?
What kinds of things are there to do our the city and campus?
How are the professors and class environments?</p>
<p>Katie, you ask a tough question. Your question requires you to do more research on the CMC website. I would recommend you check out the students section of the CMC website and look at some of the programs offered and surf around the student websites to see what is popular, what events are occurring on campus, what is the news- the school gossip- etc. That would give you a closer idea of the life @ Cmc. However, since you asked the question, I will give you a personal answer. </p>
<p>How do you like Claremont McKenna?
I love it. I made the best choice for me. I placed myself in a social & academic environment that I thrive in. CMC, and all the 5colleges, are stereotyped. You may have heard of some of the CMC stereotypes and they are true enough to be examined. I fit in at CMC because I am driven, focused… It takes a certain type of student to go to CMC. Not everyone fits in here. But that said, I can only think of one person who is transferring because CMC is too far from home for her. </p>
<p>What is the best/ worst part about going there?
Again, tough question. The best part is that it is small. The worst part is that it is small. Before coming to CMC, you need to decide what size of school you are looking for. CMC is about 1200 students. Yes, that’s small. The best part of that is your classes are small, you feel comfortable in the social environment because you recognize most people there, you know your professors... And probably one of the greatest parts of CMC is role in the consortium. There are four other schools around us with more people! Our social network at CMC is 5000. That is a lot of people. But if you are looking at a UC or public school, you’re looking at a school with 20,000 students. There is a huge difference in the campus atmosphere deriving from the difference in student population. It is possible, though I have not felt it in its entirety, to feel as if the campus life is small. That is where the city plays a big part… Also, the best part of CMC is that the administration and board of trustees hold the philosophy of “students first”. They school is investing in our future. The school will do anything to make sure we get the most out of our time at CMC. They care about the students.</p>
<p>What programs are you involved in or recommend?
I would suggest surfing the CMC website and research clubs and organizations that interest you. What I am interested in may be completely different that what you’re interested in. Also, check out the sequences, jobs on campus, social activities that are part and separate from ASCMC (our student government)</p>
<p>What kinds of things are there to do our the city and campus?
You are in Los Angeles, California. Anything the city has to offer, you can do! Either you or someone you know will have a car. We call it the 45min rule. Within 45 minutes of the school you can do anything: Skiing, surfing, hiking, gambling, eating in the finest restaurants, Broadway musicals, concerts, night clubs, bars, political events… anything. However, most kids stay on campus because there are enough events and things to do that there seems to be a lack of time to leave campus. But it depends on what kind of student you are. </p>
<p>How are the professors and class environments?
We are an academically rigorous school. You will be pushed academically. It is not easy. The professors are there to teach. They want to teach you. They are your friends and at times your enemy. But that is what college is for- study hard play hard. Professors invite students over for dinner at their houses and eat lunch with students in the dining hall. Some professors give out their home numbers in case you have an important question.</p>
<p>But the best thing about CMC is how competitive students are with themselves. CMC students are personal motivators. It seems that I compete only with myself to get a better grade. The cutthroat competition at some other schools just doesn’t exist at CMC. Nobody is checking out library books so other students won’t be able to check them out. Nobody is ripping out pages or refusing to share notes if a student was sick for a day. I’ve been in study sessions for final exams with nearly every student in the class there. Students work together. There is academic pressure but not between students.</p>
<p>Whew. Can you tell it's summer and I have a little more time on my hands?</p>
<p>Thanks so much! Yeah i researched a lot about the school but its different hearing it from a primary source. I live in Arcadia, CA which ironically probably 45 mins to an hour away, again thank you for spending time to answer my questions.</p>