<p>My son is intrigued by Pitzer's small size and interdisciplinary approach, as well as its access to the other Claremont schools. However, we were unable to visit and do not know all that much about the college. His other options are all in New England (we live in Europe) and Southern California is a big gamble for us. I'd love to hear from some current students and parents about what you love (or don't love) about Pitzer.</p>
<p>Try posting your question on Pitzer Facebook groups. I don’t think that many current students or alumni look at CC.</p>
<p>Hey there, </p>
<p>Id be happy to give a quick characterization for you: Southern California is a great place to go to school. Im originally from the east coast, so it was a major shift, but its amazing to be in such a dynamic and diverse environment. </p>
<p>Instead of writing some long diatribe, Ill just some up some whys and why nots:</p>
<p>Why Pitzer?
-Small size
-Engaging professors who will put effort into getting to know you
-Progressive
-Quirky
-The Claremont Colleges Consortium
-Loose curriculum
-Flexible</p>
<p>Why not?
-Extremely young school, very untraditional college experience.
-Lack of some major resources that large universities have.
-Expensive.
-Lacks name recognition.</p>
<p>If you want me to go in-depth on anything, let me know!</p>
<p>Thanks very much, Erdnase. Our sensibilities are pretty East Coast/European so it’s nice have your positive feedback. What major resources do you feel are lacking at Pitzer? And just how quirky is quirky? My son is not interested in the traditional frat party and football games sort of college, but he’s more practical than “artsy”. Do you feel the advising system is genuinely supportive and helpful?</p>
<p>I guess it is not that we lack major resources, we just do everything on a smaller scale: you won’t find massive gymnasiums or stadiums in Claremont. The buildings are not giant edifices. That is more in comparison to larger universities I’ve visited. Just to put it in perspective, the entire campus is only 35 acres and the overall Claremont campuses only consist of 1 square mile. </p>
<p>Quirky depends on where you look; there are certainly students who fit the “hippie” stereotype at Pitzer, but not all (I certainly do not fill that description). I would say that students have pretty unique passions, which deserve the quirky label from time to time, such as the students currently (and passionately) planning a queer burlesque show. That is an extreme, but these experiences exist. </p>
<p>In terms of focusing on the “practical,” that is, in part, the beauty of the Pitzer experience. Some students you meet will be majoring in the most curious of fields, while others will be very focused on getting a finance job. Everyone is, however, centrally interested in learning and doing well. </p>
<p>As for advising, it is a point of contention. Your first adviser will be randomly assigned and could be a professor from any field. Therefore, the experience varies; in mine, the more you put into the adviser the more help they give. Others had horrible experiences. You are allowed to change/add advisers at any time, and are required to add an adviser in your field to declare your major, so this helps. The support you receive will also depend on how much effort you put in (meetings, checking in, etc) and how well you get along with the professor. Advising does not have to be formal, as there are many faculty members that I ask for advice even though they are not my “official” advisers. A wealth of experience is available to those who seek it. </p>
<p>Sorry if this rambles slightly, and do ask for clarification if you need.</p>