Hi all! I’m trying to choose between Willamette and Lewis and Clark.
Financial aid for both has already been set, so those are not an issue.
Here’s some information about me:
I am a psych major who loves music and is interested in playing intramural sports. I am moderately left on the political spectrum, but not radically. I am quite shy and am looking primarily at the social aspects. I understand both institutions have great academics, but I am worried about cliques.
For those who go to these schools, do you believe cliques are prevalent on your campus? Do you feel welcome? Or are the students and faculty more of the “elitist” types?
Let me know. Thanks everyone and have a great day!
I can speak to L&C based on my D’s experience. There are, of course, some cliques but most students are open and you’ll be able to find your people. She found the faculty to be very supportive and available. She still speaks with her former advisor 5 years later.
Were you able to go visit both? Those were my daughter’s top 2 as well. She’s a psych major at Willamette, also kind of shy. She’s been very happy there. As a parent I was really impressed with their Freshman orientation process. You’ll be in a group of 15 kids right from day 1 who do orientation activities together and take the freshman seminar class together. My daughter’s first friends at school were from that group… they were really tight for a few months. Over time people started making friends through other channels… sports teams, class, etc, but her best friend there is still someone she met that first day.
If you can visit both before deciding, you’ll get a better idea of the slight differences between them, I think. Both are good schools and I think you’ll find your people at either.