Claremont McKenna: The Big Picture
I love Claremont the village-- great shops, restaurants, a cute theater with independent and lesser-known films-- and all within walking distance. Great place for a romantic date or a shopping spree (though you will probably end up spending a lot, it's southern California).
The 5 college consortium is absolutely amazing and so unique. Yes, you go to a school with a bit over 1100 students and a very pre-professional focus, but you have the resources of a larger liberal arts school.There are so many benefits to the cooperation between schools, like more class offerings (but still intimate, discussion-based classes), more research opportunities, more club/extracurricular options, and interesting social events which vary between each campus.
Claremont McKenna Academic Life
All of my professors know my name within the first week of classes. I have had classes of 6 people, a few with 8, a handful with 15, and my largest two have been about 23 students. Definitely forces you to stay on task and actually go to class and participate!
Claremont students will debate you in any topic, everyone here is very opinionated.
The atmosphere here is extremely cooperative-- many classes even have group presentations, papers, problem sets, etc. as a large component of the class grade. I have never been asked what my GPA is or what I received on a test... definitely something unique among schools of such high caliber students.
CMC's approach to education is very pragmatic and practical. Many students classify CMC as pre-professional as students go on to earn graduate degrees or work in the professional realm. Some of the main paths students take after graduation include consulting, investment banking, graduate school for medicine or law, business school, or teaching.
Claremont McKenna's Student Body
Though CMC is located in southern California, students generally go to class in jeans and t-shirts, none of the high-heel and miniskirt culture you see at other schools nearby.
Political activism is huge on campus and the student body itself is very diverse in terms of political beliefs. Makes for great classroom discussion and debates!
Claremont McKenna Student Activities + Social Life
The campus itself is extremely safe-- everyone leaves their doors unlocked.
0 fraternities and sororities.
Saturdays here generally involve some sort of large 5 college party, such as a huge dance party outside under the stars or an afternoon BBQ in your bikini. Some of the other campuses might have live student bands or competitions.
Claremont McKenna Naked Truth
