Jonathan

People stereotype Pitzer students as very liberal hippies. Being founded in the 60s, Pitzer definitely rode on this hippie wave, but it's definitely changed. Students, for the most part, are pretty liberal, but the campus is becoming more intellectually diverse.

There are certainly still students who fit the stereotype, but as Pitzer's institutional values become more mainstream, the student body does not fit the stereotype today. Even the most laid back of us are still passionate about our studies.

One of the big draws for me to come to Pitzer was that it has a nice mix of a university and liberal arts college feel. When I was looking at colleges in high school, I was in a constant struggle of trying to decide between large universities, which had fantastic resources but were rather impersonal, and small colleges, which offer a great learning environment but can feel a bit isolating.

Pitzer gives you the best of both worlds. Although the campus only has 1000 students, The Claremont Colleges as a whole have over 5000, so there are tons of people to meet, parties to go to, and events to take part in. It's a pretty awesome environment.

Pitzer's general education requirements are limited. It's very easy to go through Pitzer and finish in four years, no problem. Out of the 32 courses which are required to graduate, only 7 of them are general education requirements, and the gen ed. courses can often count towards your major.

This means that you have a great deal of flexibility with your courses, which can be both good and bad. Your education will be as good and as interesting as you make it. It may take a bit more planning to do a traditionally well-rounded liberal arts college experience, but that same planning could also go into creating an amazing self-designed major.

Honestly, to quote our former dean of admission, "it's your education, and you will be in charge of it."

Pitzer students are focused on success, but not in the sense of trying to make the most money or get the best jobs. Most students I talk to have big aspirations, many to change the world. Therefore, their goal is to make a difference, whether that be through the non-profit or government sector or through success in the business world. I think one thing that shifts the conversation away from salary is the way in which being at Pitzer helps to develop your conscience. Students aren't just interesting in making money; they want to do it in a socially responsible way.

Pitzer clubs are always shifting. They always change from year to year, based on the student interests. Some clubs are consistent, such as the ever-popular Pitzer Outdoor Adventures, a club which funds outdoor-oriented trips around the region or the Green Bike Program, a bike shop collective which promotes cycling culture and fixes/provides bikes to students.

Other clubs are more unique, such as a club founded last year which was based around making kombucha, a non-alcoholic fermented health beverage. Whatever your interest, you can find it at Pitzer. If not here, there are great five college (5C) clubs as well, which are a nice way to meet other students and further your interests.

The only thing you won't find is greek life. We are definitely not into the whole frat lifestyle. Sports aren't as popular a culture either, although there are definitely talented athletes.

My classes have generally been around 15 to 30 people. Professors generally care quite a bit about teaching, but it is fairly inconsistent. The intensity of courses also completely depends on the class; some are fairly easy, but don't let Pitzer's stereotype get you; there are VERY serious and very intense classes here.

Classes are mostly discussion based, and professors are not afraid to randomly call on you in class. You can't hide; you have to be prepared for class, and you have to show up. Not a good school for you if you want to skip or passively attend class.

Sports aren't too popular at Pitzer. There are some amazing athletes in a number of sports, but considering that we share our sports teams with Pomona College, the spirit is a little lower. Additionally, Pitzer just doesn't really have a macho culture. Division III athletics just don't really translate the same way as the big show of DI. I'm pretty sure more people went to my high school football games than the ones at Pitzer.