Pitzer International Relations Major

Very politically engaged, sustainability enthusiasts, outdoorsy, enjoy smoking pot, non-confrontational, slackers, stoners, overly idealistic, excited about green living, Hippies, activists.

Yes, for the most part. There are a fair amount of "stoners" on campus but the vast majority of kids who smoke pot do so occasionally, and usually not at the expense of their schoolwork. There are alot of kids that don't smoke pot at all. Pitzer kids can be overly idealistic because they want the world to function in a perfectly harmonious way but many of them come from very wealthy backgrounds that haven't given them the chance to see that some of their ideas about the world and humanity aren't very realistic. BUT those are only extreme cases. Most Pitzer kids love the earth, respect each others differences, and just enjoy being in an environment where people are generally aware socially, politically, and environmentally. Its truly an amazing environment.

Pitzer is wonderful! It's a part of the 5-College consortium in Claremont so you can take classes at 4 other outstanding colleges. It is a small school amidst five other small schools but as a whole, the Claremont Colleges acts like a larger school and gives you the social and academic resources of a much larger institution. Pitzer has alot of outdoor programs for kids to go camping, climbing, hiking, kayaking, surfing, and just about anything outside. There is a big push for sustainable and eco-sensitive living at Pitzer which is really exciting. Kids like to hang out on the mounds which is a central strip of large grassy knolls that are in the middle of campus. There is also The Grove House which is an old house that was relocated to Pitzer from an Orange Grove nearby. Pitzer's classes are mainly centered on in-class work and discussion which means that you are always engaged during class time. The professors are really exciting! More comprehensive class time also means LESS work outside of class, so there isn't a whole lot of homework compared to the other 5 claremont colleges.
When I tell people I go to Pitzer College I get two responses: The people that have heard of pitzer KNOW that it is a really great and selective school and are usually impressed that I go there. The next question they ask is about the 5 college consortium experience. The other response is a blank stare, which is from people that haven't heard of the college and don't know where Claremont California is. I usually get more of the first response!
Pitzer's administration is VERY good and very helpful. I've never had a problem with anything. They were even willing to help me get something I left in my room while the dorms were closed during winter break. Pitzer kids have alot of pride for their school but they generally don't mix with students from the other 4 claremont colleges very much. Usually its with Pomona students becasue Pitzer and Pomona share a sports team. Pitzer doesn't have a huge endowment because its so new, so Pitzer is working on getting more money. Oh, the President, Laura Skandera Trombley is DOPE! She's a mark twain scholar, a woman, has red hair, loves Pitzer's spirit of political action and sustainability, and she's help Pitzer climb the ranks of liberal arts colleges nationally.