Kim will be traveling all over Southern California touring and learning about some of the best universities California has to offer. Follow her here for her insights into the various colleges -- what they're like and what it takes to get in!
Claremont McKenna College
The Kravis Center
WHY IS THIS SCHOOL AWESOME?
Kim: Claremont Men's College (or CMC) was founded at the end of World War II and many of the first students at this school were war veterans. In 1976, Claremont Men's College was made coeducational and changed the name to Claremont McKenna College and still goes by CMC. When this college was founded, it's mission was (and still is) to foster an environment for leaders in government, economics and international affairs. Plus, CMC was rated 2nd in the nation for happiest students by Princeton Review!
The Office of Admissions and Financial Aid
FAVORITE SPOT ON CAMPUS?
Kim: The Living Room AKA the “Kube” which floats on a Mesabi black granite reflecting pool and is always available to the entire College community. It's gorgeous!
The Living Room
5 WORDS TO DESCRIBE CAMPUS?
Kim: MODERN, SPECIALIZED, COLLABORATIVE, DIVERSE & INNOVATIVE.
THE "TYPICAL STUDENT" IS...
Kim: Students at McKenna are driven, successful and encouraged to work together to become better leaders. Students come from all different backgrounds and have unique interests but support each other in various classes and research opportunities.
Collins Dining Hall
INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE?
Kim: This school is very internationally focused, and international affairs is one of the most popular majors on campus. CMC also offers many study abroad programs as well as international research opportunities on campus.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS/OFFERINGS APPLICANTS SHOULD CONSIDER?
Kim: About 40% of students major in either government of economics, and these are top tier programs. While the college focuses primarily on undergrads, in 2007, CMC established the Robert Day School of Economics and Finance, which offers a master's program in finance. As of 2015, there were only 20 graduate students, so the program is very individualized.
TIPS FOR THE APPLICATION PROCESS?
Kim: It's important to prepare while in high school. Not only do GPA and standardized tests matter, but McKenna is looking for students who have prior experience applying themselves. CMC is highly selective, so working hard in high school is really important!
FUN FACTS?
Kim: CMC offers an incredible program called the Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum, which hosts more than 100 dinner and lecture events with speakers each year and serves as the college's central intellectual and social hub. Students enjoy getting to know their professors at wine and cheese receptions and formal dinners preceding lectures. The Athenaeum hosts very prestigious speakers (such as Bill Clinton, Robert F Kennedy, Jr, Spike Lee...) four nights a week, and also serves daily afternoon tea in its library, featuring chocolate-covered strawberries and pastries. Afternoon tea is free to students, faculty, and staff.
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