This week is NACAC week (that’s the National Association for College Admission Counseling), and this year’s conference is being held in Los Angeles, CA!
Yesterday, I visited UCLA. Today, we’re seeing a whole different side of LA with my fifth and final visit…
Occidental College!
Affectionately known as Oxy, Occidental College is where President Barack Obama got his start before transferring to Columbia University.
The gate to Oxy’s track and field is a work of art!
WHY IS THIS SCHOOL AWESOME?
Olivia: It’s not surprising that a former Oxy student became President because the college is most well known for its programs in Economics and Diplomacy & Global Affairs. With strong ties to political campaigns and the United Nations, as well as deep connections in LA’s biggest industries, Oxy really offers the best of both worlds to students who want a traditional small campus environment but with the energy and opportunity of Los Angeles just a stone’s throw away.
FAVORITE SPOT ON CAMPUS?
Olivia: I absolutely adored the library. Half the building is more modern and designed for collaboration, but the other half is part of the oldest building on campus, beautifully maintained as a quiet study space for students.
At 8:00am, the study spaces in the library were quite empty, but still cozy and welcoming!
5 WORDS TO DESCRIBE CAMPUS?
Olivia: Bright, Inviting, Hilly, Shaded, Open
THE "TYPICAL STUDENT" IS...
Olivia: Dynamic and open-minded, with good taste in music (according to our tour guide). Students here tend to be the type of people who have their hands in everything—multiple majors, internships or jobs, and a wide variety of student orgs/activities. They value each other immensely and want their voices to be heard on campus and in their community.
Campus has many outdoor spaces for dining and relaxing, where students can soak up the California sun!
INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE?
Olivia: Oxy’s international student population is smaller (between 6-8% most years), but its location in one of the most diverse cities in the country still makes for a dynamic international student experience. Free public transportation passes make it easy for students to experience all LA has to offer without a car (and plentiful free parking makes it easier for those with a car, too).
The college’s focus on global affairs and diplomacy also lends Oxy a more international feel, and evidenced by their Group Language major which requires students to choose two areas of study between Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, and Linguistics.
The McKinnon Center for Global Affairs “sponsors and coordinates teaching, curriculum design, research, and public outreach on global and regional topics.”
SPECIAL PROGRAMS/OFFERINGS APPLICANTS SHOULD CONSIDER?
About 25% of Oxy students are majoring in either Economics or Diplomacy & Global Affairs (or both!), so these programs are definitely worth considering. Often, students in these majors will also participate in unique study away opportunities like the United Nations Semester in NYC or the Campaign Semester, where students “volunteer full-time in a key presidential, Senate, House or gubernatorial campaign of their choice.”
Beyond these programs, several of Oxy’s other majors and concentrations set them apart from most liberal arts colleges, including Music Production; Media, Arts, and Culture (Film); Marine Biology; Kinesiology; Urban & Environmental Policy; and Cognitive Science.
Like many colleges in LA, the Occidental campus has a variety of beautiful fountains.
TIPS FOR THE APPLICATION PROCESS?
Olivia: Like most liberal arts colleges, students apply and are admitted to Occidental in general. While you can indicate a major of preference, you won’t be admitted to a specific major and you’ll be able to change or add new majors at any time within your first two years.
Less than 30% of applicants submit test scores these days, making Oxy a very friendly college for students applying without test scores.
Demonstrated interest is important, particularly for local students, so take advantage of the opportunity to visit campus (either virtually or in-person), and request an interview if possible. Students who participate in the optional interview typically have a 50-60% acceptance rate, much higher than the overall 40% acceptance rate.
As an open campus, it’s not uncommon to see neighborhood residents walking their dogs or pushing strollers around (though usually not this early in the day).
FUN FACTS?
Olivia: The pendulum clock inside the science center has a sister pendulum in Griffith Observatory, right by the famous Hollywood sign!
The college also owns 50 houses in the surrounding neighborhood for faculty to live in to promote deeper connections between the campus and the surrounding community.
Thanks for joining us for this year’s NACAC tours!