Visit Report by blackeyedsusan (Member since February 15 2005 with 1116 posts) Visit Date - August 2008
Visit to Claremont McKenna College in August 2008 by blackeyedsusan (Parent of Student, HS Class of 2009)
Visit Activities:
Admissions Interview:
Yes - S had one scheduled but cancelled it after the info session; learned school is not a good fit for him so there was no point in following through with it. Information Session:
Yes - More than 50% of the info session was spent talking about the other consortium schools. Strong focus on looking for one type of student -- a leader who challenges everything. Campus Tour:
Yes - It was pretty hot out and the tour guide tried to keep us in the shade. The campus buildings were not impressive. Many looked like an older apartment complex.
Claremont McKenna College Campus:
Friendliness/Courtesy of Students: 2 - Fair -
We didn't meet any other than the tour guide and he was very unexcited -- monotone voice for everything (seemed like he was just going through the motions).
Friendliness/Courtesy of Staff: 3 - Good -
Nice enough.
Appearance of Campus: 2 - Fair -
After seeing the beauty of the surrounding area, Claremont and Pomona, the CMC campus was a real let-down.
Building/Facilities Maintenance/Cleanliness: 2 - Fair -
Seemed kind of older and not particularly well kept.
Dormitories: 2 - Fair Security/Safety: 4 - Very Good -
Seemed like a very safe area.
Overall Campus Impression: 2 - Fair -
Very small campus and not very attractive. My son did not want to spend 4 years here. He thought it felt smaller than high school.
Off-Campus:
Area Immediately Around Campus: 5 - Excellent -
Beautiful area -- safe, pretty, shops, restaurants within walking distance.
City/Town/Community: 5 - Excellent -
Beautiful upscale town
Campus Visit Notes for Claremont McKenna College:
Visit Description:
This was the one college we visited that showed us that visits are critical. It was stressed over and over in the info session that they are looking for only students who fit their image of a CMC'er -- someone who is a leader and is pragmatic (not just wanting to learn for learning's sake) and who like to challenge everything and is open to being challenged consistently. Although my son's a leader, he did not think this sounded like him and was turned off by it. We wouldn't have known how poor the fit was if we hadn't visited.
Also, the campus was disappointing. Ugly boring buildings and very small.
Hotel/Lodging Recommendations or Comments:
Casa 425 is a lovely new boutique hotel right in the middle of Claremont Village.
Dining/Restaurant Recommendations or Comments:
We ate at the Press Restaurant and it was very good.
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We didn't meet any other than the tour guide and he was very unexcited -- monotone voice for everything (seemed like he was just going through the motions).
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Nice enough.
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Seemed like a very safe area.
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Beautiful area -- safe, pretty, shops, restaurants within walking distance.