Visit Report by pretzelbreaker (Member since October 27 2007 with 104 posts) Visit Date - May 2008
Visit to Whitman College in May 2008 by pretzelbreaker (Student, HS Class of 2007)
Visit Activities:
Admissions Interview:
Yes - I was unable to visit until I was sure of acceptance (I live in TX), so I called the admissions office and arranged for a phone conversation instead, which was very helpful. I highly recommend it. Information Session:
Yes - I had a one-on-one chat with the director of transfer admissions upon arrival, who's been amazing and helpful from day one of my application process. She answered all my questions and then some. Campus Tour:
Yes - Again, a one-on-one tour with a student. She was constantly waving to friends and very involved on campus. We got to see dorm rooms and walk through buildings. Classroom Visit:
Yes - I visited with Professor Simon in the theatre department. She completely sold me! Got a tour of the theater, the classrooms, and backstage areas. It was great.
Whitman College Campus:
Friendliness/Courtesy of Students: 4 - Very Good -
I didn't speak with many students other than my tour guide, but she was very friendly, straightforward and candid about the school.
Friendliness/Courtesy of Staff: 5 - Excellent -
I can't stress enough how great my experience with the Whitman admissions office has been. They have always been prompt to return emails or phone calls, and were just as attentive in-person.
Appearance of Campus: 5 - Excellent -
They must spend a fortune on landscaping. Streams everywhere -- the sound of running water permeates the campus. Beautiful flowers, 3 trees per person, expansive green grass, and ducks everywhere.
Building/Facilities Maintenance/Cleanliness: 4 - Very Good -
Some of the buildings were built in the 70s (not so pretty) but upkeep is great. Beautiful new fitness center, library, and student center, with a new visual arts building in progress.
Dormitories: 4 - Very Good -
Some dorms offer two connected rooms so each roommate can have their own space, which is awesome. Several dining halls are attached to dorms. They're all community bathrooms, but very clean.
Security/Safety: 5 - Excellent -
It's not a huge campus, but I saw many "blue light" stations for emergencies. Also, they have a service called the "yellow jackets"; call them at night and they'll safely
Overall Campus Impression: 5 - Excellent -
The campus is a great community. Much of life is centered around their "quad", Ankeny Field, where I saw tons of students reading on blankets or playing sports. Everyone seems very happy and
Off-Campus:
Area Immediately Around Campus: 3 - Good -
Walla Walla is very small, but quaint. It has necessities within walking distance: convenience stores, several good restaurants, Starbucks, and even a Macy's. Cleanest air imaginable.
City/Town/Community: -
The town seems very supportive of Whitman events. There were a bunch of townies at the Cinco de Mayo celebration; many came to see the school play that I saw. It's a very laid-back, easygoing tow
Campus Visit Notes for Whitman College:
Visit Description:
I have nothing but good things to say about Whitman. Even the things that I thought I wouldn't like turned out to be no big deal -- I don't like frats and sororities here in TX, but at Whitman, they're completely different. They are so accepting and do a lot of community service work. My tour guide was a laid-back athlete, and even she was having a great time in her sorority. Everyone is encouraged to rush just to meet new people, and people have friends both in and out of Greek life. I was also concerned about the supposed "outdoorsy-ness" of the students, but have found that it's more about having an active, healthy lifestyle. It's great to see a community that takes good care of itself -- I don't think I saw one excessively overweight person there. There's a broad range of beliefs and lifestyles among the students.
Of course, the biggest draw at Whitman is the academics. My tour guide, a stellar HS student used to being at the top, talked about how "humbled" she was on the first day of classes her freshman year when class discussion started -- there were so many outstanding and bright students. There are many great academic, extracurricular, and study abroad opportunities at Whitman, and virtually every student seems to take advantage of them. "If you don't want to be involved, don't come here" seems to be a mantra of sorts among staff and students -- Whitman is a place for smart, motivated students who love the fulfillment that a well-rounded education brings.
Hotel/Lodging Recommendations or Comments:
The Marcus Whitman is the nicest hotel in town, and it provides free continental breakfast and free airport transportation. Mention Whitman and get a discount. Beautiful and luxurious.
Dining/Restaurant Recommendations or Comments:
Clarette's diner is practically on campus, and you have to try the pumpkin pancakes -- best I've ever had. It's cheap, family friendly, and amazing. 26 Brix is really good for more upsc
Other Comments (Transportation, local attractions, parking, etc.):
There are many great vineyards in the area. Walla Walla wine tourism is very active.
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I didn't speak with many students other than my tour guide, but she was very friendly, straightforward and candid about the school.
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I can't stress enough how great my experience with the Whitman admissions office has been. They have always been prompt to return emails or phone calls, and were just as attentive in-person.
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Walla Walla is very small, but quaint. It has necessities within walking distance: convenience stores, several good restaurants, Starbucks, and even a Macy's. Cleanest air imaginable.
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The town seems very supportive of Whitman events. There were a bunch of townies at the Cinco de Mayo celebration; many came to see the school play that I saw. It's a very laid-back, easygoing tow