01jason20

I am looking at Whitman College for next year. (I'll be a HS senior this year.) I eventually want to be a personal trainer. I know Whitman does not offer a kinesiology or exercise science major. What are you're thoughts on me going to/applying to this school. Is the science program good so that I could get good classes for my goals. I got a 35 ACT, 4.0 GPA, 1st in class, decent ECs, so I'd at least have a fighting chance to get in. Would it be a good education to set me apart from other good personal trainers? Thanks. I plan on playing college basketball as well.

bopambo

01jason20, you have great test scores and grades, with decent EC's you definitely have the stats to be accepted to Whitman, and Whitman has very good science programs. It sounds like you have a very specific goal that might require very specific classes at the undergraduate level, unless you've already decided on graduate school, I'm guessing here. Have you contacted the admissions office? You probably want to talk to them about how to do what you want to do. Just curious, what attracts you to Whitman?

01jason20

@bopambo I do plan on going to graduate school. However, as I would like somewhat specific classes that would help me in my profession. I have not spoken to admissions yet. My search is still very wide with a list of 60 schools and growing. Obviously it is more difficult to find exercise science or physiology at D3 schools where I can play basketball. I used college ******* as a search tool and one of their recommendations based on my school preferences was Whitman. I have seen in many places that Whitman has very good food and very nice dorms along with being a good educational school, all of which are important to me.

bopambo

Here are the pros: Whitman had a great basketball season this year; they offer an Intro to Sports Medicine Class; you can get a work/study job as an athletic trainer; many students go into health/medical related grad programs; the campus is great; the students love their school; the academics are excellent; biology is one of the most popular majors; classes are small and the faculty is very dedicated; Walla Walla is small but has many excellent qualities.

On the other hand, true to it's liberal arts mission, all freshman are required to take Encounters, a year long exploration into world philosophies, religions and literature. There are also distribution requirements that cover a broad range of disciplines, the aim being to expand all students horizons while teaching them to think critically and communicate effectively, orally and in writing. Most people choose Whitman because they value a close-knit community, a liberal arts education, 3-D sports, a collaborative academic atmosphere, and an accepting fun-loving culture.

You're looking at a ton of schools and you have stated a very specific goal, so ask yourself if there is any chance you might change your mind as you are exposed to new things and ideas. Does a broad undergraduate experience with room to explore appeal to you? Or, do you prefer to go directly into your chosen field with laser-like focus? Would the requirements outside your area of stated interest be welcome or resented? These are probably the most important questions to ask yourself as you try to shorten your list. It's an exciting time, good luck!

sunmachine

You might look at Willamette if you decide you want a LAC with an exercise science major.

bopambo

Excellent suggestion, Sunmachine. Willamette is also known for its merit aid.

01jason20

@sunmachine @bopambo Thank you. I will check out Willamette. Does Whitman have much of a business program or anything for an entrepreneur since that would be a possible double major option with exercise science? Is the business program strong? Thank you again.

bopambo

There is no business major at Whitman, but you can major or minor in economics. Here is a link to some Whitman entrepreneurs: Chill Out: Future Entrepreneurs of Whitman win Pacific Northwest business competition