<p>Do you think that LMU is for the most part a safety for a lot of people that apply? I heard this from someone recently and I wonder if this is a popular perception. It’s one of the reasons why I’m skeptical about going. </p>
<p>What schools are comparable to LMU?</p>
<p>I think it depends on the major… Like if you were a film or engineering major… i think LMU would be a choice school. I dont think its very much of a safety school just because of the fact that there was a 12% hike in the number of applicants this year. Im pretty sure if the UC’s continue to increase their tuition in the coming years…LMU will become less of a safety school. I live like…10 mins away from LMU and most of my socal buddies think it has a pretty good rep. I’d say schools that are comparable stats to LMU would be… UCSC, Santa Clara U, Boston U, Pepperdine U, Chapman U</p>
<p>No it’s a SMALL safety school1 jk!</p>
<p>I’m sure it’s a safety for some people, and a reach for others. I think its mid range SAT’s and GPA’s are similar to SCU, but a slightly higher GPA and slightly lower SAT. It has a slightly lower admit rate, even though it’s a little bigger, I think because of location.When compaared to other regional schools, it is number 3, with Trinity and Santa Clara being number 1 and 2, and Gonzaga being number 4.</p>
<p>I think as mentioned, it’s all relative, depends on who you are. That said, I know a lot of p people who applied there from my school this year and honestly, most of them were middle of the pack at best.</p>
<p>One person’s safety is another person’s reach.</p>
<p>That said, LMU isn’t as hard to get into as, say UCLA or Pomona, or even UCSB. But in the three years since my D has been there, it’s gotten harder each year. D2 was surprised by her friends who did not get in, some of whom would have had no problem even a couple of years ago. (Her high school is an LMU feeder.) </p>
<p>There aren’t many true safety schools left any more. You never know.</p>
<p>Technally, it was a stretch for me considering the stats they usually accepted.</p>
<p>But is it a good school overall? Does it prepare it’s students for graduate school? Does it look good to be a LMU alum or is it largely recognized as a school that doesn’t necessarily produce or attract the above average students?</p>
<p>I’ve been to LMU a few times and I love it there, but I’m just trying to get the best education and overall college experience possible. I really don’t want to regret my decision to attend later on.</p>
<p>If you are considering a few schools, then perhaps you should list the others that you are considering.</p>
<p>I’m considering UCSB, Cal Poly SLO, Pomona, and Occidental College.</p>
<p>I know that slo is pretty well recognized for its engineering programs.</p>
<p>essceejay216, You have been admitted to those schools? Do you mean Pomona of the Claremonts, or Cal Poly Pomona? What major? Are finances, diversity, campus life, size or location a factor?</p>
<p>One person’s safety is another person’s reach. True that. </p>
<p>LMU was my safety school.</p>
<p>I mean Pomona College and yes I have been accepted to all of those schools and am in the process of choosing which one to attend. As my fin aid is concerned, it’s not really an issue. They are all in Cali, so location isn’t really a factor either. What I am most concerned about is academics and the general atmosphere, including diversity, class size, etc. I kind of narrowed it down to Oxy and LMU being that I don’t want to go public and I didn’t care for Pomona when I visited (not anything in particular, just a hunch). </p>
<p>I am really interested in international relations, political science, and definitely a philosophy major/minor as I plan to go to law school afterward.</p>
<p>I am sure there are reasons to disagree, but I cannot imagine turning down Pomona college. My daughter got into Scripps and LOVED it, except for location and diversity, so she chose elsewhere.She really liked Oxy too, but not as much as where she ended up.</p>
<p>She never looked at LMU, although she considered similar SCU, but as a “safety”. My daughters safety, is my sons reach, and he LOVES LMU. We would pay full price there, because of diversity, LA location (all of “Cali” is not the same), and campus life. He is still undecided.</p>
<p>I understand that all of California is not the same. I am a native, born and raised, which is why I want to stay in-state because this is my home and where my family is. None of the locations of my options are out of range for me. </p>
<p>Pomona is a great institution in general, but I know that it’s not a fit for me. </p>
<p>Oxy is a great fit for me academics-wise, but the social aspect and the general atmosphere are unappealing to me. LMU on the other hand has a great social atmosphere and it’s a place where I can see myself living, but I’m worried that the academics aren’t up to par with my other choices.</p>
<p>“I understand that all of California is not the same. I am a native, born and raised, which is why I want to stay in-state”</p>
<p>Sorry if I offended! </p>
<p>My son is also from California, and feels Santa Barbara is very different from LA which is different from Eagle Rock, etc. He’s leaning toward LMU over SCU ( and feels N. Cal Silicon Valley is a world way from LA).We loved the feel of LMU, and academically, he will be middle of the pack there.Maybe you will cross paths! I think you have decided, and know what you want… </p>
<p>"I’m worried that the academics aren’t up to par with my other choices. "</p>
<p>Except for UCSB, I think you are right, but that may not be as important as the other things. LMUs location and diversity is AMAZING!</p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>
<p>essceejay216,
The academics at LMU are supposedly excellent. In addition, the professors really care about their students. Have you checked them out on ratemyprofessor.com? With the UC/State budget crises many more high achieving students are selecting LMU over the UC’s than in days past which will soon raise LMU’s “prestige factor”. My son (pre-med) is choosing LMU over UCB, UCLA, Oxy, Vanderbilt, and USC. They have an extremely respected pre-professional health program with a high med school admit rate-I am sure they have something similar for pre-law. His questions were similar to yours: Overall is it a good school? How do grad schools perceive LMU? What is the LMU alum network like? Is LMU known as a school that doesn’t necessarily produce or attract the above average students? I know they have a very high admit rate compared to other colleges which I see as an extreme disadvantage. My son says he feels LMU is the ideal fit for him (that he will be happy and successful there). He likes the other students there and feels like the professors he has met with are genuine, supportive, and caring. I as his parent respect that and support his decision. Are you in the LMUniveristy Honors Program? I wish you the very best with your decision.</p>
<p>^
What were your son’s reasons for turning down Oxy?</p>
<p>@Ejm105989
Were you accepted to LMU?</p>
<p>^Yes I was accepted</p>