Redlands vs La Verne (California)

tomadog02
Thu, 26 May 2005 15:32:36 +0000

I’ve had a fair amount of interaction with all the schools you’ve mentioned…including attending Pomona College so I really know Pitzer.

LaVerne: Mostly a commuter school. From what I’ve heard there is an extremely limited social scene on campus. If you’re willing to go off campus for entertainment that might not be the worst thing in the world, but it still is a drag when no one else is around.

Whittier: Smaller campus, definitely has a blue-collar feel to it. In terms of location probably the least attractive.

Redlands: Nicer campus, and from what I remember they have a really good creative writing program, something that could be a big draw for you.

USC: I know a couple people that have gone there. One absolutely hated it (she is now at Brown), the others joined frats and are having a great time. Be forewarned, nearly all the social life on USC’s campus is predicated on greek life, if that isn’t your scene I’d be wary.

Pitzer: Personally, this would be my favorite of all the schools you’ve mentioned. I’m not positive, but I’m pretty sure it’s the strongest school academically out of your choices and it gives you access to the rest of the Claremont colleges. Unlike the rest of the schools (excepting USC) social life is entirely based on campus, with the social scene including every other college. This allows you to draw on 5500-6000 students instead of the 1500-2500 you will find elsewhere.

SideNote: Much of these observations are based upon limited interaction with the other schools since I play sports for Pomona, however, I truly believe that the quality of people at the Claremont colleges is superior to the other LACs you mentioned.