Scripps College (SC)

Scripps College has an "absolutely gorgeous" campus and terrific Southern California vibes, but the reason applicants clamor to attend is because of its "dedication to empowering female voices and education." The focus may be on its "supportive, small community of women who want to fight to make the world a better place," but students won't have to worry about missing out on the resources often attributed to larger institutions, as Scripps is part of the Claremont Colleges, a consortium that grants undergraduates access "to all of the benefits and resources within [four] other colleges."

Access is key across the "challenging and engaging" academic offerings at Scripps, whether that's one-on-one time with professors or simply having opportunity for undergraduate research. This extends to "discussion-based [classes], which allows students to raise questions..., [gain] a better understanding of the course, and connect to the subject more intimately." It helps, too, that professors "are very good at creating interesting courses," and are "generally accepting of a wide range of student opinions," though students should be aware that these freedoms come with "high expectations." Ultimately, what undergrads appreciate the most is that it's "very easy to form close connections with professors both in class and out of class."

When asked to describe their peers, Scripps undergrads are prone to using effusive adjectives such as "passionate, driven, [and] creative." Many students also "identify as liberal, feminist, [and] social-justice oriented." As one individual explains, "From reproductive rights, prison abolition, racial justice, everyone you talk to has the desire to change the world." Indeed, they are certainly "not afraid to let their voices be heard." A number of undergrads appreciate that the college attracts "many transgender and non-binary students, which creates a very open and safe environment." However, a few do caution that there is a little "tension between white feminism and intersectionality" on campus. Fortunately, most everyone enjoys the fact their classmates are often "intelligent and ready to have in-depth conversations about topics from politics to The Bachelor to data on climate change." Undergrads here also tend to be "very supportive of one another" and "very accepting" as well. In fact, when strolling through campus, it's even common to "receive smiles from students [you] don't know." All in all, the Scripps student body offers the "type of community that will cheer with and for you when you succeed and be a shoulder to cry on when needed."

Scripps students are fairly studious, and during the week you'll often find them congregating in one of the "many outdoor study spaces, such as courtyards, lawns, or the lounge chairs by the pool." Of course, there's lots of fun to be had beyond academics. For example, undergrads can participate in "a ton of free fitness courses on campus like CrossFit, yoga, and Zumba" as well as unique "intramural sports like inner-tube water polo." Additionally, "there are hundreds of clubs to join that are both specific to Scripps and also across all the Claremont Colleges" as well as school-sponsored "speakers, screenings, presentations, workshops, [and] de-stress activities." Should you need a respite from that overflowing campus life, the surrounding area provides many options. "The train to downtown Los Angeles is about a 10-minute walk away, Mt. Baldy is about a 20-minute drive, and the village in Claremont is filled with shops and eateries."