Claremont McKenna College
Reviews

Almost No Campus Strictness

It's pretty hard to get in trouble here. But like any college, don't cheat or plagiarize or else you'll get in huge academic trouble. Other than that, feel free to drink in public, play tricks on people, throw people in the pond, whatever.

It's Really Unique

CMC is such a unique school, which is why I love it. From the consortium to the Ath (I just saw Condoleezza Rice speak!) to the institutes, no place is quite like it. Students here are also really friendly and love to work hard and play hard. We're all pretty intellectual, but not in a stuffy or pretentious way. We just like to talk politics, or the economy, or whatever else.

A Lot of Pretentiousness on the School's Part

They try and punish kids when they get too drunk and get alcohol poisoning (which is legal if you are of age, just stupid) but they ignore kids that do drugs because it looks bad on them if they recognize there is a drug problem, which there is. Lots of weed, some cocaine underground, and ecstacy is gaining ground at Scripps College. If you wish to avoid it, there is no pressure whatsover. Walk away.

Asian Studies

I find it contradictory that the Asian Studies major asks you to specify East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia as a regional focus but none of the Claremont Colleges offers a South Asian or Southeast Asian language. There are some unique and interesting classes though.

Flippin' Awesome

We have maids. They clean our room. They don't care if there's a bong on the floor. They will clean around you if you are passed out. That is all.

I LOVE IT HERE

There truly is no other place like CMC. It's everything I wanted in a school, and it's small enough to feel like a real community. PLUS, I have access to the other Claremont Colleges. It's a truly unique place, and it's the perfect fit for me!

Best IT Facilities, Policies, and Resources Anywhere

Most CMCers totally take it for granted, but CMC really does have some of the most comprehensive technology resources of any college I've seen: free, unlimited printing, fast WiFi everywhere on campus, multiple computer labs, and technology assistants in every dorm.

Alcohol Is Key

Alcohol is basically provided by the school - cheap beer, but it's free so don't complain. You can't have fun unless you're drunk here, apparently. There are parties all the time, and if CMC's not hosting, another school probably is.

Most People Play Sports, No One Watches Them

It's strange because most people are athletic and play sports, but there's almost no school spirit. People only ever go to games if its against Pomona-Pitzer.

Almost No Theft

My roommate and I never lock our door and we've never had a problem. North quad can have some theft because of the suite style housing but its almost never an issue.

Best Nightlife for Undergrads!

Every Thursday an email is sent out letting everyone know the details for the parties happening that weekend. Thursdays are CMC only parties and Saturdays are 5-C parties at one of the 5 Claremont Colleges. Parties and alcohol are free and everyone is invited so you don't have to go to a great deal of effort to track down a party to go to. People will usually have private pre-game events in their dorm room with some friends and then head over to the main event. Most people drink, so if you're not into that and you don't like being around drunk people CMC probably isn't the place for you. But if you do, the Claremont Colleges have such a welcoming, fun party scene that you can definitely take advantage of.

Campus Asesthics

Our campus has no architectual reationships between each structure. It's a jumbled mess of buildings from every decade in the last sixty years. But the Kravis Center which is being built will become the architectual base for the campus so expect large improvements.

Need strong work ethic to get A's

If you want a A's at CMC, your work ethic has to be stronger than it's ever been. But B's are very manageable for the average college partier.

There's Always Something to Do If You Know Where to Look

You can find most of what you need on a daily basis in Claremont, but the town is nothing special. However, you are a thirty minute drive from most places in the greater Los Angeles area. Tip: make one friend who has a car, and another friend who is from LA and knows where to go. You'll never have another boring Friday night.

Good Food, Limited Choices

everywhere in the village is good, but there aren't too many choices.

A Lot of Drinking, Average Amount of Drugs

Beer is very easily accessible here, so a lot of students drink. There is a bunch of marijuana smoking (we are in California...) but not an excessive amount. There is definitely a lot of drinking going on though.

Great for a DIII School, Can't Compare to DI

The athletics here are amazing for a Division three school. There are a lot of people involved in sports, and intramural sports are HUGE here. It is very easy to stay active and play IM sports. On the other hand, there is not a huge turnout to sporting events. Football games sometime get a fair amount of attendance, and it is great for a division three school, but it cannot compare at all to a division one school.

For a Small School, There Is a Lot of Diversity.

Everybody is nice and friendly and there is not any type of discrimination. The campus is pretty diverse and I have yet to see any problems.

There Are a Lot of Programs for Psychology Majors

I am a freshman but I know there are many facilities/research methods for Psychology majors. Some include, but are not limited to, the Autism center, Child Development, and more.

The CMS Track

We have an all-weathered track and the coach keeps it really nice. In fact, he treats it as his own - cleans it, grooms it, etc. I came from a high school with a dirt track so the track here is beyond amazing. We have real grass too. :)

Familiar Faces

The best thing about CMS Athletics (besides constantly beating our arch-rivals, Pomona-Pitzer), is that you know everyone who´s playing. Sure, the games aren't like D-1 games, especially skillwise and the fan support isn't incredible, but you'd go to any game and see your friend playing or realize something like "Woah... I had Lit 10 with the point guard!" For me, that beats any D-1 school.

More Than Just TNC Needed

There needs to be a greater array of activities here.

Not Very Diverse

CMC has slowly become more diverse but it is still dominantly white. Politically, it is largely conservative (or maybe their just more vocal) and there is still a large population of closeted gay people on campus. That may not be because they are afraid of their peers' judgement but because they come from conservative families.

Study Hard, Play Hard

College life at CMC is definitely unique. There are so many bright individuals surrounding you, as it should be, and although viewpoints might run the same way it is still a very open atmosphere where everyone seems to get along. You study all the time Sun-Wed, but once Thursday hits it's on! Make sure to put your drink in a red cup!

Library Is a Great Place

Honnold-Mudd Library has so many places where you can study in the company of people, as well as in solitary places. If you want a quiet study room that is also available.