Pitzer College (September 25, 2024)

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Pitzer College

9.25.24 Campus Visit Report

Spencer Barr - Santa Barbara High




ADMISSIONS

  • Test-Free Policy: Pitzer College does not require standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) for admission.
  • Application Deadlines:
    • Early Action (Non-Binding): November 15th
    • Regular Decision: January 6th
  • Acceptance Rate: Approximately 18%, making admission highly selective.
  • Holistic Review: Focuses on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and alignment with Pitzer’s core values.
  • Application Link: Pitzer Admissions

ACADEMICS

  • Five Core Values:
    1. Social Responsibility
    2. Interdisciplinary Learning
    3. Student Engagement
    4. Environmental Sustainability
    5. Cultural Immersion
  • Student Body Size: Around 1,300 students, fostering a tight-knit academic community.
  • Founded in 1963: Pitzer’s founding era emphasized progressive education, social justice, and student autonomy, shaping its educational philosophy.
  • Growing STEM Focus: While historically known for social sciences and humanities, Pitzer is expanding STEM programs.
  • Breadth of Knowledge Requirements: Must be completed at Pitzer rather than other Claremont Colleges.
  • Academic Programs:
    • 39 majors and 26 minors, spanning social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities.
    • Self-Designed Majors: Students can create their own major with guidance from multiple faculty advisors.
  • Study Abroad:
    • Over 50% of students participate.
    • No additional tuition cost.
    • Pitzer offers unique, culturally immersive study abroad opportunities.
  • Class Sizes:
    • Largest classes: Around 30 students.
    • Smallest classes: Fewer than 10 students.
  • Cross-Registration:
    • Students can take courses at Pomona, Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd, and Scripps.
    • At least 1/3 of Pitzer students take classes at other Claremont Colleges.

SOCIAL LIFE

  • Living by Core Values: Pitzer students integrate social responsibility, sustainability, and activism into daily life.
  • Outspoken & Engaged Students: Known for strong activism and social justice awareness, students engage in critical dialogue on contemporary issues.
  • Free Wall: A designated space for students to express themselves through murals and graffiti. No hate speech is allowed, and the wall is repainted annually.
  • Strong Community Feel: Social integration is strong, both within Pitzer and across the Claremont Colleges.
  • Grove House:
    • A student-run space hosting events, discussions, and gatherings.
    • Features gourmet food made from produce grown in Pitzer’s student-run garden.

CAMPUS LIFE

  • McConnell Center: Houses Pitzer’s main dining hall, a central hub for students.
  • Dining Experience: Ranked #4 best dining hall in the country, known for fresh, sustainable, and high-quality food.
  • Sustainable Campus: Nearly all landscaping features native Southern California plants, reducing water usage and supporting biodiversity.
  • Dorms:
    • Air-conditioned rooms.
    • Mostly doubles with a Jack-and-Jill style shared bathroom.
    • Students can choose their first-year roommate.
    • Most students live on campus all four years.
    • Individual dorms available for upperclassmen.
  • Student Kitchen Access: Pitzer provides a demo kitchen for students who want to prepare their own meals.
  • Campus Safety:
    • Emergency blue light system covers all five Claremont Colleges.
  • Green Bike Program:
    • Campus bike shop offers free service (parts cost extra).
    • Promotes eco-friendly transportation.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  • Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $89,000 per year (includes tuition, housing, meals, and fees).
  • Financial Aid & Scholarships: Need-based and merit-based aid available.
  • Tuition & Cost Details: Pitzer Financial Aid

INFO ABOUT THE CLAREMONT COLLEGES

  • Consortium Structure:
    • Five undergraduate colleges within one square mile, allowing students to share resources.
  • Scooby-Doo Analogy for Claremont Colleges:
    • Pomona College: Scooby-Doo (the heart of the group, well-rounded, oldest and most prestigious).
    • Harvey Mudd College: Velma (STEM-focused, highly intellectual).
    • Claremont McKenna College (CMC): Fred (business, leadership, and government-oriented).
    • Scripps College: Daphne (arts, humanities, and women’s leadership).
    • Pitzer College: Shaggy (laid-back, socially conscious, and creative).
  • City of Claremont: Known as the “City of Trees and Degrees”, it maintains a strong partnership with the colleges.
  • Career Services: Pitzer shares career development resources with the other Claremont Colleges, providing robust internship and job opportunities.
My thoughts on my tour of Pitzer:
Visiting Pitzer, I saw many attributes that make Pitzer a great place for students, but I want to focus on five key strengths that make it stand out to me. Small, Engaged Community – With just 1,300 students, Pitzer offers small classes (mostly under 30) and a tight-knit, collaborative environment. Academic Flexibility – Students can choose from over 30 majors, design their own, and take classes at any of the Claremont Colleges. Global Learning – Over 50% of students study abroad at no extra cost, reinforcing Pitzer’s commitment to cultural immersion and bringing global perspectives into their learning. Sustainability Focus – The campus is very eco-friendly, featuring native landscaping and a Green Bike Program with free repairs. Strong Campus Life – The majority of students live on campus all four years in a variety of different air-conditioned dorm layouts, and the McConnell dining hall ranks among the nation’s best. Pitzer blends academic freedom, social consciousness, and community engagement, making it a great choice for students who want a progressive education with top-tier resources and global opportunities.
Location: 1050 N Mills Ave, Claremont, CA 91711, USA

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