See Whittier College reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Whittier College. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Whittier College reviews, or contribute your own Whittier College review if you're a current student there.
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5 out of 5 people found this review useful.
Ashley from CA
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot Whittier is a small private school in the eclectic town of Whittier near Los Angeles, California. The classroom sizes are small, within the range of one teacher per 25 students. thus, there is a lot of one-on-one time with your professors. Also, this gives way to making influential friends (people in high places) that assist you throughout life. the opportunities that are afforded to a Whittier student or graduate are irreplaceable and can rarely be found at another institution.
Am enjoying being here If you are interested in going to a school where there is always something going on, Whittier College is the place for you! The sports teams are all like their own tight-knit family, and so are the societies on campus. The clubs here are also very active with students on campus. Though, if you feel like you need to get away, Uptown Whittier is only five minutes up the street. There, you and your friends can go out for a day of shopping and sushi, or catch a movie at the local theater. There is always something in store, either on or off campus for a Whittier college student!
Bang for the buck Whittier college is a private institution and costs more than the average public college, but it is definitely worth the money. The cafeteria serves amazing meals on a weekly basis and there is also The Spot, where you can buy snacks drinks and even delicious hot meals if you are on the go. The experience each student has here is nothing but amazing! You will meet life long friends, and influential professors and/or coaches who are always there with a listening ear or a helping hand. Whittier College provides a close-knit family and a unexplainable opportunities in and out of the classroom!
Tips for prospective students If you are looking into colleges, be sure to drive through Whittier and visit the college. Once you see it I am sure you will fall in love. The campus is beautiful and tours are always available upon request. You will notice that the campus is small, which makes it a safer environment and easier to get around. The library is a must-see and so is the President's house which can be found up the hill past the gym. If you stick around long enough you may even see pass by her in the upper quad, or perhaps you may want to stop in the cafeteria and eat alongside some of the professors. Like I said, Whittier is a very special, tightly-knit community!
Great for these types of students I have found that Whittier is a magnet for those who are looking to be not only seen, but heard. The small classes and campus are perfect to create and close and intimate bond with others. So here you go, to sum it up, it you are looking for any of the following in a college, Whittier is your final destination!
-Small beautiful campus
-1:25 teacher:student ratio
-leadership activities
-volunteer work
-job opportunities
-clubs/sports/societies
-close places off campus (shops, book/movie/music, restaurants, etc)
-lots of friends!
-many majors to choose from!
-near major cities and hot spots in CA (Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, La, Hollywood, etc.)
All-in-all Whittier is an amazing place and you would have the best educational and life experience if you came here!!Login to rate or flag the reviews
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1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
Mai from Alhambra, CA
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot As a Poet student, I learn a lot of things in this college before I attended. I learn to be myself, before i did not know about myself. Especially what I want to do in the future. I was at lost. But after attending this college, I begin to search for the answer with my advisor help.
Am enjoying being here i enjoy being here, because I get to meet new people who i never dream of meeting. I learn from my peers and professor and i adapt to the college community. I learn more about myself and push myself into working hard.
Bang for the buck Although i hate to admit it, but Whittier College is expensive. But I like this college, because this college give me many experiences and hardship that prepare me for the future.
Tips for prospective students if you are a prospective students, i suggest for you to have fun. Do not worry, but work hard. Especially in exams, you got to study and do the reading assignment it is because they are really important to your grade.
Great for these types of students This college provide a lot of free services, so i suggest for you to take advantage of it. Such as, a Career Service center, they help you with resume and help you look for internship. Also there is always parties that take place during holidays.
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1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
Ridwan from Van Nuys, CA
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot You're always noticed by the professors and always have the time with a 1-1 with them no matter what. They also grow into you becoming a friend as well, a person to talk to anytime you're free or even...hang out! But seriously you're always learning, biggest class size I've been in is 25 kids. The biggest I heard was 130. But on average it is about 16 kids or so.
Am enjoying being here Oh yes! Wonderful weather, beautiful campus, grand atmosphere, always quiet, and best of all, it is small. You can walk to one end of the campus from another in 5 minutes. Going to a dorm seems like a pain (as I am a commuter) but it is only a walk up a mini hill. Other than that, you can seriously get around the whole campus in 10 minutes tops.
Bang for the buck Tuition itself is $35,000+ but you're getting first hand knowledge from professors, one on one. Something you wouldn't get at UCLA or Pepperdine or whatever. Seriously the small campus really makes it all worth it.
Tips for prospective students Get ready to be known well. As you always see the same faces, if not, familiar faces over and over. It is only a month of my time here, I see the same faces over and over and over. Other than that, just get ready to relax and have a good time.
Great for these types of students Plenty of opportunities such as major selection. This college has its own unique system called The Whittier's Scholars Program. It is essentially you creating your own major. Picking current majors that exist and blend it with others, it is unique! The atmosphere is great here too, always quiet, just so nice. The size, about 1800 or so students attend Whittier College, so it is pretty small, as well as the campus size, really small. Great campus security and lots of access to utilities. Oh and it is in Whittier, many things around! Not far from Los Angeles, nor Anaheim, party central basically. Come by!
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Unknown
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences College is what you make it and Whittier is defiantly a full circle of the college experience. Since it is a very diverse campus, you get to meet a lot of different people all the time. Everyone is really friendly on campus and teachers and students are always willing to help you if you need it. It's a tight-knit community, so make sure you want to go to a small school and visit before you decide. Overnights really give you a sense of the school.
Tips for prospective students Get involved on all sorts of things! Don't limit yourself. There are a lot of sports teams, so if you play a sport and want to in college...get ready for a lot of work ahead of you! Try to get friends on all different groups, and be open to meeting new people. It's a small campus, so you meet people quickly.
Academic Rigor It varies. If you're really interested in the class and the subject, get intererested and do things! Go to the library, it's a great place to study there are so many desks/tables/comfy couches! You'll love some professors and not. Just find something you love and get into it. Academically, it isn't that challenging unless you decide to slack off.
Dorm Life If you're a freshman and you want your sleep...try to get into Johnson Hall. Stauffer (the bigger dorm on campus for freshman) is super loud...so get ear plugs...also get a fan..multiple fans! It's hot..especially on the third floor! You can't live off-campus until Senior Year, so don't even try if you're a sophomore or a junior. Try to get a group of friends that you make your freshman year, and try for a Harris dorm for sophomore/junior year where you can all live together!
Food and Dining I honestly don't have a problem with the food at the Campus Inn (CI). There is also The Spot which is more burgers/quesadillas/snacky foods. You have to learn to be creative or the meals can get boring fast. The hours are kind of weird at the CI and The Spot, so stock up on things at your dorm. There's an omelet line in the morning from 7am-8:45am, and if you want your omelet...get there early!
What to do for fun I play a sport, so I have a lot of sports related fun things to do.
Bang for the buck They give super good finical aid scholarships, so get on that! Turn your FAFSA in on time! The problem is...as you go up your years at Whittier, (or so it is said) that your finical aid goes down. People do drop out/transfer because it is just too small to handle, so you really need to be committed to going here since it is around $54,000 a year or so with flying/driving costs and all. It really depends on what you get for a finical aid package.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus The rock: a rock that is painted differently everyday (mainly my societies on campus)
Great for these types of students Outgoing, Sun-loving, academically seeking, outdoorsy, city-loving, community-loving, small classroom-oriented students.
Clubs and Activities Big things on campus, like dances and such, will be no surprise to students since you get a lot of e-mails on a regular basis from the Residential Life and L.E.A.P. office about them. From middle of March - end of April, there is a dance EVERY Friday. The dances are hosted by societies and clubs on campus, and are pretty fun.
Greek Life We have societies on campus which are basically Greek Life. If you're into that sort of thing, get ready for 6 weeks of pledging and not hanging out with anyone outside of your friend group who isn't pledging. You also have to wear the same outfit for 6 weeks..kind of weird.
Campus Safety Campus Safety is really helpful and handy. If you ever need a ride, make sure to have Campus Safety's number in your phone. They are all really just looking out for the students at Whittier to make sure everyone is safe!
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Anthony from Yorba Linda, CA
Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences it seems like a very nice college and is pretty close. they offer a lot of interesting majors. also they help with financial aid for a lot of students.
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Michele from Whittier, CA
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot Attending Whittier College is an incredible opportunity for learning. Whittier offers two main paths of study, either a liberal arts education or Whittier Scholars Program. I am currently a sophomore and I am following the liberal arts path. I think this is a great way of learning because we become more understanding, knowledgable individuals so we are not ignorant of other topics that will present themselves in our future. The teachers are more than willing to help if you take the time to visit them and communicate how you are doing or if you do not understand.
Am enjoying being here I am living off campus right now which explains why I do not give this section five stars. If you get involved with campus clubs, activities, or sports, you are sure to love being here. For being a smaller school, it still has so much to offer, such as, theater, sports, dances, and even radio.
Bang for the buck What most applicants do not realize is the amount of financial aid that Whittier provides for its students. Although it can get pricy with room and board and tuition, the financial aid does make a huge difference. Also, I find that I am having an easier time getting calsses than some of my friends at community colleges, UCs or cal states. Furthermore, the location is great since it is close to several malls and near amusement parks like Disneyland and Knotts just in case you need a break from studying.
Tips for prospective students Check out this school as early as you can and ask for a tour. They are more than helpful in showing you around. Do not be afraid to apply here, especially if you are a local. If you do decide to attend here, make sure to get involved!!
Great for these types of students I would say that this college is great for business, political science, and theater majors. Of course, everyone is welcome. That is what contributes to it being a diverse college.
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Christina from Los Angeles, CA
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot There are so many courses to take that range from Self Defense to Peoples and Cultures of Latin America. In addition Whittier is one of the only schools that has a program to create a major that fits exactly what you want your future career to be called the Whittier Scholars Program.
Am enjoying being here I was accepted to 12 different colleges and university and I decided to go to Whittier College. I just completed my first year and it was the best decision I could ever make. The campus is very welcoming and there are so many ways to get involved. The main focus is on community and Whittier does feel like a little community full of diverse students from various cities, states and countries.
Bang for the buck Whittier is definitely worth the cost plus they make sure that you have enough grants to lower the cost your family/ you have to pay. In addition to work study jobs that make it easier and payment plans.
Tips for prospective students Invest in an annual Disneyland pass because since it is located almost 20+ minutes away you will be very tempted to go as often as you can.
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Angela Botwin
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot Whittier College is definitely a place where you are constantly learning a lot. Classes are challenging, fun, but also manageable. In my one year there, I have learned so much through my classes, but also about others and the world that we live in. I had interesting and stimulating conversations with peers and professors and it proved to be a really great place to learn and explore. I like having to take classes for the Lib Ed requirements because it allowed me to take classes I didn't even know I was interested in until I was in it. After coming home from my first year, I realized how much I truly learned.
Am enjoying being here First semester, freshman year is a hard transition for any college student. Coming from so far away, it was even harder. I wanted to transfer after my first semester, because I was so homesick and I felt there was nothing to do with my time. I was wrong. By Jan Term and second semester I was doing plays and getting more involved, and starting to really love my time at school. Getting involved helped me meet more people, which allowed me to have more opportunities. I began visiting the beach, going into the L.A. area, going to Disneyland, even exploring uptown Whittier. Even though it was a rough start, after the adjustment period, I really started to love my time there.
Bang for the buck Paying for school is very difficult. Whittier offers so much financial aid though. My first year of college, I was making very doable payments and they financial aid office was always so helpful to me. It's a private school, so of course it's going to be expensive. But it's completely worth it. The environment and relationships you get to make with your professors make a truly unique college experience. Professors really value education and are going to want to help you find a way to pay for school.
Tips for prospective students The best advice I can give is to get involved. I know people tell you that all the time, but it's really true. Try seeing what is going on in the campus, join a society, get a work study job, audition for plays or sports, talk to the people on your floor. All of these things are going to help you get adjusted to school so much faster and ultimately make you happier as a student. There are many different types of people at school, and groups to join. There is definitely a place for everyone if you're willing to look for it.
Great for these types of students Whittier is great for students who are looking for a challenge, but are ready for a small learning environment. Obviously, you can see how many students attend the school before you come, but it wasn't until I got there that I realized how small the campus felt. At first, it was a turn off for me, but once I realized the benefits of a small school I really liked it. You can get to know you're graduating class, it's easier to make study groups and friends, your teachers can remember you when you see them on campus, and you will most likely never get lost. If you're looking for a small school, Whittier is a really great one.
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Alexa from CA
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot Whittier is a superb college which provides a challenging, rigorous, yet doable curriculum. At Whittier, the professors, many of whom have earned their doctorate degree, are extremely knowledgeable and eager to share their knowledge with their students to help them grow in all aspects, as students, people, and community members. Whittier offers a multitude of opportunities for students to expose themselves to variety of subjects of academic and personal interest. The small classroom size provide every student with the opportunity to develop a close relationship to their professors, helpful in networking, as well as granting the students the opportunity to further grow with hands on activities and classes which encourage the students to share their ideas and to think analytically in a multitude of situations. The curriculum at Whittier provides the students with new information of which to develop their brain on a daily basis.
Am enjoying being here Whittier is conveniently located in the quaint town of Whittier. The school is surrounded by many small shops and restaurants, never allowing its inhabitants and visitors the opportunity of boredom. The surrounding area is very lively with friendly people. On campus, there is always an event going on. Every weekend, students are provided the opportunity to further socialize with their classmates during game nights, dances, intramurals, and performances. With the smaller population of students, close relationships are established, promoting a family bond amongst students. The students at Whittier are extremely welcoming and integrating amongst a new crowd is easy. Whittier is a great place to be!
Bang for the buck While the tuition at Whittier is pricey, the college provides a significant amount of financial aid to its students. Whittier is relatively lenient on granting its students with money, especially in regards to the student's GPA, which further influence and encourage the students here to earn good grades. Additionally, the curriculum at Whittier is respectable as it is challenging and the students will learn a great amount of information in whichever classes they decide to take. Whittier provides a great amount of opportunities to its students and is well worth the money.
Tips for prospective students Focus on your studies! The better grades you have, the more money this college will grant you, and it is of great help. Come to college with an open mind as Whittier will expose you to a wide variety of cultures and ideas. College is a time for individuals to grow and develop the individual they are, and here at Whittier, this is fully encouraged with the great diversity on campus. Bring a positive attitude and be open to new opportunities as adventures surround Whittier everywhere. The beach, the Hollywood sign, amusement parks, great areas for shopping, the Staples center, concerts, and various other activities are only a short drive away. Whittier is a great college to attend for four years!
Great for these types of students Whittier College is a great school for everyone! With the freedom at Whittier, everyone is allowed to be themselves. The students at Whittier range from the jock, societies, AOKP, cheerleaders, drama students, musicians, fashionistas, hippies, gays and lesbians, international students, and the every day person. For those who love the sunshine, Whittier is a great place to be. Anyone who is interested in gaining knowledge and further growing as a person from new experiences would be a great fit at Whittier.
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Dennis from Lakewood, CA
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot Whittier College has a diverse teaching staff and they are undeniably helpful. This is a very small campus and the teachers get to know you personally. Even if your goal is to learn beyond the ciriculum the teachers are willing to sit down with you and answer questions beyond the scope of the class if you wish to understand better.
Am enjoying being here This is a double edged sword. The school every couple years has being adding new things and making existing buildings better. However the semester it occurs there is noise and a temporary inconvience of the facility. But due to this there is a very large campus inn that looks spectacular and the pool is currently under renovation but it will be greatly improved. Outside of the temporary inconvience the teachers and location is very enjoyable.
Bang for the buck The college is very expensive but it doles out a substantial amount of financial aid. Considering the price of other private schools the price is great. Especially considering it is staying small allowing the great relations with faculty and small class sizes.
Tips for prospective students These is substantial financial aid, and the better your gpa the higher merit scholarship you will get, and it is guaranteed for 4 years so high GPA greatly lowers the cost of attendance. If you don't have stellar grades however there are many automatic scholarships and endowments the school can get for you. A little proactivity goes a long way though.
Great for these types of students Students who want to learn, want to get to know the professors, and don't want to be a face in the crowd.
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Brenda from Los Angeles, CA
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot At Whittier College, there is not a day that I am not learning something new. It offers a wide variety of courses that will meet everyone's needs. I especially found the freshman writing seminar beneficial, as it helped me improve my writing. All the courses offer rigorous work that will keep one busy yet not feeling overwhelmed. This learning community allows one to learn not only from the teachers but the students as well.
Am enjoying being here Although I currently commute to the school, I find that the school has a wonderful atmosphere created by the diverse cultures that inhabit it. I enjoy being at Whittier College because it has a friendly environment that allows students to work with one another. Plus one feels encouraged to visit professors during their office hours as they are helpful and nice.
Bang for the buck I feel that the education is worth the money that I am paying. Both the teachers and other faculty members provide a genuine service to the students. The faculty has the students' best interest in mind so they do not waste their time rambling about something that will not benefit the student. Plus the faculty and other members of the college are extremely helpful in all situations, whether it be going to the registrar's office or the business office.
Tips for prospective students Be prepared for the rigorous work, as you will no longer get by with the bare minimum. College - in general - asks more of students and this is preparing them for the workforce that will expect going above and beyond with your work. Attendance is crucial in college, as it not only affects your grade but your understanding of the course. Professors are no longer going to hold your hand and take you through all the steps, rather they will guide you to the correct path and let you choose if you want to take it. Most importantly, do not procrastinate because then you become overwhelmed when you glance at the piles of work that you have to do. It is best to do a bit of homework everyday because it ensures quality.
Great for these types of students Whittier College is great for students that like to be part of a small community and that enjoy smaller classrooms, which means that you get more individual attention. This school is perfect for students that are ready to leave the overcrowded classroom, which make one feel like just another student in the class.
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