The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Colleges 2018 by Gen Tanabe

Author:Gen Tanabe
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: SuperCollege
Published: 2017-02-04T05:00:00+00:00

Academics

Occidental coursework tends to be challenging, but manageable. The small average class size—10 to 19 students—allows undergrads to form relationships with professors in a relaxed environment. “My professors have always been available,” reflects a student. “Several of them call or email me to follow up on classes or assignments.” There are 33 majors available, with especially strong programs in chemistry, English and comparative literary studies, and diplomacy and world affairs.

The Core Program includes first-year courses in writing, foreign language, fine arts, sciences, and mathematics. In addition, a global literacy requirement consists of three courses touching on at least three different geographic regions (Africa and the Middle East; Asia and the Pacific; Europe; Latin America; the United States; and Intercultural). Students must pass a senior comprehensive exam, which may be given in the form of a seminar, creative project, fieldwork, an oral exam, a thesis, or a field research project.

Occidental’s special academic opportunities reflect its emphasis on fostering diversity and social justice. When you apply to Occidental, you are automatically considered to attend a free Multicultural Summer Institute for a month the summer before you matriculate. Fifty students participate in this program that is created “for students of color, first generation students, and students who have expressed interest in diversity and multiculturalism.” For the month, you’ll spend all of your time on MSI activities, including an intensive academic seminar team-taught by Occidental professors, field trips, community service projects, and diversity training. The program comes with plenty of perks. Not only will you earn four college credits at no cost, but you’ll also have a chance to get acquainted with some of your classmates, the campus, and LA before you start in the fall. Students describe the Multicultural Summer Institute as “amazing” and the “best possible introduction to Oxy and other students.”

Community Based Learning courses connect the classroom to the rest of LA, engaging students by the introduction of theoretical issues and then putting them to work. Occidental stands out from other institutions for the range of Community Based Learning courses it offers across different departments. The service components of such courses range from clerking at a public interest law firm to tutoring high school students in math to getting involved with an architectural venture, as well as many other projects. “I’ve learned as much outside the classroom as I have in it,” says a student about the courses.

OCCIDENTAL COLLEGE

Highlights

Students

Total enrollment: 2,114

Undergrads: 2,112

Part-time students: 1%

From out-of-state: 57%

Male/Female: 43%/57%

Live on-campus: 82%

Off-campus employment rating: Caucasian: 49%

African American: 5%

Hispanic: 15%

Asian / Pacific Islander: 13%

Native American: 0%

Mixed (2+ ethnicities): 9%

International: 6%

Academics

Calendar: Semester

Student/faculty ratio: 10:1

Class size 9 or fewer: 16%

Class size 10-29: 74%

Class size 30-49: 10%

Class size 50-99: -

Class size 100 or more: -

Returning freshmen: 93%

Six-year graduation rate: 88%

Graduates who immediately enter career related to major: 88%

Most Popular Majors

Economics

Political Science

International Affairs

Admissions

Applicants: 5,911

Accepted: 2,652

Acceptance rate: 44.9%

Placed on wait list: 705

Enrolled from wait list: 26

Average GPA: 3.6

ACT range: 28-31

SAT Math range: 600-690

SAT Reading range: 600-690

Top 10% of class: 55%

Top 25% of class: 90%

Top 50% of class: 99%

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