Claremont McKenna College vs Scripps College

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the key differences between Claremont McKenna College (CMC) and Scripps College?

  Claremont McKenna College (CMC) is a coeducational liberal arts college with a strong emphasis on leadership, economics, government, and public affairs. It's known for its rigorous academic environment and focus on preparing students for leadership roles in various sectors. Scripps College, on the other hand, is a women's college that emphasizes interdisciplinary studies and intellectual development within a supportive community. While both are excellent liberal arts colleges, CMC leans towards practical application and leadership training, while Scripps prioritizes a holistic and empowering educational experience for women.

• Are CMC and Scripps part of the same college system?

  Yes, both Claremont McKenna College and Scripps College are part of the Claremont Colleges consortium. This means students can cross-register for courses at any of the five undergraduate colleges (Pomona, Harvey Mudd, Pitzer, CMC, and Scripps) and two graduate institutions, access shared resources like libraries and dining halls, and participate in social activities across all campuses. This provides a much larger academic and social environment than a typical small liberal arts college.

• How do the academic focuses of CMC and Scripps differ?

  CMC is particularly strong in economics, government, international relations, and leadership studies. Its curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in these areas, coupled with practical skills and real-world experience. Scripps College offers a broader range of humanities and arts programs, with a core curriculum that emphasizes interdisciplinary thinking and critical analysis. While both colleges offer excellent liberal arts educations, CMC is more pre-professional in its orientation, while Scripps is more focused on intellectual exploration and personal growth.

• What is the social atmosphere like at CMC versus Scripps?

  CMC is often described as having a more competitive and career-oriented social atmosphere. Students are highly engaged in extracurricular activities, internships, and leadership opportunities. Scripps, as a women's college, fosters a close-knit and supportive community. The social atmosphere is generally considered more collaborative and focused on empowering women. While both colleges offer vibrant social lives, the emphasis and tone differ significantly.

• How do the campus cultures compare between CMC and Scripps?

  CMC's campus culture is often characterized by its emphasis on leadership, entrepreneurship, and public service. Students are encouraged to take initiative and make a difference in the world. Scripps' campus culture is known for its strong sense of community, its commitment to social justice, and its celebration of women's intellectual and artistic achievements. The architecture at Scripps is also distinctive, with beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival buildings and lush gardens, contributing to a more serene and aesthetically focused environment.

• What are the housing options like at CMC and Scripps?

  Both CMC and Scripps offer primarily residential experiences, with a high percentage of students living on campus. CMC's residence halls are generally more modern, while Scripps' dorms have a more traditional and historic feel, reflecting the college's architectural style. Both colleges offer a variety of housing options, including singles, doubles, and suites. Because of the consortium, students can often visit friends in other colleges' dorms, expanding their social circles.

• How does the student body composition differ between CMC and Scripps?

  CMC is coeducational, attracting a diverse student body from across the United States and around the world. Scripps College, as a women's college, enrolls only female students. This difference in gender composition significantly impacts the classroom dynamic and the overall campus culture. Both colleges strive for diversity in terms of ethnicity, socioeconomic background, and academic interests.

• What are the career services and internship opportunities like at CMC and Scripps?

  Both CMC and Scripps offer comprehensive career services to help students prepare for their future careers. CMC's career services are particularly strong in areas such as finance, consulting, and government, reflecting the college's academic strengths. Scripps' career services provide tailored support for women in various fields, with a focus on empowering them to succeed in their chosen careers. Both colleges leverage their location in Southern California to provide access to a wide range of internship opportunities.

• If I'm interested in both colleges, what factors should I consider when deciding which one to attend?

  Consider your academic interests, career goals, and preferred learning environment. If you are drawn to leadership, economics, government, and a more pre-professional focus, CMC might be a better fit. If you value a women's college environment, interdisciplinary studies, and a strong sense of community, Scripps might be a better choice. Visiting both campuses, talking to current students, and attending information sessions can help you make an informed decision. Also, consider which college's values and mission resonate most strongly with you.

• Are there opportunities for students at CMC and Scripps to interact with each other?

  Absolutely! Because CMC and Scripps are part of the Claremont Colleges consortium, there are numerous opportunities for students to interact with each other. Students can cross-register for courses, participate in joint extracurricular activities, attend social events across campuses, and even live in housing at different colleges within the consortium. This creates a vibrant and interconnected community where students can benefit from the unique strengths of each institution.