Occidental College Admission
Occidental College Undergraduate Program
Occidental College Application

The Facts

Occidental College is located in Los Angeles, California, and is often called the “ Princeton of the West;" applications to the school have increased 140% over the last six years. The school combines a strong liberal arts program with several interdisciplinary studies. The school is known for being extremely diverse, and offers over 31 majors in the arts and humanities, sciences, and social sciences, 11 of which are interdisciplinary. Programs the school is best known for include diplomacy and world affairs, music, chemistry, economics, physics, and theater.

First year studies are all required to take a Cultural Studies course that encourages students to think across various disciplines. Student are required to take twelve units in different geographical areas, and at least twelve units of science and math, as well as demonstrate proficiency in at least one foreign language. Students say the workload is heavy as a result; however, they usually enjoy what they do, because there is so much freedom in choosing the areas which you actually study.

Last year, over 4,513 students applied and about 1,964 were admitted, while only 441 students actually enrolled. The cross-section of students at Occidental shows that they are all highly motivated and intelligent; the Class of 2004 had an average SAT score ranging from 1170 to 1370, and an average comprehensive ACT score ranging from 25 to 30. Over 87% of the admitted students were ranked among the top 25% of their high school graduating class.

The student to faculty ratio is quite low at 11:1, and most classes are made up of twenty or less students, ensuring that the relationship between students and professors are quite reciprocal. Students know what professors expect, and deliver it with their help. Professors make themselves readily available after class and durin office hours, and are always willing to help a struggling or inquisitive student.

The Social Scene

Occidental’s 120-acre campus is beautiful and sports tree-lined paths surrounding Spanish-style architecture and a centralized quad where many students can be found basking in the California sun. In fact, more than fifty feature films have been shot at the school primarily for its picturesque qualities. Approximately 70% of students live on campus in one of the eleven dorms, which are small but have plenty of personality. Campus buses are always available to take students to various locations for both social and practical purposes.

There is Greek life at the school, however, students say it is not overly influential on campus. There are over eighty student clubs and organizations that focus on community service and environmental protection. Many students opt to join one or more of these groups, which make up the core familial atmosphere of the college.

What's Good

“Occidental really feels like a family. Everyone is really supportive of one another, and there is not much fierce academic competition.”

“The classes are really small, so you are able to really get to know your professors. Most of us stay in touch with them for years to come.”

“The campus feels really secure. I have no problem walking around by myself at three in the morning.”

What's Bad

“Yeah, the campus is close-knit, but it seems like everyone always knows everyone else’s business.”

“The surrounding area isn’t really that safe. You have to go to Pasadena to find anything good to do.”

“The school claims to be really diverse, but most kids here are just rich and white.”

Let the Penn Group help you apply to college.

• View our services
• Send a request now
• Read articles about applying to college