Introduction from the Author
First off, I would like to clarify this is Scripps College of Claremont, not the research institute in La Jolla, as that is the most common assumption people make when hearing of Scripps, granted they know anything of the college. After all, Scripps is a small, all-women liberal arts college in the midst of large universities in Southern California.
In high school I did not know that Claremont even existed until I was halfway through the college application process and happened to stumble upon a brochure. After a campus visit, I realized that it was exactly what I had been looking for, a compromise between a large university and a tiny isolated college—the perfect mix. Next to the academics offered by Scripps and the reputation of the Joint Science Department (Scripps, Claremont Mckenna, and Pitzer), I was most impressed by the way that the five colleges of Claremont share resources, and enable students of all the colleges to take classes at any of the schools. Each college is a unique school within a consortium of schools, which makes up an ideal setting that is wholly and completely devoted to the education of its undergraduate students.
Beyond being a small liberal arts college, what further distinguishes Scripps is its being a female college. Many feel dissuaded by this fact alone, but Scripps is unique in that it is a women’s college that allows all students, male or female, from the other colleges to take classes on campus and vice versa. However, it is common for male students from the other colleges to be a little less than enthusiastic about taking classes at Scripps. The students of Scripps tend to be outspoken, aggressive, and very opinionated, which can oftentimes be overwhelming and intimidating. Many have characterized Scrippsies as being “weird” or “crazy,” and they are absolutely right. We are strong women who know how to get things done and have the most fun possible doing it, both as a unique individual and together as a team. The most creative and seemingly ridiculous ideas will become reality here, where thinking inside the box is never an option.
My first year at Scripps was marked by major adjustments, mainly in frame of thought. I had always been used to a set range of thinking and acting, but this is definitely not a place for the customary. Scripps is a place of growth and expansion, where everything is meant to be challenging. Be prepared to be humbled by the surroundings and all the great minds in a small space, but you will soon learn that this is a place where you can and will be continuously taught to be comfortable as yourself, for you will make a place for yourself in no time. Of course, no school is perfect, and Scripps has its fair share of negatives, but get as much as you give, and you will find all the frustrations and obstacles to be strengthening, enriching, and inspiring.
Christine Tran, Author
Scripps College
First off, I would like to clarify this is Scripps College of Claremont, not the research institute in La Jolla, as that is the most common assumption people make when hearing of Scripps, granted they know anything of the college. After all, Scripps is a small, all-women liberal arts college in the midst of large universities in Southern California.
In high school I did not know that Claremont even existed until I was halfway through the college application process and happened to stumble upon a brochure. After a campus visit, I realized that it was exactly what I had been looking for, a compromise between a large university and a tiny isolated college—the perfect mix. Next to the academics offered by Scripps and the reputation of the Joint Science Department (Scripps, Claremont Mckenna, and Pitzer), I was most impressed by the way that the five colleges of Claremont share resources, and enable students of all the colleges to take classes at any of the schools. Each college is a unique school within a consortium of schools, which makes up an ideal setting that is wholly and completely devoted to the education of its undergraduate students.
Beyond being a small liberal arts college, what further distinguishes Scripps is its being a female college. Many feel dissuaded by this fact alone, but Scripps is unique in that it is a women’s college that allows all students, male or female, from the other colleges to take classes on campus and vice versa. However, it is common for male students from the other colleges to be a little less than enthusiastic about taking classes at Scripps. The students of Scripps tend to be outspoken, aggressive, and very opinionated, which can oftentimes be overwhelming and intimidating. Many have characterized Scrippsies as being “weird” or “crazy,” and they are absolutely right. We are strong women who know how to get things done and have the most fun possible doing it, both as a unique individual and together as a team. The most creative and seemingly ridiculous ideas will become reality here, where thinking inside the box is never an option.
My first year at Scripps was marked by major adjustments, mainly in frame of thought. I had always been used to a set range of thinking and acting, but this is definitely not a place for the customary. Scripps is a place of growth and expansion, where everything is meant to be challenging. Be prepared to be humbled by the surroundings and all the great minds in a small space, but you will soon learn that this is a place where you can and will be continuously taught to be comfortable as yourself, for you will make a place for yourself in no time. Of course, no school is perfect, and Scripps has its fair share of negatives, but get as much as you give, and you will find all the frustrations and obstacles to be strengthening, enriching, and inspiring.
Christine Tran, Author
Scripps College
