Welcoming Our New Students: Orientation at Scripps College

There’s a renewed sense of excitement in the air here in Claremont… the day that we in the Scripps College Office of Admission have been waiting for all summer has finally come: new student move-in day!

Last Thursday, all of our new students – 264 first-years and 24 transfers – arrived on campus with boxes and pillows, suitcases and stuffed animals, and family members in tow. Some came from down the road, while others traveled from much farther distances across the country and around world. Despite triple-digit temperatures, they all brought a wonderful energy and enthusiasm with them.

Highlights of the day included the New Student Convocation, where students were welcomed to campus by members of the Scripps College community and got to hear about the special, and sometimes funny, talents of their classmates; the Resource Fair, where students learned about programs and services offered on campus, around the consortium, and even in the Claremont Village (on this hot day, the delicious ice cream from Bert & Rocky’s was a big hit!); and the Peer Mentor small group meetings.

Over the next few days, new students will participate in a variety of New Student Orientation activities that will help them settle into campus, familiarize themselves with resources, and get to know one another and the Scripps community even better. They will meet with their faculty advisor, have their first official Scripps tea, learn about women in science, eat dessert with the Dean of Students, test for math and language placement, take a dip in the beautiful Scripps pool, get an introduction to Core, sample the famous In-N-Out burger, audition for music ensembles, find out about career planning and work-study, take part in the 5-College Carnival, and more!

All of us in the Office of Admission are so delighted to welcome the Class of 2014 and our new transfer students to campus. The vibrancy and spirit of Scripps College is found in our students, and we couldn’t be happier to have them here.

As you head back to school this fall, consider planning a visit to Scripps to experience our campus and meet our students... I promise, you’ll be so glad you did!

Cassie, Assistant Director of Admission

Tackling the College Essay: Tips from Margaret, one of our Admission Counselors

Few things generate more stress in the college application process than the essay. I’m going to give you some suggestions that I hope will make the experience more productive and, possibly, even fun!

First, try to think of the essay as an opportunity. At this point in your high school career, some things are out of your hands—three quarters of your academic record is already complete; you have chosen teachers who will write letters of recommendations. The essay is one of the few things that is still under your control. You have this chance to tell us something important about you.

Be thoughtful about the topic. Many private colleges and universities use the Common Application which suggests a number of possible topics and then gives you an option of “a topic of your choice.” Often students write about a significant person, place, or experience. Don’t try to guess what admission officers want to hear. What we want from your college essay is to get a better sense of you as a person. Think about whether the topic you’ve chosen will provide this insight.

Be yourself. The only way the essay will help show how you are unique is if you are genuine and write from your own “voice.” Read your essay out loud. Does it sound like you?

Don’t procrastinate on the essay. You should leave plenty of time for the process, from deciding on the best topic to drafting and polishing the essay. Rewrite and edit. Most good writing is not the result of a single session at the computer. Make this a piece you (and your English teacher) would be proud of. Don’t forget to proofread!

Be specific. Go for depth rather than breadth. The more detailed and descriptive you can be, the better you will get across your point. That does not mean that you have to use every adjective in your repertoire! It does mean that your essay will be stronger if you give specific examples of what you mean. Tell us a story in a way that allows us to picture what you are talking about.

Finally, remember that a well-told, compelling story about you can help your application stand out.

Good luck on your essay!

Margaret, Admission Counselor

A Time for Introductions! Welcome to our new website...

This time of year is all about introductions. You are introducing yourself to new teachers, new classes, new leadership positions, and new classmates. And this year is special because you are also introducing yourself to colleges and universities…one of which will be your home for the next four years.

Everyone here in the Admission Office is eager to meet you and introduce you to the wonderful opportunities that await you at Scripps College. I hope that the introduction to Scripps College will act as a springboard into the admission process, where you and your family feel comfortable asking the tough questions to figure out if Scripps is the right place for you.

It’s also my pleasure to introduce you to our brand new admission website. We hope you find the site easy to navigate and full of information about what type of student is happy and successful at Scripps College. On this site, you can learn about the academic and social life at Scripps and in the Claremont Colleges consortium, check the status of your application, and register for campus tours, preview events, and personal visits.

Finally, I am so proud to introduce you to Scripps College: our dynamic students, our wonderful faculty, and our stunning campus. At high school visits, college fairs, and receptions, I am often asked: “Who is a Scripps student (and would I fit in, find it challenging, be happy there, too)?” While there is no easy answer to this question and our students’ interests and aptitudes run the gamut, here are some common characteristics shared by our students:

·     Scripps students are interested in many different things, both in and out of the classroom. They are curious about the world around them and explore the intersections of their many passions.

·     Scripps students love a challenge. They enjoy discussions and collaboration with their peers and professors. They are high achievers, but relish the exchange of ideas and concepts in the classroom, in extracurricular activities, and in everyday conversations.

·     Scripps is a close-knit community where students support each other. With this support, Scripps students flourish, taking on leadership roles, performing research, and trying new things such as ballroom dancing and organic gardening.

Check this website regularly to learn more about Scripps College, the application process, and what our students and faculty are up to in the 2010-11 year. Hope to see you on campus soon!

Laura, Director of Admission