Scripps and the 5-College Environment: The Best of Both Worlds

Longing for an intimate community but don’t want to feel claustrophobic? Excited to meet new people but don’t want to get lost in the crowd? Drawn to the personal interactions at a small college but also to the freedom and diversity of a medium-sized university? Maybe you can have both!

One of the most dynamic elements of the Claremotn Colleges consortium is the way in which we play with size. As an institution of about 950 students, Scripps College offers students a small college environment, nestled in the center of a community of undergraduates that numbers nearly 5,500. While our students benefit academically and socially from our smaller size, they also have the opportunity to spread their wings beyond the walls of the Scripps campus.

Our students are some of the most active young people around. I am constantly amazed by the number and variety of ways in which they are engaged on campus or within our broader community. Scripps women often share their passions and interests with students from the other Claremont Colleges through their involvement in five-college (5C) clubs and organizations. In fact, the annual 5C Turf Dinner and Activities Fair happens right here at Scripps. Held during the first week of the fall semester, this event is a chance for new and returning students from all five undergraduate campuses to learn more about the clubs and organizations they may want to join. And, believe me, there are many options!

Another way in which Scripps students connect with the 5C community is by taking part in campus events around the consortium. Campus speakers, film screenings, music groups, arts events, and other social activities occur on a daily basis throughout the academic year. I thought it would be fun to provide a sampling of what happened around campus this past weekend:

On Friday evening, Without a Box, the 5C improv comedy troupe, performed a show full of laughs on the Scripps campus; Bill Gross, Founder and CEO of Idealab, gave a lecture at Harvey Mudd titled “How Renewable Energy Can Beat Fossil Fuels;” and the Salsa Addicts, an outreach group coordinated by the Claremont Colleges Ballroom Dance Company (CCBDC), offered a night of lessons and dancing at Salsa Night.

On Saturday, the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (CMS) men’s soccer team played La Verne at home and the Claremont Concert Orchestra performed “Sounds from the New World” in Garrison Theater.

 

On Sunday, the 5C Outdoor Women Leaders (OWL) led a hike and beach bonfire trip to Laguna Beach and Crepes for a Cause hosted a snack night in one of our residence hall kitchens to raise money for an international nonprofit.

Coming up this week: the Joint Science Department hosts an Alumni/Alumnae Medical Student Panel, NPR commentator Frank Deford speaks at Claremont McKenna’s Athaneum, Scripps math professor Winston Ou and Gary Sndyder hold an Aikido Kokikai Japanese martial art demonstration, writer Abdourahman Waberi offers a lecture (in French) and book signing, and the Williamson Gallery celebrates the opening of Sense and Sensation: Laurie Fendrich, Paintings and Drawings 1990-2010.

I can’t wait!

Cassie, Assistant Director of Admission

November 1 Deadline Is Approaching for Early Decision I and Merit-Based Scholarships

Today, I flipped my calendar from October to November and saw a big red circle around the date “November 1.”  November 1 is an important day.  First of all, it is the date when I (along with most of the Admission staff) return to Scripps after two months of visiting high schools, attending college fairs, hosting receptions, and interviewing prospective students.  We really enjoy seeing our friends and families, sleeping in our own beds, and eating home-cooked meals!

But more importantly, November 1 is an important deadline for Admission at Scripps College.  If you are planning on applying to the College through Early Decision, November 1 is the date by which you need to submit the Common Application, Scripps College supplement, and supporting documents (including high school transcript, letters of recommendation, standardized test scores, and graded analytical paper).  Keep in mind that November 1 is a POSTMARK deadline.

Additionally, if you are applying as a Regular Decision OR Early Decision candidate and would like to be considered for merit-based scholarship, you also need to apply by November 1.  Scripps requires merit-based scholarship seekers to apply by an earlier deadline because we will name scholarship finalists in early January; finalists are invited to campus, at the College’s expense, in early February for our Scholars Program.  This program includes a faculty interview, multiple academic and co-curricular sessions, the opportunity to sit in on classes, and full coverage of all costs related to the program.  Keep in mind that November 1 is a POSTMARK deadline.

While Early Decision and scholarship consideration share the November 1 deadline, they are not tied together.  Prospective students may apply for merit-based scholarship under both the Early Decision and Regular Decision application plans.  Under the “Future Plans” section on the Common Application, you must check the Merit-Based Scholarship box to be considered for Scripps College scholarships.

If you have any questions about Scripps’ admission deadlines or application requirements, feel free to email our office at admission@scrippscollege.edu or call 800-770-1333.  We can’t wait to read your application!

Take care,

Laura, Director of Admission

Preview Day is Coming Up on October 22: Read This For All of the Details

Please join us for Preview Day, our fall open house, on Friday, October 22. You and your family are invited to learn more about our academic programs and extracurricular opportunities, experience the Scripps campus, and meet with faculty and current students.

Throughout the day, prospective students and their families will have the opportunity to tour the campus, attend academic information sessions, visit classes, eat in our dining hall and visit various student service offices on campus. The program will conclude with Afternoon Tea, a Scripps tradition, in the Margaret Fowler Garden.

In addition to the day program on October 22, you are also welcome to spend the night in our residence halls on campus on Thursday, October 21. The overnight option will allow you to meet current Scripps students, visit our student-run coffee house, and hang out in one of our nine residence halls. Space for overnights is limited, so please reserve your spot as soon as possible.

For more information on Preview Day, please click visit http://think.scrippscollege.edu/pvd.php. To register for Preview Day, please click here – keep in mind that registration closes on October 15, 2010. We look forward to welcoming you to the campus and introducing you to all the opportunities Scripps College has to offer!

Maricela, Associate Director of Admission

Early Decision Deadine Is Coming Up... Is ED Right For You?

There are over 4,000 colleges and universities in the United States so it is completely understandable why selecting one institution can be difficult. But what if you already know what you want? If you know what they are looking for in a school and have fallen in love with Scripps College, you may want to consider applying Early Decision.

What is Early Decision?
Early Decision is an admission option that allows you to apply to one institution earlier than the regular decision deadline. As the name implies, you receive your decision letter early, often 4-6 weeks after submitting your application. You are allowed to apply to other institutions for their regular decision deadline. It is important to realize that the Early Decision option is binding. This means that you, your parent, and your counselor sign an agreement indicating that you will enroll at Scripps College if you are accepted, and will withdraw all applications to other schools.

When to consider Early Decision:
You have researched us, visited us, love us, and believe you will be happy at Scripps for four years. If you have read of our printed materials and website, have visited and fallen in love with our beautiful campus, have spoken with current Scripps students and/or alumnae, and believe we are a great fit for you, Early Decision may be a good idea. We love applicants who are excited about the Scripps experience! When you are admitted through Early Decision, you not only hear from us earlier, but complete the college process months before other applicants.

When not to consider Early Decision:
You heard it was easier to gain admission. Many people have heard that applying Early Decision will increase their chances of admission. While we love students who are enthusiastic about Scripps, all applications are reviewed thoughtfully and thoroughly to ensure that all admitted students are wonderfully well qualified. Early Decision is a great option if you see a strong connection between your interests/aptitudes and the Scripps experience.

You are hoping to compare financial aid packages among schools. Applying Early Decision to Scripps means that you are willing to forego the option of comparing financial aid packages before making your college choice. If you apply for need-based financial aid, rest assured that Scripps College is committed to meeting 100% of your family’s demonstrated financial need through a comprehensive financial aid package that usually includes grant (free) money, student loans, and on-campus work. Early Decision I applicants may also apply for merit-based scholarships at Scripps College.

You just want the college process to be over. We acknowledge that the college process is stressful for seniors, but Early Decision is not a good idea if all you want to do is put an end to the application season. Selecting a college is a big decision and we want you to be happy and confident in your choice.

As you can see, there are many factors to consider when applying Early Decision to Scripps or any other college. Talk to your parents, your counselor, your siblings, your mentors about Early Decision and whether it’s right for you. if you decide apply Early Decision to Scripps College, keep in mind our deadlines –Early Decision I: November 1 and Early Decision II: January 1. If you have any other questions about Early Decision, just call the Office of Admission and speak with an Admission Officer.

Best of luck in your search!
Connie, Admission Counselor