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Student Reviews

Westmont College Reviews

Check out reviews left by other students, or leave your own review. You could win a free scholarship!

  • 01/18/2010

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    12 out of 14 people found this review useful. 1 of 10

    Categories Comments
    Great for these types of students

    Great for kids who don't want a hectic college life, who like a small sized student body and who are ready to work hard, academically.

    Tips for prospective students

    Be prepared for a small, community environment

  • 02/17/2011

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    5 out of 5 people found this review useful. 2 of 10

    Categories Comments
    Great for these types of students

    Christian looking for community People excited about off-campus programs

    Tips for prospective students

    Try to engage with the faculty. Know that even though this is a Christian school there are people who are rebelling against their parents conservative values. There are a range of values, so be ready for that. Take advantage of off-campus opportunities! Make friends who have cars.

    Bang for the buck

    Westmont is very expensive. There are many things that seem too expensive, especially the meal plan and room and board. The food is pretty good for dorm food and the dorms are really nice.

    Am enjoying being here

    Westmont's is a very small community, and a lot of people may not enjoy that. The campus is pretty isolated in the hills of Montecito, and, though is it a beautiful area, it can sometimes feel restricting, especially without a car. There are a lot of great people here, though, and Westmont's community can be a lot of fun.

    Am learning a lot

    Westmont has a really talented, engaging body of faculty members. They are willing to engage with students and strike a really good balance between sharing their expertise and letting students expand and share their ideas. Of course, a lot of this depends on you, the course, and the professor, but in general I have always been impressed with my faculty's credentials and with their dedication to discussion-based learning and pursuing questions.

  • 07/11/2011

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 3 of 10

    Categories Comments
    Will learn a lot

    This is the kind of school that can only be dreamed of. From the great academics, to the incredible campus any student with a passion for Christ and a will to experience the best four years of their life will fall head over heels in love.

  • 08/18/2011

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.

    2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 4 of 10

    Categories Comments
    Bang for the buck

    Great Scholarships!

    Will enjoy being here

    I love the location, I just wish they had a football team.

    Will learn a lot

    I love that it has a great psychology program, but I was disappointed to find that they didn't have any grad programs.

  • 02/11/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 5 of 10

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    we use our id cards to get into our dorms, which can be a bit frustrating if you lose yours but that makes you remember to keep your id (and keys) on you. even though it's an open campus, the paths are lighted and sound echoes on the hill/mountain, so if anything threatening happens a scream can alert people nearby. but that's never happened :)

    Greek Life

    what greek life? my ra is greek orthodox, does that count?

    Clubs and Activities

    there's a harry potter club (dumbledore's army), a zumba club, black student union, volunteer work opportunities, et cetera. a club fair is held each fall on the main lawn to inform students of the many options.

    Great for these types of students

    students who: love getting to know their professors and classmates; are [sometimes-sheltered] christians; enjoy a challenge; enjoy a residential school (rather than commuter); and those of you who want to have an equal parts exciting, stressful, and worthwhile experience.

    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    right next to our track field we have our keck telescope, which is one of the most powerful telescopes on the west coast. each year there is a school-wide performance at the santa barbara bowl, called spring sing. it's a showcase of all the students' talents put together and pitted against one another, split up by dorm and gender.

    What to do for fun

    go to the beach, shop on state street, take a hike on or off-campus, exercise in the fitness center, play ultimate frisbee, go to a meal with friends, sunbathe (even in february), visit the mission, walk on the pier, ride the carousel in town, skype your next-door neighbors, host/attend impromptu dances on a friday night, play a sport, take lessons for voice or an instrument, attend a free concert at the granada courtesy of westmont in the arts (wita), attend various lectures happening every week on campus... the list goes on. never a dull moment!

    Food and Dining

    we seem to get very high-quality food whenever visitors or prospective students come, but other than that it's hit-or-miss. there are always choices other than hot meals, such as a salad or sandwich bar, as well as cereal, waffle makers, fresh fruit, and desserts. a wide variety meets most everyone's needs.

    Dorm Life

    i would give five stars if my dorm actually adhered to the quiet hours rule, starting at 11 pm every night. instead, some people enjoy hailing their friends down the hall with a loud shout at midnight or later. but the living experience with the ras is quite enjoyable.

    Academic Rigor

    the ge classes i've taken so far are surprisingly high reading- and work-intensive, but it ensures that if i do my work as i should, i thoroughly know the material in time for any tests or exams. my major-specific classes (music) are very comprehensive and gradual, but continually challenging and entertaining. the professors are top-notch and well-qualified.

    Tips for prospective students

    don't be meek or shy when you visit! we love having visitors :) also, if it weren't for generous donors, tuition would cost at least $20,000 more than it does already. so you're getting a fantastic deal for the price.

    In three sentences

    westmont is a tight-knit community. it's challenging, stretching, thought-provoking. this college is my second home.

  • 02/27/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 6 of 10

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    very safe, sometimes too safe.

    Greek Life

    none

    Clubs and Activities

    many clubs and off campus programs to get involved in.

    Great for these types of students

    motivated, hardworking, christian, determined

    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    christmas at westmont is magical. the pickle tree lighting is a big tradition. spring sing is also a tradition where the dorms compete against each other in a musical.

    Bang for the buck

    it is expensive but they give a lot of scholarships and aide.

    What to do for fun

    because westmont is in santa barbara there is always something fun to do. go to the beach, hike, ride bikes, go to the zoo, shop on state street, surf, kayak...you name it you can do it.

    Food and Dining

    the dining commons is not amazing. it is cafeteria food, but there are days when they have good food. the study is open in the evenings and the food there is always great!

    Dorm Life

    the dorms are nice but they're not hotel rooms. you have to dress them up and make them you. it is your place, so make it a comfortable place to study or hang out. the ras are always planning fun events and study breaks for students. this is a great way to meet new people and take a break if you've been studying for a long time.

    Academic Rigor

    westmont academics are challenging, but you get a wonderful education that allows you to think and live critically.

    Tips for prospective students

    westmont is small space of learning and community. if you are looking for personal unique relationships with people who want to motivate and push you, westmont is a great place.

    In three sentences

    westmont is a strong community of people. the college allows you to study and share your faith with people who want to focus on interests just like you. the personal relationships you create with faculty and sudents are unique and motivate you to strive and become stronger in your faith.

  • 04/11/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    7 of 10

    Categories Comments
    What to do for fun

    I love to go to the zoo, the Santa Barbara mission, sit on the beach, walk around downtown, or enjoy a frozen yogurt at Yogurtland.

    Tips for prospective students

    I would bring lots of warm clothing because it gets cold at night. Make sure you study hard the first semester; many freshmen lag off first semester and their grades are horrible.

    In three sentences

    I love my school. It think it is a great school for any student of any age to attend.

  • 10/24/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    8 of 10

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    I feel extremely safe on campus. I am comfortable with the student body and also the surrounding community.

    Greek Life

    There is no Greek life offered at Westmont, which I do not believe is a negative aspect. In this manner it allows for one to associate with their dorm in that respect.

    Clubs and Activities

    There is a multitude of clubs and activities offered. Someone can join one of they can join five! They cover a variety of interests and topics so as to offer everyone a chance to get involved.

    Great for these types of students

    The student body exemplifies a wide variety of personalities from introverted to extroverted. One can usually find a place where they feel comfortable or those they feel comfortable around.

    Bang for the buck

    The experience and education one receives is well worth the price.

    What to do for fun

    There is everything from the ocean to the mountains. One can go to the beach or even go for a hike up in the mountains. Also, there is a downtown area to go shopping, eat, or even go to the movies.

    Food and Dining

    The Dining Commons is conducive to eating with a few people or to even sit by yourself to get some studying done. The variety of food offered is nice and one can usually find something that they like.

    Dorm Life

    The dorm life is a wonderful opportunity for community. Residence Life office does a great job when it comes to matching roommates for first years. There is so much potential for meeting genuine, friendly people, and getting involved.

    Academic Rigor

    The classes are all challenging as well as the professors. They expect a lot from you but it is nothing above and beyond what you can do.

    Tips for prospective students

    Tips for prospective students is to get involved. You never know if you do not like something until you try it. There is a wide variety of things to get involved in and it is the best way to meet new people and make the most of your college experience.

    In three sentences

    Westmont is the all inclusive package. It offers an amazing education, helpful professors, and an inviting community and student body. Not to mention who could beat the location of Santa Barbara.

  • 03/16/2013

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    9 of 10

    Categories Comments
    Greek Life

    none

    Great for these types of students

    Christians Overachievers Musical

    Dorm Life

    No major parties. Very welcoming and dorm neighbors are really friendly.

    Academic Rigor

    Every class is an Honors Level class and there are research opportunities available.

    Tips for prospective students

    Go visit the campus to get a sense of the people and atmosphere when school is in session.

    In three sentences

    Welcoming Christian community and helpful staff. The classes are rigorous but very rewarding. The students there are very nice and I cannot wait to start going here.

  • 03/29/2013

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    10 of 10

    Categories Comments
    In three sentences

    Westmont College offered me a premier education and lasting friendships and relationships. I highly recommend it if you are looking for a good liberal arts education and like good weather!