Whittier College
Whittier, CA, USA

Reviews

Whittier College

Ashley from CA

a current student here
12 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Whittier is a small private school in the eclectic town of Whittier near Los Angeles, California. The classroom sizes are small, within the range of one teacher per 25 students. thus, there is a lot of one-on-one time with your professors. Also, this gives way to making influential friends (people in high places) that assist you throughout life. the opportunities that are afforded to a Whittier student or graduate are irreplaceable and can rarely be found at another institution.
Am enjoying being here
If you are interested in going to a school where there is always something going on, Whittier College is the place for you! The sports teams are all like their own tight-knit family, and so are the societies on campus. The clubs here are also very active with students on campus. Though, if you feel like you need to get away, Uptown Whittier is only five minutes up the street. There, you and your friends can go out for a day of shopping and sushi, or catch a movie at the local theater. There is always something in store, either on or off campus for a Whittier college student!
Bang for the buck
Whittier college is a private institution and costs more than the average public college, but it is definitely worth the money. The cafeteria serves amazing meals on a weekly basis and there is also The Spot, where you can buy snacks drinks and even delicious hot meals if you are on the go. The experience each student has here is nothing but amazing! You will meet life long friends, and influential professors and/or coaches who are always there with a listening ear or a helping hand. Whittier College provides a close-knit family and a unexplainable opportunities in and out of the classroom!
Tips for prospective students
If you are looking into colleges, be sure to drive through Whittier and visit the college. Once you see it I am sure you will fall in love. The campus is beautiful and tours are always available upon request. You will notice that the campus is small, which makes it a safer environment and easier to get around. The library is a must-see and so is the President's house which can be found up the hill past the gym. If you stick around long enough you may even see pass by her in the upper quad, or perhaps you may want to stop in the cafeteria and eat alongside some of the professors. Like I said, Whittier is a very special, tightly-knit community!
Great for these types of students
I have found that Whittier is a magnet for those who are looking to be not only seen, but heard. The small classes and campus are perfect to create and close and intimate bond with others. So here you go, to sum it up, it you are looking for any of the following in a college, Whittier is your final destination!
-Small beautiful campus
-1:25 teacher:student ratio
-leadership activities
-volunteer work
-job opportunities
-clubs/sports/societies
-close places off campus (shops, book/movie/music, restaurants, etc)
-lots of friends!
-many majors to choose from!
-near major cities and hot spots in CA (Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, La, Hollywood, etc.)
All-in-all Whittier is an amazing place and you would have the best educational and life experience if you came here!!

Ridwan from Van Nuys, CA

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
You're always noticed by the professors and always have the time with a 1-1 with them no matter what. They also grow into you becoming a friend as well, a person to talk to anytime you're free or even...hang out! But seriously you're always learning, biggest class size I've been in is 25 kids. The biggest I heard was 130. But on average it is about 16 kids or so.
Am enjoying being here
Oh yes! Wonderful weather, beautiful campus, grand atmosphere, always quiet, and best of all, it is small. You can walk to one end of the campus from another in 5 minutes. Going to a dorm seems like a pain (as I am a commuter) but it is only a walk up a mini hill. Other than that, you can seriously get around the whole campus in 10 minutes tops.
Bang for the buck
Tuition itself is $35,000+ but you're getting first hand knowledge from professors, one on one. Something you wouldn't get at UCLA or Pepperdine or whatever. Seriously the small campus really makes it all worth it.
Tips for prospective students
Get ready to be known well. As you always see the same faces, if not, familiar faces over and over. It is only a month of my time here, I see the same faces over and over and over. Other than that, just get ready to relax and have a good time.
Great for these types of students
Plenty of opportunities such as major selection. This college has its own unique system called The Whittier's Scholars Program. It is essentially you creating your own major. Picking current majors that exist and blend it with others, it is unique! The atmosphere is great here too, always quiet, just so nice. The size, about 1800 or so students attend Whittier College, so it is pretty small, as well as the campus size, really small. Great campus security and lots of access to utilities. Oh and it is in Whittier, many things around! Not far from Los Angeles, nor Anaheim, party central basically. Come by!

Caitlyn from Whittier, CA

researching this school
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Most comforting home anyone could ask for. Small town feel with all the amenities of a big city. a one of a kind experience.
Tips for prospective students
Get used to having a lot of kids around: I went to the children's school (K-8th) on the college campus and this campus was like our kingdom. education major college students worked in our classrooms all the time and we attended many of our classes in college buildings quite regularly. It makes for a pleasant ecosystem and a very unique experience for everyone involved.
Academic Rigor
challenging classes with very knowledgeable professors and even outside experts
Dorm Life
cozy if not cramped but what do you expect out of a college dorm?
Food and Dining
good variety of home style cooking and very friendly staff
What to do for fun
any number of small shops, bookstores, and restaurants right in the heart of uptown whittier.

Sara from Los Angeles, CA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Most classes are small enough in which you are able to get to know your professor. Being in peer mentor groups in your first year help freshmen get to know others quickly. The financial aid staff help students with any questions or confusion they may have.
Tips for prospective students
Taking a campus tour helps prospective students get a glimpse of their future college choice. Grades are not everything and remember to join clubs or sports or do volunteer opportunities that sets you apart from everyone else.
Academic Rigor
Entering college they do give students a good workload of homework in which students are constantly busy by it. The professors do give homework in which to prepare students for their specific major.
Dorm Life
Students are able to live on campus, rent apartments from the school or live on their own that is within 25 miles. Freshman and Sophomores are usually grouped together in dorms.
Food and Dining
There is a cafeteria on campus in which students can eat by purchasing a meal plan. We also have a place called the Spot in which is a mini mart to buy different food selections. There are other food places that are within walking distance from the school.
What to do for fun
There are many things to do on and off campus. There are intramurals in which students can participate in and compete against others. Clubs plan trips to the beach, Disneyland, theater shows to get students to mingle with one another.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
We are know for our famous Rock in which is usually spray painted for up coming events or by societies.
Campus Safety
We have great campus safety. They are always patrolling and on guard for any situations that come up. They make sure everyone has their number just in case anything happens.

Jae from San Diego, CA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Whittier College is great for a student who is looking for a small school with a closely knit student body. Whittier offers incredible oppurtunities to get involved both on and off-campus. I am in love with this college and am so glad I chose to come here.
Tips for prospective students
If you are a prosepctive student my first piece of advice is to find as much financial aid as possible. Whittier as an amazing school, however, the cost of attendence is quite a burden. The good news is that the school offers a whole lot of financial aid, but still it is smart to apply for as many scholarships and outside money as possible. Another piece of advice is that for living options, especially as a freshman, the best place is on campus. Commuters are not as involved in the college life as those who live on campus. My last piece of advice is that, if you can, try and join a sport. The athletic program is a very close group of amazing people. Joining a sport is your best bet at making a good group of friends and helps with getting involved on campus. Societys are also a good option for those who are not into athletics.
Academic Rigor
Academics at Whittier are what you make of them. Classes are not very difficult, however they can be academically challenging. Whittier is not a school where you can get by with doing nothing and because of the small classes it is practically impossible to skip class. As in all schools you will have both good and bad teachers. Thankfully I have experienced more good than bad. One thing that students who will be attending Whittier should be aware of is that the academics are very focused on developing writing skills. Personally, I do not enjoy writing essays, so when I found this out I was a bit nervous. However, teachers plan very well so that students are not procrastinating on essays and the grading system is much easier than I expected. The best part is that many teachers allow rewrites, so if you fail to impress the first time, you can get their feedback and try again.
Dorm Life
Dorm Life is an amazing experience at Whittier. The rooms are much larger than typical college dorms and the Residential Life staff is amazing. Dorm life, especially as a freshman, is the best way to make friends and get involved on campus. Upper-classman housing is also very nice.
Food and Dining
The food and dining at Whittier is mediocre.

Mai from Alhambra, CA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
As a Poet student, I learn a lot of things in this college before I attended. I learn to be myself, before i did not know about myself. Especially what I want to do in the future. I was at lost. But after attending this college, I begin to search for the answer with my advisor help.
Am enjoying being here
i enjoy being here, because I get to meet new people who i never dream of meeting. I learn from my peers and professor and i adapt to the college community. I learn more about myself and push myself into working hard.
Bang for the buck
Although i hate to admit it, but Whittier College is expensive. But I like this college, because this college give me many experiences and hardship that prepare me for the future.
Tips for prospective students
if you are a prospective students, i suggest for you to have fun. Do not worry, but work hard. Especially in exams, you got to study and do the reading assignment it is because they are really important to your grade.
Great for these types of students
This college provide a lot of free services, so i suggest for you to take advantage of it. Such as, a Career Service center, they help you with resume and help you look for internship. Also there is always parties that take place during holidays.

Dennis from Lakewood, CA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Whittier College has a diverse teaching staff and they are undeniably helpful. This is a very small campus and the teachers get to know you personally. Even if your goal is to learn beyond the ciriculum the teachers are willing to sit down with you and answer questions beyond the scope of the class if you wish to understand better.
Am enjoying being here
This is a double edged sword. The school every couple years has being adding new things and making existing buildings better. However the semester it occurs there is noise and a temporary inconvience of the facility. But due to this there is a very large campus inn that looks spectacular and the pool is currently under renovation but it will be greatly improved. Outside of the temporary inconvience the teachers and location is very enjoyable.
Bang for the buck
The college is very expensive but it doles out a substantial amount of financial aid. Considering the price of other private schools the price is great. Especially considering it is staying small allowing the great relations with faculty and small class sizes.
Tips for prospective students
These is substantial financial aid, and the better your gpa the higher merit scholarship you will get, and it is guaranteed for 4 years so high GPA greatly lowers the cost of attendance. If you don't have stellar grades however there are many automatic scholarships and endowments the school can get for you. A little proactivity goes a long way though.
Great for these types of students
Students who want to learn, want to get to know the professors, and don't want to be a face in the crowd.

Rachel from Lakewood, CA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Whittier takes academics seriously
The clubs on campus take every opportunity to provide a wide variety of social events for the students to connect outside the classroom.
The students and staff are helpful and friendly.
Most instructors that I know genuinely care about the student's success.
Tips for prospective students
GET A PEER MENTOR.
Whittier College is not a party school, but its not boring either.
The Wanberg Cellar has an arcade and a sports game center.
Parking Permits are available through Campus Safety and free.
Buy a meal plan to eat at the Campus Inn. Its an extra cost outside of tuition, but worth it.
Live on campus if you can afford the extra cost. Commuting is tiring and hell on gas.
Mailboxes are available for all students, so get one so your family can send you mail. My gramma used to send me birthday cards and gift cards to my campus mailbox.
Look for internship fairs and apply for work-study. The hiring fairs usually happen a few days before classes start and finding a job after classes start is difficult.
Academic Rigor
Be an adult. Come prepared to study hard and do the work, and you'll do fine.
Dorm Life
Unfortunately, I can't say much about dorm life because I don't live in a dorm, but they look beautiful from the outside and the inside is well-maintained.
Food and Dining
Depends on where you eat and what you eat. You'll have to try it and find out. Off campus eateries are also excellent.
What to do for fun
I'm currently getting to know the area of Uptown Whittier myself, but I hear Whittwood Mall is nice. There's also the beach about 20-30 minutes away.
The easiest thing to do is look up on google...fun things to do in Whittier and of course, ask someone who's been here longer.
Clubs and Activities
LEAP (Leadership Club)
Christian Athletes club
Whittier Yearbook
Whittier Newspaper
QCTV
L.E.A.P
French Club
Math Club
Greek Life
Still exploring. Not sure yet.
Campus Safety
Helpful, friendly, and courteous.

Fernando from Bell Gardens, CA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Very small campus. Professors get to know students very well. Most people are friendly.
Tips for prospective students
Don't expect to be able to get away with having your phone out or missing class, professors will notice.
Academic Rigor
Most classes are writing intensive.
Dorm Life
I love living on campus. I could literally leave my dorm 5 minutes before class and still make it on time.
Food and Dining
Just like any other cafeteria, the food gets old, but it's still good.
What to do for fun
Uptown Whittier is right across the street. The beach is half an hour away, DTLA is half an hour away.

Joseph from Whittier, CA

accepted here and planning to attend soon
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The learning environment is more of an intimate setting to where you get to know your fellow classmates and your professors on a individual basis. Due to there being a close knit of us attending the school it is a big family and every one is proactive and diligent in their work. Furthermore, there is always something going on at campus due to it not being a commuter school in which our school houses 26 countries in which it has a very diverse background when it comes to learning new things.
Tips for prospective students
-Get involved with clubs on campus.
-Do a work study
-Join a sport
Academic Rigor
Whittier College is know for a lot of extensive research and writing.
Dorm Life
As previously stated we are a close knit community and within the dorms there is always something going on and are RA host game nights or some activity during the week whether it is a game night or a movie night.
Food and Dining
It is nice being centrally located in the middle of whittier because we have fine dinging or fast food. There is a lot to choose from but one of the local spots is IN'N'OUT burger.
What to do for fun
For fun you can take a walk onto campus and catch an ultimate frisbee game or go and play tennis. Also you can go catch a movie just two blocks away, or go into the Campus Inn and play foosball or some pool. At Whittier College there is always something to do and that is what puts whittier on the map because you can not only get a great education but also be proactive and have fun on campus.
Bang for the buck
Tuition is expensive but yet they are there to see you finish fast and learn and you get to know your professors on an individual basis and they will know your name.
Clubs and Activities
Whittier college offers a lot of clubs in which some are ultimate frisbee, a rebel rugby club, a Christian Poet club, Business Enterprise and Leadership club and an Anime Club just to list a few.
Greek Life
Are greek life's are known as Societies and they are Athenians, Ionians, Metaphonians, Palmers, Thalians for women and for men we have Franklins, Orthogonians, and the William Penns