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Prior Colleges in the Spotlight Series: 

Claremont McKenna College in Claremont, CA is a small liberal arts college with a national reputation.  It emphasizes a pragmatic approach to liberal arts education, and often attracts pre-professional students interested in its outstanding economics, government, psychology, and international relations programs.  It enrolls just over 1300 undergraduate students, but as part of the consortium of five undergraduate colleges and two graduate institutions known as The Claremont Colleges -- all of which are located within easy walking distance of one another in a grid of adjacent campuses -- it feels more like a medium-sized school.

Claremont McKenna College (CMC) offers some unique programs of study, several of which lead directly into graduate education.  For instance, the 4+1 BA/MBA Program allows CMC students to earn a bachelor of arts degree from CMC and a master of business administration (MBA) degree from the world-renowned Peter F. Drucker and Masatoshi Ito Graduate School of Management at Claremont Graduate University in just five years. 

Social life and athletics are happily embraced by the otherwise hardworking CMC students.  The five-colleges system means that weekends offer plenty of events, entertainment, parties, and fun.  In addition CMC students appreciate the many restaurants, shops, and low-key entertainment offered in the the quaint college town of Claremont. The nearby mountains and beach are only a one to one-and-one half hour drive for away for students needing a quick weekend excursion.

Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ is one of the largest public universities in the nation.  It offers students a multitude of campus experiences, depending on whether a student spends time on the main and vibrant Tempe campus, the bustling Downtown Phoenix campus, the small close-knit mellow West campus, or the beautiful desert arboretum housing the Polytechnic campus.  Students can move freely between these campuses on the no-cost university shuttle, and take advantage of classes and events on each campus.  In addition, there is a campus at Lake Havasu and one for the graduate Thunderbird School of Global Management.  Ultimately most fall in love with a particular campus as they progress through their academic career, favoring one or another for the unique character and majors they each provide.  With over 300 degree options to choose from, there is something for everyone.

 

Arizona State University (ASU) is widely known for several programs, including the outstanding Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, the School of Earth and Space Exploration -- a world-class center for the study of astronomy and astrophysics -- and professional schools for training in areas such as nursing, business, and teacher preparation.  Barrett, The Honors College, is a very highly regarded honors program sought out by excellent students; it has become a model for universities nationwide in how to create community, collaboration, and a small university "feel" within a large university setting blessed by extensive resources.  Additionally, ASU's growing program of online course offerings can add flexibility to a student's crowded schedule, particularly for those who obtain local internships requiring regular working hours.  

As anyone who has watched the ASU Sun Devils can attest, sports at ASU is no joke!  As part of the highly competitive Pac-12 conference, ASU offers exciting sports events to attend year-round, and the spirited student body loves to cheer on the teams.  The sports complex and general fitness facilities are outstanding, and enjoyed by many.  Aside from sports, students report that they are never without something fun to do, whether it's exploring Tempe and Phoenix, taking road trips to Sedona or nearby mountains, or just hanging out in the sun. 

Rachel August-Dapkewicz, Ph. D., Independent Educational Consultant

Jack Dapkewicz, Math Educator and Math Coach

Daps College Admissions Planning Service www.dapscaps.com

Davis, CA

916-206-8089

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