Claremont Graduate University
Claremont, CA, USA

Reviews

Claremont Graduate University

Nasya from Azusa, CA

a current student here
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
CGU is an amazing school and they have the best faculty I have ever seen. They are always opening opportunities for students to network and meet other students as well as professionals outside of the Claremont Consortium. Their programs are top notch, in any of their schools.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved! Whether it is working with a professor on research or getting involved with the Student Association, getting involved exposes you to so many more opportunities. These may turn out to be internships, job offers, or simply interesting professionals, but it can only help!
Academic Rigor
The emphasis here is placed on students learning the material. While grades are important, I have heard on more than one occasion that the goal is for students to learn, and the emphasis on grades is limited.
Dorm Life
From what I've heard, it is pretty normal. CGU does offer housing to students, which nice since not all graduate school do.
Food and Dining
I love the coffee shop here on campus. It's a lifesaver!
What to do for fun
There are PLENTY of events going on here between all the universities within the Claremont Consortiums. Outside of academic events, downtown Claremont is quite close and is a nice area to hang out.
Clubs and Activities
Student Association is great. Very involved and participates in plenty of events.
Campus Safety
Always sending out notices about unsafe events warning students to keep an eye out. I always appreciate these emails so I know what to look out for and what precautions I need to take.

Gail from CLAREMONT, CA

a current student here
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The university includes social justice and transdisciplinary (interdisciplinary) studies in its curriculum. Because I have the opportunity to learn on a deeper level and how each discipline is interconnected, the awareness I gain is not just in my area of study. These things promote lifelong learning, personal growth, and an awareness of others and the world we live in.
Tips for prospective students
Besides a getting a great education, you will gain context to what you can do with it. A mathematics major can add to the field of K-12 teaching through interdisciplinary studies so your discipline or area of study is not confined to only one outcome. You are free to explore areas within your discipline or to discover areas that can complement others. No matter your area of study, you will find support.
Academic Rigor
The professors are professionals and scholars and the studies include a wide variety of topics to satisfy current areas of interest in business, information technology, and education as well as a solid education in theory. Rigor includes faculty expectations of student mastery and interaction. Students are encouraged to publish or deliver papers at conferences that feature their interests.
Dorm Life
I know new buildings have many types of rentals available; studio apartments or apartments with one or two rooms that students can share or live with a significant other. Security and safety is also an area that student housing takes care of.
Food and Dining
The local are a has a wide selection of foods (Italian, Greek, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, and more). On campus there is a cafe/ dining area with food for vegans, vegetarians, and health conscious students. There are cultural groups that plan a day of specialty foods where all students are invited to sample foods from around the world.
What to do for fun
Claremont has an Alpine Village atmosphere, but many graduate students do not spend a lot of time there because they are working adults with families and do not always socialize before or after classes. There are activities on campus from guest singers, musical artists, fine arts exhibits, and guest speakers. The events are highly social in nature because refreshments or intermissions help students mingle or meet others.
Bang for the buck
The school is expensive but some disciplines are highly rated; the university's reputation is highly rated but the excellence of their graduates who make their own names and reputations build the school's credibility and academic excellence too.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
I do not know about traditions or locations, but there are many areas on campus where students can meet or study.
Great for these types of students
Any type of student will have a great experience. Students fresh out of undergraduate studies, older students returning to attain an advanced degree, international students, students with a limited income, or students like myself--I am 60 years old today but I am nearly done with a PhD. Support groups for students of different ethnicities or spiritualities are available for students that keep them connected with their personal side. It is a great school for students who might want to design an area of study within a discipline because they have an idea for a career that can help society. An example would be an MBA student that wants to promote social entrepreneurs (businesses that benefit society or environment first and financial gain second).
Clubs and Activities
This university has activities for all students and there are activities in different departments or disciplines. The university is an independent university but is situated in a consortium atmosphere with 6 other institutions that share theaters for live performances or guest appearances, research resources, and each college within the consortium, individual schools will promote events and activities and CGU students are always invited to participate.
Greek Life
I have no knowledge of any Greek activities at CGU
Campus Safety
Campus safety is important to the university. Anyone can call security for an escort, especially late in the evening or for disabled students. Security can be contacted by phones located in different areas on campus or inside many of the buildings. The security office always open for students to come in and ask questions or get assistance. There are bicycle and foot patrols that offer assistance as well as keeping an eye open for the safety of everyone on campus.

a current student here
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Claremont Graduate University is a small campus with big university resources. It has small classrooms that allow you to truly connect with your professors and fellow classmates. It is an innovative and creative place that encourages students to explore and research topics beyond their own field.
Tips for prospective students
Students should really try to get to know your advisor and professors because they will help you succeed in obtaining fellowships and grants, as well as direct you to particular databases and journals that coincide with your research.

Students should maintain a schedule of not only their assignments, but all aspects of their life. This will help you clearly see how much time you are able to dedicate to studies, work, and personal life. Being organized is a necessity in order to succeed because it will allow you to finish papers or study for exams in a more structured way.
Academic Rigor
No matter where you go, graduate school is a place of high academic rigor. It is expected that students are self-motivated and driven to always do their best.
Dorm Life
The nice part about being in graduate school is the ability to live in apartments for student housing. This allows you to have more independence and peaceful atmosphere in order to study.
Food and Dining
The food on campus is limited, but it is good quality. However, it is on the pricey side. If you go explore other parts of the Claremont Colleges, you will find other eateries that are less expensive.
What to do for fun
Claremont village is minutes away from the campus and they hold lots of events such as wine walks, and weekly farmer's markets. It is a cute little area that is fun to walk around in and plenty of places to eat or grab a coffee.