Academics

They have a 40% acceptance rate, according to the admissions officer- it seems super rigorous. You have your required courses such as basic English math, science classes- but the tour guide mentioned that you could do those a number of different ways (I.e. Math credit could be women in mathematics).

Classes here are hard. No matter how well you did academically in high school, be prepared to be challenged at Oxy. There are a lot of reading homework assignments, as well as papers to write. Tests are difficult, and there will be weeks when you have large assignments and tests in all of your classes. Be prepared to work hard.

Oxy requires a high GPA to get in and continues to expect high quality work from its students. However, they realize that some students have high potential that hasn't been tapped (especially in students coming from public high schools). They make every effort to help students improve basic writing skills in their first year if they are struggling with college-level writing assignments.

I have already learned so much in my short time at Oxy. I am now an International Relations major and Latin American Studies minor, which is a path I never expected but am very excited about.

To be considered full time a student needs to take at least 12 units, but most all students take 16 units. Most classes are four units. Students are expected to come to class and participate. There is work to be done outside the class outside as well. And students will become great writers by the time they leave Oxy.

Class sizes of a maximum 16-40 students are strictly enforced to support Occidental College's promise of individualized learning. However, instruction could be a little more challenging and more comprehensive. Many departments struggle with keeping a relevant and logical succession of topics within their class offerings, leaving students overcome with information without a general structure of foundation on which to build.

School here is challenging but if you study enough you'll be fine.