Reviews

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.

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.

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.

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.

Christian looking for community
People excited about off-campus programs

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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 :)

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.

Westmont is a very inviting, faithfully energetic, and tight-knit school. It's located in beautiful Santa Barbara. Centers a lot around the Christian aspect of it.

Visit the campus first!

It very hard.

They have a door that seperates boys and girls dorm that closes at a specific time. Other than that dorms are alright and the girls seem nice!

The cafeteria food is pretty good. You may find something better in the town.

Go to the town or explore campus.

Students who like a safer and more religious college experience.

From what I gathered there is alot to be involved in.

Very safe. Kind of scary walking at night to dorms.

The staff is amazingly caring. The campus is gorgeous and last but not least it is only a couple minutes from the beach in Santa Barbara.

Be yourself and get involved in the school. Get to know other students, faculty and staff. Do not look at the price tag and think you will never be able to afford it, you might be pleasantly surprised.

Very rigorous, small classes so everyone is expected to participate. You are expected to explain your reasoning, flippant answers do not get you far here.

Great atmosphere, most students live on campus. Dorms are typical style rooms but are very clean.

Many different options for food in the commons, and the food is good. There are no outside restaurants on campus.

Hang with friends, hike, surf, go to the beach, enjoy Santa Barbara.

Yes! In the end it was less expensive then the public schools I applied to. The individualized attention and rigorous academics make this an amazing deal!

In the Spring the students break up into groups according to their dorms and put on a talent show (each year has a different theme and guidelines). This show is then presented at a large venue in Santa Barbara.

Students who want an academic challenge, who are social and enjoy getting to know everyone on campus (only 1300 students), and who are looking at educating the whole person; mind, body and soul.

Many to choose from, but they do not have a school football team. Students are encouraged to get involved on campus and also take part in the community and local churches.

There is none, but the strong social bonds and philanthropic atmosphere abound on this campus. Everyone is so friendly and polite.

Awesome, in the foothills of Montecito. Campus is surrounded by palatial estates the crime rate is very low!

I can only speak from experience, but the meals when I visited looked delicious. But other reviews have said that is pretty typical when there are visitors on campus, so I guess take that with a grain of salt.

I mean it's near the beach!!!! C'mon!

It's expensive, but from what I understand they are very generous with gift aid and scholarships.

I loved that they have mandatory Chapel services a few times a week. When I visited everyone there was so respectful and quiet, so even if they weren't into it per say, those who were could do so without distractions. Also, the class I sat in on was opened with the professor praying for his students to do well on their exams and for guidance for the visitors in their college search :)

none

When I visited I was shocked by how safe I felt. It's also a dry campus which is unusual.

Westmont is an all around outstanding Christian Liberal Arts school. It's commitments to personal relationships, spiritual development and academic excellence show how Westmont aims to not only mold perfect students but also members of society that will make change. Westmont truly does fulfill its mission as a Christian Liberal Arts school by creating truly exceptional, well rounded students

1. Come into Westmont with an open mind
2. Except the spiritual and personal challenges
3. Discuss everything with your peers
4. Be open to new experiences
5. Take advantage of all four years

Westmont is academically rigorous and will make students work. Figure for every hour in class there will be between 2 and 3 hours of homework outside of class and each class will make you think about any topic on a deeper level than imagined possible

The students at Westmont are the friendliest, easy going, dependable people out there. Students truly do make an effort to keep their rooms and the dorm clean, respect their roommates, care about the people in their suites and sections and truly make the college feel like home

The food at Westmont has improved over the last 5 years and our Dining Commons were remodeled last year, however the quality and availability of food does need work but it is better than the majority of colleges.

Westmont combines usually recreation and relaxation with a physically active experience. There are traditional movie, video game and board game nights of course; but there are also several outdoor activities such as hiking the many mountains, going to the beach, camping, the many dorm events that take place throughout the year, there is always something to do.

Since it is a small, private, Christian liberal arts college, that does come with a high price tag. However, between the people, the education, the overall experience and the personal and spiritual transformation that occurs, Westmont is easily worth the money over any public or private college

All types of students and people will be able to find a home at Westmont

Westmont has various clubs, sports, mission trips and organizations that make it almost impossible for students not to get involved.

Non-Existent

Westmont is in a hard to reach area of Santa Barbara and has a 24 hour campus security service

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.

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

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

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

Christians
Overachievers
Musical

none

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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