Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pitzer looking for in its applicants?
Pitzer is looking for students who are passionate about academic interests in the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences. Applicants to Pitzer are academically talented, intellectually curious, self-motivated, and actively engaged in activities throughout their high schools and community. We want a student body that reflects a wide range of economic, ethnic, racial and geographic representation. Additionally, we are looking for students that are interested in challenging themselves in and out of the classroom; students who will make a difference while they are here and after they graduate.
I heard that Pitzer offers a testing-optional admission process? How does that work?
Pitzer's admission policy for first-year students provides applicants with greater flexibility in presenting application materials that accurately reflect their diverse academic abilities and potential. Pitzer will exempt students graduating in the top 10% of their class, or those who have an unweighted cumulative grade-point average of 3.50 or higher in academic subjects (i.e., courses in the humanities, mathematics, sciences and social sciences) from having to submit any standardized tests (i.e., ACT or SAT). Applicants not falling into either one of those categories will be required to submit at least one of the following options:
- ACT scores (including writing section), or
- SAT scores, or
- Two or more Advanced Placement test scores of at least 4 (one must be in English or English Language, and one in mathematics or a natural science), or
- Two International Baccalaureate exams: one must be in English 1A and one must be in the Mathematics Methods (Standard Level or a higher-level course in mathematics), or
- Two exams: one recent junior or senior year graded, analytical writing sample from a humanities or social science course, AND one mathematics examination, preferably a final or end-of-semester exam in the most advanced mathematics course possible (at least at the algebra II level). The samples must include the teacher’s comments, grades, and the assignment.
If I am in the top 10% of my graduating class or I have an unweighted GPA of a 3.5 or higher, will I be disadvantaged by not submitting one of the testing options?
No. This process is designed to allow you to select the option that best reflects your academic abilities. If you feel that one or more of the testing options are an accurate indicator of your abilities and potential, please feel free to select those options. If you prefer to be evaluated based solely on the other elements of your application (academic record, essays, letters of recommendation, extra-curricular activities) you may ignore the testing options.
How will Pitzer evaluate the new SAT and will my old SAT-I scores still be considered in the admission process?
Pitzer will evaluate the critical reading and mathematics subscores only on the new SAT for our 2009 Fall candidates. The SAT writing test will not be evaluated until more data is collected and norms are established.
Would you prefer that a student choose the SAT over the other options?
No. Each testing option is given equal weight and consideration in the admission process. You should choose the option (or options) that you feel best reflects your academic abilities.
How important are interviews?
Interviews are required for those students who are applying using Early Decision. For students applying Regular Decision we do not require interviews but we do recommend them. Interviews at Pitzer are both informative and evaluative. It is really a time for a member of the admission staff to get to know you better and to learn more about Pitzer College. There are many opportunities to interview:
- You can schedule an interview on campus if you plan to visit Pitzer
- We conduct interviews in Boston, New York City, Washington D.C., Chicago, Seattle, Portland, and the San Francisco Bay Area in November or January.
- You can schedule a time to interview over the telephone at your convenience.
Is Pitzer affordable?
Our commitment is to meet 100% of every admitted student's demonstrated need through a financial aid package that will include grants, work-study, and loans. Over fifty percent of our current students receive financial aid and the College commits over six million dollars of its own resources annually to ensure that students with demonstrated need can take advantage of a Pitzer education.
Are there merit scholarships?
Pitzer offers a $5,000 merit-based Trustee Community Scholarship which is awarded to an exceptional group of entering first-year applicants. The scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate academic excellence combined with extraordinary community service, outstanding leadership, and/or exceptional talent. The award is renewable for four years. All first-year applicants who complete their application by the deadline are considered for the scholarship. There are no additional forms to fill out. If you are selected to receive this award, you will be notified in your letter of acceptance.
What makes Pitzer unique among The Claremont Colleges?
Pitzer strives to enhance personal growth while at the same time building community. Students are given academic freedom and flexibility to create their own academic programs in close collaboration with faculty members. Instead of traditional core requirements, students choose their courses by following a unique set of educational objectives. Academic freedom combined with an emphasis on intercultural understanding, interdisciplinary understanding, and social and ethical responsibility make the Pitzer experience truly unique.
What are the most popular majors at Pitzer?
Pitzer is a comprehensive liberal arts and sciences college and our students have a wide variety of academic interests. While many students enroll undeclared, the most recent popular majors for first-year students are as a follows:
- Psychology
- English & World Literature
- Sociology
- Political Studies
- Art
- Media Studies
- Intercultural & International Studies
- Biology
- Organizational Studies
Does Pitzer admit by major and when do I have to declare?
You may apply to Pitzer without declaring a major and you are not required to declare until the beginning of your junior year. However, we strongly encourage students to declare by the end of their sophomore years, especially if they plan to study abroad.
Can I double major or design a major?
Yes. The flexibility of our curriculum allows students to double major in some subjects or design majors that combine two or more areas of study. Students work closely with faculty advisors to insure they are meeting the objectives of a given major, and all majors are subject to approval by the Pitzer faculty.
Will I have an academic adviser?
Yes. The Pitzer faculty is responsible for academic advising at the college. You will be assigned to a faculty adviser during orientation prior to the start of classes. Your faculty adviser will work individually with you to formulate a plan to meet Pitzer's educational objectives, your major objectives, and your personal academic objectives. If you are an undeclared major, you will be assigned to your adviser based on the academic interests you listed on your application for admission. You are free to change advisers as your academic interests change until you declare a major.
Will Pitzer accept my Advanced Placement credits?
Pitzer faculty may grant credit for superior performance on an AP examination. The criteria varies by field group, but no score lower than four will be considered for credit. In general, a score 4 may be awarded partial credit for a course and a score of a 5 may be awarded full credit.
When can I study abroad and where?
Pitzer has the distinction of having one of the highest participation rates of study abroad in the nation. Over 72% percent of the students graduating in May 2008 participated in study abroad programs, and most choose programs outside Western Europe and the English-speaking world. Pitzer College offers seven community-based programs, thirty-five domestic and international exchange programs, and a range of approved programs administered by other institutions. Faculty and the staff of Study Abroad strongly recommend participation in the Pitzer programs given their focused connection to the Pitzer curriculum and the distinctive opportunities they include for developing higher degrees of intercultural understanding and social responsibility. Most students participate in Study Abroad programs in their junior year. For more specific information about study abroad, please visit the Study Abroad Program at Pitzer College.
Can you tell me more about your 7-year medical program?
This is a linkage program between Pitzer College and Western University of Health Sciences which normally consists of three years of full time studies at Pitzer College and four years at Western University. At the end of the 7 years, students will be granted both a Bachelor's of Arts and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree. Each student will have two faculty advisors- one from each institution. At Pitzer, students will meet the College's educational objectives and all the premedical requirements prior to beginning their studies at Western University. Pitzer students study the natural sciences at the Keck Science Center, a first–rate facility with a faculty committed to undergraduate education. To continue in this program, students must achieve a minimum grade point average of 3.20 in the nonscience courses, a GPA of 3.30 in the science courses, obtain a minimum total of 24 on the scored subtests of the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), and demonstrate personal dedication and traits suitable for health professions and career development. This is a program that students apply for as seniors in high school.
Can I take classes at the other Claremont Colleges?
Academic interchange among the undergraduate Colleges and The Claremont Graduate Institutions provides opportunities for curricular enrichment and active membership in the wider community of the Claremont Colleges. In general, first semester freshmen will register for all of their classes on their home campus. In the second semester and the sophomore year, they can take one course per semester off campus. Juniors and seniors are able to register for no more than one-half of their total program outside their college of residence.
What are Pitzer's residence halls like?
Pitzer has completed three brand new residence halls that achieved Gold LEED certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. Atherton, Sanborn, and Pitzer Halls are primarily first-year student residence halls, although there are rooms for some upperclassmen. These buildings house students in double rooms, with two rooms sharing a bathroom. The new buildings also have staff apartments and housing for our faculty-in-residence program, a new mailroom, music studio, art gallery, Green Bike Program, and is home to the Office of Admission. You can learn more about the green features of the new buildings by visiting Pitzer's Sustainability web pages.
In addition to the new buildings, Pitzer College students may live in Holden, which houses about 190 students. Upperclassmen can live in Mead, with six three-story towers, features eight-person suites. You'll find central living rooms, recreation rooms, kitchen and laundry facilities, and small study rooms in all three residence halls. Each residence hall has a Hall Director and a staff of four to six Resident Assistants. In addition, Mead Hall has the Marquis Library where fireside chats take place and is equipped with basic reference books. While wireless internet is available, all student rooms are wired for to include internet access.
Pitzer students often arrange their living communities based on common interests (e.g., Involvement Tower for students in community services, HUSH - Holden's Ultimate Study Hall, Substance Free, and Joint Science Hall for science majors). Pitzer College requires that all full-time students (except those granted off campus permission) live on campus and enter into a residency agreement each academic year when enrolled at the College.
What do Pitzer students do for fun on the weekends?
It is common for Pitzer students to participate in various activities throughout the weekends. You will often find students playing ultimate frisbee, hanging out on the mounds or attending 5-College art exhibits, concerts, sporting events and parties. Sundays are commonly used as homework days for students to catch up on studying. Students occasionally drive into Los Angeles or the surrounding areas to enjoy camping and snowboarding in our local mountains or surfing the Southern California beaches, all within an hour's drive away.
Does Pitzer have a Greek system?
Pitzer and The Claremont Colleges do not have a Greek System. For the most part, student life tends to revolve around the activities offered within the Claremont College consortium. Opportunities abound within the consortium to participate in any number of sports, clubs, volunteer programs, and social activities. At Pitzer, students serve on all committees and play a key role in the governance of the College. Pitzer students are also very active in community service, participating in a variety of activities including the Center for California Cultural and Social Issues, the Leadership in Environmental Education Partnership program, Pitzer in Ontario, and the Pitzer Volunteer Group. Here, the spirit of involvement extends well beyond the classroom and is the essence of a Pitzer education.
Can I bring a car and/or bike to campus?
Yes, you can bring both, however, first-year students are not permitted to have a car on campus during the fall semester. You can walk almost anywhere on the five campuses within 15-20 minutes. The Claremont Village, with its commercial and recreational amenities, is also within walking distance. The Claremont Colleges now have a care share program with Flexcar, where students can rent a car for an hour or a day. This is a great way to get around.
What additional information can I send with my application?
You may want to send us additional information to fully express your talents. However, please be aware that these extra materials (i.e., slides of visual artwork, tapes, CDs, DVDs, newspaper articles, fiction pieces, etc.) are not taken into consideration during Pitzer's application review process. If you choose to send them, please note that we are unable to return any items.