About

See what students say:

Academics

Occidental College, in northeast Los Angeles, offers undergrads an "intellectually stimulating" environment, one that "really encourages [them] to take a proactive role in their education" and "experiment with a wide range of courses." As this student shares, "I love the interdisciplinary aspect of academics. I can really tailor my coursework to what I am interested in." Undergrads also appreciate that Oxy emphasizes a global perspective. Beyond traditional study abroad programs, students can enroll in courses that include an international field trip. For example, they might travel with faculty to study marine biology in Costa Rica or music history in Austria. Students can also apply to spend a semester at the U.N., completing internships with country missions or various NGOs. Back at home, undergrads have classes with professors who "encourage critical analysis, ask interesting questions, and allow students to create informed opinions about the subject." They also do a great job of "finding ways to connect [their] lectures to the real world." Perhaps more importantly, Oxy professors are "very willing to have students help them with their research." And while they work hard to ensure their "courses are challenging," it's clear the faculty "want to see you succeed." Undergrads report that instructors often "go the extra mile to make themselves available" and that "there are plenty of opportunities to get extra help on the tough material." Best of all, it's evident that professors "are invested in cultivating real relationships with students."

Student Body

One of the many reasons students love Occidental is because it's really easy to find "a good niche of close friends at Oxy." As one undergrad notes, "If you're involved on campus, expect your friend group to continually grow." This welcoming and supportive nature even extends into the classroom, where "there is a communal desire to help each other succeed." Undergrads assert that their peers are "socially and politically conscious" and care deeply about issues affecting the world at large. Although some do acknowledge that it can feel as though the school maintains an "overwhelmingly left-wing atmosphere," they also insist that "every student at Oxy treats all persons equally, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or religious views," and most are readily "accepting of different opinions." Indeed, there's an emphasis on inclusion and visibility that is evident from groups like the First Gen Coalition and Chinese Culture Club, as well as themed housing like Women in Wellness and The Latinx Culture Collective. These all make it easy for students to foster a strong sense of community at Occidental.

Campus Life

As you stroll around the campus, it's not hard to see that students are "excited to be at Occidental" and "people are really passionate about their extracurricular activities and internships." Undergrads can join a wide range of groups, including a sketch comedy troupe, a fiber arts club, and a food justice organization. Sports are also a popular social outlet. In fact, 45% of the student body is involved in athletics, be it a varsity, club, or intramural team. Additionally, school-sponsored events are typically well attended. Students often flock to hear "guest speakers [or participate in] dialogues and workshops." They also love going to the "dances, trivia nights, movie screenings, fashion shows, concerts, and food tastings" that Oxy organizes. And of course, off-campus "house parties are a huge source of fun on the weekends." And speaking of off-campus, undergrads appreciate that they have "Los Angeles as [their] backyard," especially since the school is "not isolated from the surrounding community like many other college campuses." It's common to see students hitting up "music shows, bars, and clubs" or heading out to "go to the beach, go shopping in L.A., go out to eat in Eagle Rock, and go hiking."

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Contact & Visit

Campus Visits Contact

Address
Admission Office
1600 Campus Road
Los Angeles, CA 90041-3314

Phone
800-825-5262

Email
admission@oxy.edu

Experience College Life

Most Popular Places On Campus
Green Bean Coffee Lounge
Clapp Library
Samuelson Pavilion (The Cooler)
The Quad
Alumni Gymnasium Fitness Center

Most Popular Places Off Campus
York Boulevard/Colorado Blvd.
Taco Trucks
Downtown LA
Old Pasadena
Little Tokyo

Campus Tours

Campus Visiting Center
Most weekdays from February to November; limited availability December and January
as scheduled
800-825-5262

Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Varies
Times: Varies
Average Length: 1 hour

On Campus Interview

Campus Interviews
Yes

Information Sessions
Available

Times
Immediately following campus tour

Faculty and Coach Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year

Arrangements
Contact Athletic Department

Advance Notice
2 weeks

Contact Email Address for Visit
http://oxyathletics.com/Recruiting/Recruit_Home

Class Visits

Dates/Times Available
Varies

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Overnight Dorm Stays

Overnight Dorm Stays
Not Available

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Transportation

Types of Transportation Available to Campus
Burbank Airport is 10 miles from campus. Super Shuttle and taxi service is available from the airport to campus. Los Angeles International Airport is farther from campus, but close enough that buses run from the airport to hotels in the Pasadena area not too far from campus. Amtrak trains and Greyhound/Trailways buses serve Los Angeles. Rapid Transit District bus service (public transportation) to campus is available from downtown L.A.: take either line 83 (on York Blvd.) or line 84 (on Eagle Rock Blvd.). Call 213-626-4455 for bus information and schedules.

Driving Instructions to Campus
From downtown L.A., take I-110 N. (Harbor Freeway). Follow signs for Pasadena. Take I-5 N. (Golden State Freeway) toward Bakersfield. Then take Rte. 2 (Glendale Freeway) going toward Glendale. Exit at Verdugo Rd.; turn left at the end of the off ramp onto Eagle Rock Blvd. Continue on Eagle Rock Blvd. for 5 traffic lights to Westdale Ave. Turn right onto Westdale and follow it until it ends at Campus Rd. From the Ventura Freeway (Rte. 134) heading east, go through Glendale to the Harvey Dr. exit. Turn right at the end of the off ramp and then left at the light onto Broadway. When Broadway merges with Colorado Blvd., continue on Colorado Blvd. to Eagle Rock Blvd. Turn right and continue for 4 traffic lights to Westdale Ave. Turn left onto Westdale and follow it to Campus Rd. From the Ventura Freeway (Rte. 134) heading west, exit at Colorado Blvd. Take Colorado Blvd. to Eagle Rock Blvd. (approximately one mile). Turn left onto Eagle Rock Blvd. and continue 4 traffic lights to Westdale Ave. Turn left onto Westdale and proceed to Campus Rd.

Local Accommodations
In the moderate range, about 15 minutes away, is Sheraton Pasadena (303 East Cordova Street, 626-449-4000). Ask for Occidental College's special rate). This property has a pool and exercise room. Also available, Westin Hotel (191 North Los Robles, Pasadena, 626-792-2727). This hotel has a full health club, exercise room, pool and jacuzzi. The least expensive place we suggest is also the closest to campus: Welcome Inn (1840 West Colorado Blvd., 323-256-1673). The California Institute of Technology entry also has suggestions for accommodations in Pasadena.
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Admissions

Applicants: 6,301
Acceptance Rate: 40%
Average HS GPA: 3.70







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