Abram Friedman Occupational Center

As someone who just transferred to Westmont College from the second-most selective college in California, I only have good things to say about Westmont. The institution I transferred from had a student body that was very economically homogenous, most of the students went to the best high schools in the country, and there was a strong emphasis on leadership in the curriculum. Despite this leadership emphasis in the classroom, I simply did not see it outside of the classroom. Most of my peers were doing great academically but participating in all sorts of illegal and dangerous activities. Private liberal arts schools too often give their students a sense of immunity from the law as to not tarnish their reputation. Westmont is not that type of school. Westmont is much more holistic in what kind of leaders they want their students to become. Westmont wants their graduates to live healthy lives, physically, mentally, relationally, and spiritually, and leave the world better than they found it. The mindset of the students here is so different from that of my previous institution. Most people here do not want jobs that pay six figures but rather jobs of significance. Location is great. Santa Barbara has to be the most beautiful and fun city in America to go to college. So much to do... hiking behind campus, the beach five minutes away, surfing, state street, L.A., etc. You will never be bored on the weekends. I have been very impressed with academics here too. Transferring from a more reputable school, I thought I may be downgrading academically, but my experience has only shown the contrary. I love my professors. 98% of them have PhD's, many of them from institutions such as Stanford and Duke. Many of them could be teaching at even more reputable schools, but sacrifice this (and a larger salary) for the unique opportunity to teach at Westmont. Unlike my previous institution, prof's are all primarily teachers above researchers. The kinesiology program here is one of the best in the country. The pre-med program is great too. I have know people transferred here from institutions like Wheaton College in Illinois because of the strong pre-med program. My peers all ask great questions in class too. The campus culture here is influenced strongly by Christian values. Students have to sign an agreement to live by Biblical community standards. It is nothing too legalistic though. You are required to go to chapel 3 days a week but it is generally fun and has good music. My Non-Christian friends here love it as well. Though it is discouraged, if students are really desperate to party with alcohol, sex, and drugs they will just go to UCSB. Westmont has really fun parties and dances without these things though. In conclusion, Westmont is pricey but they give out tons of financial aid and merit scholarships. Many of my friends are paying their own way. Westmont is a great institution and if my description was appealing to you, you should apply. Due to the fact that Westmont is located in Montecito, which has very strict zoning, Westmont will only become a more selective institution, but it will always with hold its uniquely christian goal of making "Christ Preeminent".

1st Year Male -- Class 2017

Education Quality: A+, Innovation: B+

I am from Utah and always wanted to go to BYU. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints so BYU was obviously a great fit for me. Not only did a learn a lot about business from my classes but BYU provided a phenomenal opportunity for personal growth. I feel like I matured significantly over my time there and made some of my closest friends. I was lucky enough to earn a scholarship but even if I had not, BYU provides a fantastic value for students. The business program is great especially Accounting.

Some things I really enjoyed were:

Intramural Sports
Devotionals
BYU Football and Basketball
On Campus Activities were pretty good
Campus culture is great / everyone lives close to campus
Some things I did not enjoy:

I am all about living the honor code but at times the strictness with which it is enforced can be a bit too much. You need to commit to the honor code if you are going to BYU. Don't be a hypocrite and not live it if you commit to it.

4th Year Male -- Class 2011

Campus Aesthetics: A+, Innovation: B+