Occidental College
Location: Los Angeles, CA (urban, very large city)
Size: 1,839 students
Avg percent need-met: 100%
Acceptance rate: 37%
Middle 50% ACT: 28-33 **Test Optional through 2023 Admissions Cycle**
Middle 50% SAT: 1290-1440 **Test Optional through 2023 Admissions Cycle**
Occidental is an intellectual liberal arts college for hard-working students. They boast stimulating classes and engaging professors who take a proactive approach to their role in a students education. Students complete a core program in addition to their major. Academics are generally interdisciplinary and multicultural. You really have the freedom to experiment with a wide range of college experience. They have incredible study abroad, funded research opportunities, and a unique UN internship program. The student body is well-rounded and socially and politically conscious.
Popular majors / known for: International Studies, Biology, Economics, Psychology, Sociology
Academic approach: Liberal arts with a Core Program, "an interdisciplinary set of courses" all students take to encourage critical thinking, problem solving, and allow students to engage effectively with different issues
Fun fact: Occidental's campus is used as a filming location for movies and TV shows!
Check out campus photos here!
Why Coaches Love It:
Oxy is a HIDDEN GEM! Offering a small, relatively diverse student body and a campus located in the hustling, bustling city of Los Angeles, it's the perfect blend of a tiny, liberal arts college community and a big city university full of opportunities. Oxy has unique options among their Areas of Study, including an Emphasis in Marine Biology and a minor in Food Studies (yum!). AND DID WE MENTION THEY'RE 100% NEED MET? - Emily
Occidental is located so that it has access to to LA, allowing students to enjoy the city while pursuing their education
The education is fantastic and students can explore a wide variety of options, including the unique majors Emily mentioned
Application Details
RD deadline: January 10th
Early Action deadline: None
Supplemental essays: Yes
Application fee: $65
On Common App: Yes
CSS profile: Required, due January 10th
Interviews: Considered
School also featured in: Pre-Law, Diverse Schools, Environmental Schools, Global Feel, Similar to Highly Selective - Columbia, Urban Liberal Arts Colleges, West Coast Schools