Occidental College
Location: Los Angeles, CA (urban)
Size: 1,957 students
Avg percent need-met: 100% Need Met
Acceptance rate: 41%
Middle 50% ACT: 28-33 **Test Optional for Fall 2021**
Middle 50% SAT: 1280-1470 **Test Optional for Fall 2021**
Occidental is an intellectual liberal arts college for hard-working students. They boast stimulating classes and engaging professors who take a proactive role in student education. Students complete a core program in addition to their major, and their academics in general have an interdisciplinary and multicultural focus which I think you’d really like! You really do have the freedom to experiment with a wide range of college experiences: they have incredible study abroad opportunities, funded summer research abroad (which could satisfy your love of science and desire to study abroad!), and a unique UN internship program. The student body is well-rounded and socially and politically conscious.
Popular majors / known for: Economics, International Studies, Biology
Academic approach: Liberal arts. Over 30 areas of study; Social Sciences reign supreme, but Visual Arts and Biology rank as the next two most popular areas of study
Fun fact: Occidental College is a very popular filming location for film and television alike, appearing in Glee, The West Wing, and The Kids Are All Right
Campus Tradition: “The Birthday Dunk” which results in elaborate plans set-up by friends to dunk birthday-havers into the fountain in the central campus quad.
Aspects of Diversity
Occidental has a very diverse student body, with most students of color being of either Hispanic or Asian descent. Their Office of Intercultural Affairs is heavily involved in campus activities. They also offer a Multicultural Visit Program in the fall and the spring.
The Intercultural Community Center provides plenty of services for students of color, as well as student-friendly study and meeting spaces.
Diversity Statistics
50% White, 5% Black, 15% Asian, 14% Latinx, 6% International
20% Pell-Eligible
Overall graduation rate: 81%
Graduation rates by race*: 84% White, 87% Latinx, 91% Asian, 88% Black, 83% Multiracial
*Percentage of Full-time, First-time Students Who Began Their Studies in Fall 2013 and Received a Degree or Award Within 150% of "Normal Time" to Completion for Their Program. Source: NCES.
Application Details
RD deadline: January 15th
Early Action deadline: None
Supplemental essays: Yes, several short answer essays
Application fee: $65
On Common App: Yes
CSS profile: Required, due January 15th
Interviews: Considered
School also featured in: Coaches Choice, Pre-Law, Environmental Schools, Global Feel, Similar to Highly Selective - Columbia, Urban Liberal Arts Colleges, West Coast Schools