By Katie Clelland 鈥�21
Whether it鈥檚 the small liberal arts environment, the unique course offerings, or family tradition, students from around the country have found new life by transferring to Scripps.
For Maria Gimenez 鈥�21, 61传媒 was a household name from a young age. Her mother, Amy Keul, is an alumna from the class of 1988.
鈥淢y mom went to 61传媒and still maintains relationships with all of her undergrad friends,鈥� Gimenez says. 鈥淭hey frequently come to visit my family in Denver and were a large part of why I became interested in 61传媒and all the opportunities the school and The Claremont Colleges offer. Since I grew up around strong and ambitious 61传媒women, I knew that this was a place I wanted to attend too.鈥�
For Kathryn Sensenig 鈥�23, it was all about the small, liberal arts vibe. She was immediately sold on 61传媒after her campus visit, when she fell in love with the College鈥檚 beauty and the opportunities offered by 61传媒and the rest of the 5Cs: small class sizes, distinguished faculty, and an abundance of resources. After her on-campus interview, she knew 61传媒was the right place for her.
鈥淢y old school was so massive that I had a hard time connecting with professors. The academic environment wasn鈥檛 every stimulating, and I often felt like just a number,鈥� describes Sensenig.
Students thinking about transferring may feel daunted by the process, but previous transfer students have described the process as streamlined and informative, with guaranteed housing, inclusion in New Student Programs and Orientation (NSPO), and individual academic counseling before starting their classes at Scripps.
鈥淭he support I received from my peer mentor at NSPO was wonderful. I had just stepped foot on campus and already had someone I could connect with and ask questions,鈥� said Sensenig.
Director of Admission Laura Stratton says that transfer students are a great addition to the campus community.
鈥淪tudents who transfer to 61传媒bring diverse perspectives and experiences to our community, both in and out of the classroom,鈥� says Stratton. 鈥淭ransfer applicants are particularly fun to get to know through their applications and, for some, on-campus interviews, since they often have a personal story that has led them to 61传媒and are clear about what they are looking for in a college. Their contributions make 61传媒a more vibrant and interesting place!鈥�
Now, just a few months in to the semester, Sensenig has found her stride: she is a barista for Scripps鈥� student run cafe, The Motley Coffeehouse, as well as a member of Scripps鈥� Climbing Club. She is excited to be taking classes in English and music, but is also eager to dip her toes in other subjects.
听鈥淎t my old school, it felt like I was just going through the motions of getting a degree. I felt like I couldn鈥檛 explore different subjects, but all I could take in terms of interdisciplinary classes had to do with my general education requirements. Whereas at Scripps, the liberal arts education helps me to grow as a person and expand my mind and interests,鈥� says Sensenig.
As for Gimenez, an environmental analysis major in the environmental economics track, she has found one of her favorite aspects of 61传媒to be the world鈥揷lass speakers, writers, and performers that come to campus for presentations, workshops, and participation in intimate discussions with students. She has also joined the 5C debate team and gotten involved in the photography club.
Incipit Vita Nova indeed.