Academics
With its “small school” setting and So-Cal vibe, it’s easy to see why students are charmed by Chapman. The university “truly emphasizes personal growth, campus involvement, and global citizenship,” factors that undergrads here appreciate. There’s also “great technology available” and a “gorgeous campus” to boot. Even better, “research and internship [opportunities]” abound. Chapman students also tend to rave about their “very engaging” professors, who make a concerted effort to “explain complex concepts in an understandable way.” As a health sciences major shares, “These teachers aren’t out to get you—they challenge you academically but are willing to help you if you’re stuck or confused.” It’s quite obvious that “they’re very dedicated and interested in the subject matters that they teach.” Most importantly, they strive “to build meaningful relationships with students.” And a biochemistry major boasts, “They offer so much help outside of the classroom and want to see you succeed. My overall academic experience has been wonderful.”
Student Body
When asked to describe their peers, many Chapman undergrads quickly resort to adjectives such as “affluent,” “Caucasian” and “attractive.” And while there is definitely some truth to that, these students also encompass far more. Yes, walking around campus you’ll also encounter individuals who are “kind, respectful, artistic, intelligent, and adventurous.” For the most part, Chapman undergrads are a “driven” lot as well. Fortunately, there’s not much cutthroat competition here. Indeed, we’re told that students “love to work together to understand the subject material.” A digital art and television product major explains further, “The mood of the student body is very collaborative. Everyone wants to socialize and be friendly and meet new people.” While students are generally “accepting [of] diversity,” they do tend to be “more conservative in political matters.” Lastly, a sociology major sums up her peers by stating, “No matter what the interest is, whether it be Greek life, community service, their major, or even their social life, [students here] are motivated to succeed in their endeavors.”
Campus Life
It’s nearly impossible to not lead a “full and engaging” life here at Chapman. After all, there’s simply too much of which to take advantage. To begin with, “the main campus provides concerts, plays, musical performances, art showings, and lectures, which are generally free for students.” Additionally, “Dodge Film School has movie screenings...sometimes of movies that haven’t come out yet.” Chapman hosts plenty of “cool events like ‘Yoga on the Lawn,’ a winter festival or a chili cook off” as well. And we’re also told that there’s “a very large Greek presence.” In fact, some undergrads insist that “Greek life can be instrumental in finding your group of friends.” When the weekend rolls around, “there are usually house parties or people go to the local bars.” However, many undergrads do complain that the parties tend to get shut down fairly early. Not surprisingly, students love attending school in Southern California. Chapman itself is located “right next to [Old Towne] Orange, which has many shops and restaurants where students love to walk around.” Beyond that, “you can go to Disney, the beach, the Angels stadium, Los Angeles, San Diego, or wherever else tickles your fancy.”