About

See what students say:

Academics

This tiny pearl of a liberal arts school is home to around 1,600 undergrads and focuses on an interdisciplinary education for all. Considering the small population, Whittier offers a relatively good breadth in classes and “is a great school for those who are trying to figure out what they want to do or those who want to create their own major.” One-on-one interaction is quite prevalent among teachers and students, and everyone here is “passionate about the subject that they teach.” It should be unsurprising that a school whose mascot is Johnny Poet provides “a nuanced literary foundation” for all students.

The faculty brings real-world and work experience to their various courses: “they’re not just lifelong academics, most of them have had successful professional careers outside of teaching” and they “really make [Whittier] worthwhile.” These professors are “engaged, love what they do,” and “truly care about the success of their students, both academically and personally.” Discussions are highly encouraged and interesting debates fostered, and assigned papers “always force you to stretch your knowledge.” Teachers sometimes challenge the class’ knowledge by “presenting a topic that can have pros and cons and by asking to prove where the idea came from.” Classes are small, so professors know “know your strengths and weaknesses and try their best to help you out.”

Student Body

This is a “diverse community” that includes a sizeable number of non-Californians, and most people are “very friendly, respectful of others’ different identities, and comfortable with people of different backgrounds.” There is “a good meshing” of all the students regardless of what their involvements are, and a real “communitybased feeling” abounds. Whittier sees a higher transfer rate than many similar schools, so “it is very easy to know at least ten or more students who transfer after a year or two.” The majority of people here are involved in some form of sport, but are not looking to go beyond the collegiate or intramural level.

Campus Life

The campus is small, so “it’s easy to make friends” and there are typically “lots of events (academic or recreational) to go to.” Different clubs run the gamut from Anime Club to Fun Night Club to a larping group, but marauders beware: “RAs are required to put on events such as Assassins.” “There was once a Beowulf reading at night where you got a free dinner in addition,” says a student. Whittier’s version of greek life comes in the form of the school’s eleven “societies,” and a majority of students have some form of involvement in a society or a sport. The school’s size naturally leaves enough time to for extracurriculars and outside interests, as “it is difficult not to get involved when everyone is.”

Whitter is relatively close to LA and the beach, so the weather is “mostly very nice” and students often “lounge around outside under trees and on the grass to do homework and socialize,” “play Frisbee, walk on slack lines, and play soccer for fun in the courtyards.” The pool facility is brand new and many “hang out on the decks to tan and cool off in the heat,” and there are hills behind the campus that are good for hiking or running. There “is always something going on on-campus and that makes students even more involved.”

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Contact & Visit

Campus Visits Contact

Contact
Renee Miller
Administrative Assistant

Address
Office of Admissions
13406 E. Philadelphia St., P. O. Box 634
Whittier, CA 90608

Phone
562-907-4238

Email
admission@whittier.edu

Experience College Life

Most Popular Places On Campus
The Campus Center
Bonnie Bell Wardman Library
Donald Graham Athletics Center
Ruth B. Shannon Center for the Performing Arts
the Rock (campus icon)
The recently renovated Campus Center houses the student services division, campus dining, The Spot (campus cafe),student organization offices, KPOET radio, student newspaper Quaker Campus, and an outdoor amphitheatre.

Most Popular Places Off Campus
Hollywood Bowl
J. Paul Getty Museum
Disneyland
Venice Beach
Joshua Tree National Park

Campus Tours

Campus Visiting Center
Monday-Friday
8am-5pm
562-907-4238

Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: 1 hour

On Campus Interview

Campus Interviews
Yes

Information Sessions
Available

Times
Fall semester

Faculty and Coach Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Advance Notice
2 weeks

Contact Email Address for Visit
admission@whittier.edu

Class Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Overnight Dorm Stays

Overnight Dorm Stays
Available

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Limitations
1 night stays; available Sun-Thurs nights only

Transportation

Types of Transportation Available to Campus
The Los Angeles and Ontario airports are both 25 miles from campus. Super Shuttle service is available from both airports to campus; call 818-556-6600. No particular advance arrangements are necessary for transportation from Los Angeles, but for transportation from Ontario, call 24 hours in advance. Amtrak trains and Greyhound/Trailways bus lines serve Los Angeles. Taxis are available for the ride to campus from the terminals.

Driving Instructions to Campus
From the 605 freeway, exit onto Beverly Blvd. East. Proceed east to Painter Blvd. and turn right. Take Painter to Philadelphia St. (the entrance to the college), turn right and park behind Weingart Hall.

Local Accommodations
The Whittier Radisson Hotel (7320 Greenleaf Ave.; 562-945-8511) is 6 blocks away. It has a pool, Jacuzzi, and exercise room, and tennis is available. Rates are moderate, but don't forget to mention Whittier College to receive a special rate. About a mile away, also with an inexpensive rate for visitors (including continental breakfast), is the Whittier Vagabond Hotel (14125 E. Whittier Blvd.; 562-698-9701). A wide selection of restaurants is available in nearby Uptown Whittier Village. For bed-and-breakfasts, check the Pepperdine University entry for the bed-and-breakfast referral services.
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Admissions

Applicants: 4,585
Acceptance Rate: 99%
Average HS GPA: 3.53






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