Hampshire College vs Occidental College

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the core academic philosophies of Hampshire College and Occidental College?

  Hampshire College emphasizes self-directed learning and interdisciplinary studies. Students design their own academic path and complete a Division III project, a significant independent study. Occidental College offers a liberal arts education with a focus on undergraduate research and a strong emphasis on global engagement. It follows a more traditional curriculum structure with required core courses.

• How do the campus environments and locations differ between Hampshire and Occidental?

  Hampshire College is located in Amherst, Massachusetts, part of the Five College Consortium, offering access to resources and courses at Amherst, Smith, Mount Holyoke, and UMass Amherst. The campus is more rural and known for its progressive and experimental atmosphere. Occidental College is situated in the vibrant Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, providing access to urban opportunities and a more diverse cultural scene. Its campus has a classic collegiate feel.

• What is the student body size and overall campus culture like at each college?

  Hampshire College has a smaller student body, fostering a close-knit community with a strong emphasis on collaboration and individual expression. The culture is known for being unconventional and politically active. Occidental College has a larger student body, creating a more diverse social environment with a mix of academic and extracurricular activities. The culture is generally considered more mainstream than Hampshire's, but still values intellectual curiosity and social responsibility.

• How do Hampshire and Occidental approach grading and assessment?

  Hampshire College uses a narrative evaluation system instead of traditional letter grades. Faculty provide detailed written evaluations of student work, focusing on progress and learning outcomes. Occidental College uses a traditional grading system (A-F) but also emphasizes faculty feedback and student-professor interaction. Both institutions value student learning and development, but they approach assessment in different ways.

• What are the strengths of each college in terms of academic programs?

  Hampshire College excels in interdisciplinary fields, media arts, cognitive science, and environmental studies, allowing students to create unique concentrations. Occidental College is strong in diplomacy and world affairs, economics, biology, and theater, offering well-established programs with research opportunities.

• What opportunities are available for internships and career development at Hampshire and Occidental?

  Both colleges offer robust internship and career development programs. Hampshire College leverages its location within the Five College Consortium and its alumni network to provide internship opportunities in various fields. Occidental College benefits from its Los Angeles location, offering access to internships in entertainment, business, politics, and non-profit organizations. Both colleges provide career counseling, workshops, and networking events.

• How do the costs of attendance and financial aid packages compare between Hampshire and Occidental?

  The cost of attendance at both Hampshire College and Occidental College is relatively high, reflecting their status as private liberal arts colleges. Both institutions offer need-based and merit-based financial aid. It's essential to compare individual financial aid packages offered by each college based on your specific financial situation. Contact the financial aid offices at both institutions for personalized estimates.

• What are the key differences in the application processes for Hampshire and Occidental?

  While both colleges use the Common Application, Hampshire College places a greater emphasis on the personal essay and encourages applicants to showcase their unique interests and self-directed learning abilities. Occidental College also values the personal essay but places more weight on academic transcripts and standardized test scores (though they may be test-optional). Review each college's specific application requirements and deadlines on their respective websites.

• What kind of student typically thrives at Hampshire College versus Occidental College?

  Hampshire College is a good fit for students who are highly self-motivated, independent learners, and comfortable with ambiguity. They should be passionate about designing their own curriculum and pursuing unconventional academic paths. Occidental College is well-suited for students who appreciate a structured liberal arts education, value research opportunities, and seek a diverse and engaging campus community within a vibrant urban setting.

• Do Hampshire and Occidental have any notable alumni in common fields?

  While their academic approaches differ, both Hampshire and Occidental have produced notable alumni across various fields. You'll find alumni from both institutions in arts, sciences, politics, and business. Researching specific alumni in your field of interest can provide valuable insights into the potential career paths available after graduation from either college.