Scripps College was founded in 1926 with an initial class of 50 students. Today, it is a well-respected college for women, ranking #30 on “U.S. News and World Report’s” list of the best liberal arts colleges in the nation. Although it is a member of the Claremont Consortium of Colleges that includes multiple campuses, some of which are coeducational, Scripps remains a women’s college.
Mission/Vision
Since its founding, Scripps College has held that its mission is to provide women with a quality education that allows students to develop their talents and intellects. By actively participating and interacting with other scholars, it is hoped that graduates will be able to benefit society by leading private and public lives marked by integrity, leadership, creativity and service.
Campus Setting
The Scripps College campus is regarded as one of the most beautiful in the U.S. The original campus incorporated Mediterranean style buildings situated amid a lush landscape. A few of the newer buildings that the college acquired during the 1980s vary, but new construction has attempted to remain consistent with the original plan. There are nine residence halls, all smoke-free and all equipped with both Ethernet and wireless Internet connections.
Scripps College is located in Claremont, which has a population of approximately 35,000 and lies a short distance from all the typical Southern California attractions. The college is only 35 miles from Los Angeles and two hours from San Diego. The nearby San Gabriel Mountains offer ample opportunities for skiing, fishing and hiking, and the ocean is within an hour’s drive.
Academics
Students at Scripps can choose from more than 50 majors. Most plans can be completed entirely at Scripps, but the college also participates in a variety of intercollegiate and joint degree programs. Degree plans range from arts and humanities programs, such as philosophy, English and art history, to math and science programs, such as biology, computer science and geology. A number of interdisciplinary programs are also available, including Asian studies, management engineering and neuroscience.
Athletics
Scripps College fields varsity teams in conjunction with Harvey Mudd College and Claremont McKenna College. The female teams compete under the title of the Athenas, and they have won at least two titles in 19 different sports. Varsity sports include basketball, soccer, golf, tennis, track and field, water polo, softball, swimming and diving, volleyball and lacrosse.
Students can also choose to play intramural sports, such as flag football, badminton and field hockey. Scripps also sponsors an equestrian team that includes both recreational and competitive riding.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition at Scripps is expensive but nearly 65% percent of incoming students receive financial aid. Scripps is committed to helping students with financial needs secure 100 percent of their demonstrated needs. Please refer to the school’s website for the most current and up-to-date information regarding tuition and financial aid.
Accreditation
Scripps College holds accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, or WASC.
Admissions
Scripps College has an admittance rate of 32 percent, making it one of the most selective schools in the nation. Applicants need to have SAT scores in at least the median range overall; scores of writing should be between 660 and 750; critical reading scores need to be between 640 and 740; and math scores must be in the 620 to 720 range. Applicants submitted ACT scores should have a composite between 28 and 32.
Applications are evaluated on a variety of factors, including SAT and ACT scores. However, Scripps takes other evidence into account. Transcripts from high school or other colleges are reviewed for grades as well as the difficulty and scope of the curriculum. Applicants submit a personal essay and a supplemental questionnaire. The extracurricular activities that the student participated in while attending school, community or volunteer activities, work history and recommendations from past teachers are all included in the evaluation process.
Prospective students can begin the application process online at the Scripps College website.
