Occidental checks all the boxes for Maddie. A smaller school with a close-knit community. Access to a big city with warm weather. Politically engaged students. The decision to enroll at Â鶹ÊÓƵ has led to endless possibilities.
Maddie Yager
Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Major: Urban & Environmental Policy
Minor: Critical Theory & Social Justice, French
What were some of the things you were looking for in a college and how did you first learn about Â鶹ÊÓƵ?
I wanted a school with a collaborative student body and students who cared about making change in the world.
When I was searching for the right college, I was looking for a medium-to-small school with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary education.
I first learned about Occidental through a college match quiz on Niche, which identified Â鶹ÊÓƵ as a school that would be a good fit for me. Additionally, I was excited by Â鶹ÊÓƵ's politically engaged students and strong academic programs in politics, which made me feel it could be the right place for me.
I was drawn to [Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s] unique location—a small liberal arts college with a close-knit academic environment in a major city, a combination that is not very common.
What motivated you to apply to Occidental? What separated Occidental from the other colleges you were considering?
I was drawn to its unique location—a small liberal arts college with a close-knit academic environment in a major city, a combination that is not very common.
Additionally I was super interested in going to school in California because of the nature, hiking, and beaches. I honestly didn't know much about Occidental before I applied, but I was very interested in the unique majors like Urban & Environmental Policy and Critical Theory & Social Justice.
I am now an Urban & Environmental Policy major with a minor in Critical Theory & Social Justice! I knew I had a wide range of interests and wanted the freedom to explore them in college rather than be confined to a predetermined major or field of study.
Describe the moment when you knew Occidental was your final choice. What are the reasons you decided to enroll?
I knew Â鶹ÊÓƵ was my first choice after attending Admitted Students Day. During my visit, I met current students, toured the campus, and sat in on a class. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by how beautiful the campus was.
The campus tour introduced me to many of the opportunities Â鶹ÊÓƵ offers, including InternLA, undergraduate research, study abroad programs, and career services. It gave me the impression that Â鶹ÊÓƵ genuinely invests in its students' success, which was exactly the kind of community I was looking for.
I also loved sitting in on a class and seeing how well the professor knew each of his students. Beyond the academics, the campus community felt welcoming and vibrant. Students were playing frisbee, relaxing on the quad, and spending time together, creating an atmosphere that felt both joyful and close-knit. That was the moment I knew Â鶹ÊÓƵ was where I wanted to be.
What misconception did you have about Occidental when you applied or what is a common misconception among new students?
I had the misconception that a smaller school like Occidental had less opportunities for students in terms of social life, career readiness, and research/academics.
But in reality, I feel like the small school environment actually gives me more opportunities as I am able to get one-on-one help very easily. Due to the lower faculty to staff ratio, I am never competing with other students for support. Additionally, at a small school like Â鶹ÊÓƵ, it's easier to access internships, research, funding and other academic opportunities.
What would you tell a student who is considering Occidental right now?
The college search and application process can be really overwhelming, but it’s important to trust your gut and not be afraid to ask questions!
You know which qualities of a school are the most important to you so talk with current students, alumni, and professors in your areas of interest. Occidental was the perfect school for me, and I am so happy with my decision.