Claremont

[tortola23]

Did anyone else apply to the MA program at the graduate college? Last year they notified a few people around February 25th, but there don't seem to have been any notifications yet this year.

[Serac]

I was admitted a few days ago; was wondering if anyone has any information (beyond what's readily available on their website) about this program. It looks like a cool city, although leaving NYC will be hard

[RockDenali]

I was admitted a few days ago; was wondering if anyone has any information (beyond what's readily available on their website) about this program. It looks like a cool city, although leaving NYC will be hard

Claremont is awesome. The surrounding Inland Empire is nothing to write home about, but Claremont itself is great. Slow pace compared to NYC, but you're about twenty minutes from downtown L.A. if you REALLLY want to get in some big city time. But Claremont is best for people who enjoy the outdoors. The San Gabriels are right above you; tons of hiking and canyoneering opportunities. Skiing on the other side of the mountains in winter. Joshua Tree to the east. Check out The Press for good local bands and cute waitresses; there's a fun tapas place, but I'm forgetting the name; the Packing House is cool--an old warehouse building turned into spaces for artists and food places. There's a fondue place called the Hip Kitty, which is also a venue for local jazz and funk bands. The Glass House is your nearest (small) concert venue; major bands playing L.A. will often do warm-up gigs there. I've seen The Smashing Pumpkins, Pixies, and Weezer there for about $20 each.

In other words, Claremont is pretty awesome. It will be a nice change of pace for someone from NYC, but like I said, you're still pretty close to L.A. as the crow flies. I'll be sad to leave So Cal . . .

Edited March 14, 2011 by RockDenali

[Serac]

Thanks for the info. Do you live in Claremont now, or attend one of the undergraduate schools?

[tortola23]

Just replied to your message, Serac.

I'm still considering my options for schools and probably won't be deciding anything until I hear from both of my wait-list schools, since I prefer them to my two admits.

Thanks for the info re: Claremont!

[truckbasket]

And don't forget Rhino Records, Rock -- great independent music store that has been around forever.

I did my undergrad at the 5C's, so I know the town pretty well. It's very scenic and manicured (the land of trees and PhD's is how it's described), but not in the SoCal Disneyland facade kind of way -- some real history there. There's a lot of quirkiness, lots of artists and musicians (Snoop Dog lives close by, Ben Harper has a musical instrument store downtown) and generally there's a ton of character. However, there also exists a bit of a negative underbelly -- but unless you're a long-term resident, you probably wouldn't notice any of that. Like Rock mentioned, the surrounding areas are not great in that many of them are suburban wastelands. Nearby Pomona is pretty cool as it has a bit more grit, and there's a ton of music / art stuff going on down there. The 5C's are beautiful, and you have access to all of their resources as well as the awesome Honnold library.

Coming from NY would be a shift, but as pointed out, you can get to and from LA in 30 or so mins (2hrs in traffic), and there is a train that gets you into downtown LA -- but like much of SoCal's public transport, you're at the mercy of the very limited routes. Many profs drive in from LA, so it's very doable to live in a more central location. If you wanted to live out that way, Pasadena and South Pasadena are both similar to Claremont, but closer to the action. Eagle Rock, Los Feliz, Silverlake and Echo Park are kind of fun, but have all become either gentrified or overrun with hipsters and yuppies.

As far as the program goes, I work with several people in the PhD program -- and they seem to enjoy it. From what I hear though, the funding is poor and there are virtually no opportunities for teaching experience. Their English department is currently conducting two searches, but right now, there are only three faculty members present. The good news is that you have access to profs from the 5C's for your committee if you need them.

[RockDenali]

Thanks for the info. Do you live in Claremont now, or attend one of the undergraduate schools?

I grew up around here, did my undergrad in Orange County, and have many friends who attend the 5Cs.

How could I have forgotten Rhino Records?!?!?! You'll never want for good albums in Claremont if you decide to move here. However, as my fellow southern Californian stated, CGU is not a huge school, and so you'd do well to get as much funding info as possible before you make a decision.

[Serac]

Bump; has anyone else here been admitted?

[tortola23]

I got in with a 25% fellowship. I'll definitely be declining this week, and I'm not attending the visit.