Westmont College Reviews

"Loved Westmont! Going there was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Academics are tough. Do-able, but tough, and you really have to put in the work BUT there are resources that are hard to get at bigger schools! For example, professors typically ARE your tutors, which is so helpful. Professors are brilliant and caring people and want you to flourish academically and spiritually. I can't tell you how many have gone out of their way to help me, do extra research projects with me, etc. They are gems! Keep in mind that these professors do NOT come to Westmont for the money, they come and take a pay cut because they genuinely care about the mission of the college & its students. Grew a lot spiritually here. Honestly don't attribute that to the 3 chapels/week but more to the discussions in classes, with friends, mentors, church, etc. There is so much opportunity for that. You truly get out what you put in :) Student body is unlike any other. As a whole (there are always exceptions) the most caring, kind, thoughtful and Jesus-seeking kids you'll see. Made so many great lifelong friends here. Social life on campus is ehhh because it's so small. Don't expect parties, greek life, anything like that. It's genuine community and you'll find friends to do movie nights, camping trips, Bible studies, etc. with. Athletics are great, I played a sport and will never forget that time. Coaches are wonderful across the board but I will say, you really have to be on your game to balance athletics & academics there. It's no joke! All in all, highly recommend, it's such a gem of a school with an incredibly connected alumni network. You will not regret it!"

"Truthfully, the professors I grew close to were extremely encouraging and provided great insights from the field. They also were interested in developing students beyond the subject matter and we considered some of the philosophical issues surrounding the science. I appreciated those discussions and it really helped me develop as an ethical scientist who wants to make a difference for mankind. I was certainly challenged at this institution so you should come prepared. I recommend knowing what you want to do before you come here. Tuition is extremely expensive and if you plan right, you could finish in under 4 years (my friend did it in 3). I wish they had prepared me more for industry, which is very different from academia. Overall it was a great institution."

"This was an extremely great school. It is very small though so be aware of that. I loved but also disliked the smallness. I was very much ready for a big school environment but the benefits of a small school is a huge step up you have after graduating. All of my professors know my name and we have great relationships. They have no problems of being able to write me a letter of recommendation if I needed one. They are very willing to help you out when you are struggling and super flexible to arrange meeting times with you. I had a professor meet with me once a week to help me out with Organic Chemistry. It was brilliant! The professors really truly care about your success and will do all they can to help you out. Be aware that this is a VERY liberal Christian school. Every class will at one point connect what you are learning with the bible and Christ. I loved it and it really helped me grow in my faith and relationship with Jesus, but it can be a very challenging and tough journey to navigate for any Christian and non-Christian. The population is very interesting in that respect and can cause an unhealthy social life, but also have some of the best people you have ever met. Overall, the professors are AMAZING! And the relationships you build with them trumps everything and helps set you up for incredible success in your future career/schoolings. Love the well roundedness of the curriculum as well. Gives you many chances to explore all majors and figure out which is the best for you."

"I am still a student at Westmont college and have thoroughly appreciated my experience here. I have had such an incredible time being getting to know all the students on campus, everyone is so welcoming. I have also been very impressed by the professors and how welcoming and willing they are to help me further my education in any way that they can. It has been very beneficial to be at a liberal arts school for me because I am feeling like I am making the most of my college education by getting educated in all aspects of my life."

"Westmont is a great school, in a great place, with great people, and great professors. Can't beat living in Santa Barbara, and the campus community is genuinely awesome. "

"The Sociology department was integral for my life journey, including my social identity development and educational journey. The head of the department, who was also my college advisor, is still someone with whom I am in contact and to whom I look up with so much admiration. One memory that stands out to me is the summer after I matriculated from undergrad. My advisor spent three hours with me at the beach, taking the time to hear about my experiences and struggles, to sit in silence, and also to offer some words of wisdom to me. I wish I had secretly recorded the whole conversation. It was one that is still so memorable for me. The key piece among all of the wise advice she told me is to "love deeply yet loosely" in all aspects of my being. I believe this will stick with me for life, and its relevancy is not time bound. Thank you, Dr. S!"

"Westmont College offered personalized instruction with their small student to teacher ratio. Professor and staff members were understanding and willing to take the time to help their students, especially within the Kinesiology department. I received instruction from practicing health clinicians and researchers, which allowed me to apply what I learned to real life situations."

"I loved Westmont College and I highly recommend it. I loved that the professors focused on helping us develop a solid worldview and focused on teaching us how to think and let us decide what to think. The professors cared about the students and the small class sizes allowed the students to get to know the professors and engage thought provoking discussions together."

"For those interested in a high-caliber Liberal Arts institution with a sincere commitment to integrating faith and learning, I can’t think of a better choice than Westmont College. But even though I’m very pleased with my undergraduate experience there, I also realize that Westmont is clearly not for everyone. With enrollment capped at around 1200 students, the student body was smaller than my high school. Certain majors and courses of study that would be available at a large state school aren’t offered at Westmont. And, like many other private schools, it’s very expensive, so I would advise anyone considering this school to seriously consider the cost before taking on significant amounts of debt.But if you want to go to a Christian school and you value smaller class sizes and the opportunity to get to know professors, Westmont could be a great fit. The location (nestled in the hills of Montecito, right near Santa Barbara, California) can’t be beat. But it’s important to realize that the rigorous academics are only part of what being a part of the Westmont community entails. Through their Chapel programs, service opportunities, and campus life activities, the college encourages students to thoughtfully engage their Christian faith in whatever course of study they pursue. I also highly endorse the study abroad options Westmont offers. Participating in their Europe Semester was one of the highlights of my undergrad experience."