By Katie Clelland ’21
Whether it’s the small liberal arts environment, the unique course offerings, or family tradition, students from around the country have found new life by transferring to Scripps.
For Maria Gimenez ’21, Scripps College was a household name from a young age. Her mother, Amy Keul, is an alumna from the class of 1988.
“My mom went to Scripps and still maintains relationships with all of her undergrad friends,” Gimenez says. “They frequently come to visit my family in Denver and were a large part of why I became interested in Scripps and all the opportunities the school and The Claremont Colleges offer. Since I grew up around strong and ambitious Scripps women, I knew that this was a place I wanted to attend too.”
For Kathryn Sensenig ’23, it was all about the small, liberal arts vibe. She was immediately sold on Scripps after her campus visit, when she fell in love with the College’s beauty and the opportunities offered by Scripps and the rest of the 5Cs: small class sizes, distinguished faculty, and an abundance of resources. After her on-campus interview, she knew Scripps was the right place for her.
“My old school was so massive that I had a hard time connecting with professors. The academic environment wasn’t every stimulating, and I often felt like just a number,” describes Sensenig.
Students thinking about transferring may feel daunted by the process, but previous transfer students have described the process as streamlined and informative, with guaranteed housing, inclusion in New Student Programs and Orientation (NSPO), and individual academic counseling before starting their classes at Scripps.
“The support I received from my peer mentor at NSPO was wonderful. I had just stepped foot on campus and already had someone I could connect with and ask questions,” said Sensenig.
Director of Admission Laura Stratton says that transfer students are a great addition to the campus community.
“Students who transfer to Scripps bring diverse perspectives and experiences to our community, both in and out of the classroom,” says Stratton. “Transfer applicants are particularly fun to get to know through their applications and, for some, on-campus interviews, since they often have a personal story that has led them to Scripps and are clear about what they are looking for in a college. Their contributions make Scripps a more vibrant and interesting place!”
Now, just a few months in to the semester, Sensenig has found her stride: she is a barista for Scripps’ student run cafe, The Motley Coffeehouse, as well as a member of Scripps’ Climbing Club. She is excited to be taking classes in English and music, but is also eager to dip her toes in other subjects.
“At my old school, it felt like I was just going through the motions of getting a degree. I felt like I couldn’t explore different subjects, but all I could take in terms of interdisciplinary classes had to do with my general education requirements. Whereas at Scripps, the liberal arts education helps me to grow as a person and expand my mind and interests,” says Sensenig.
As for Gimenez, an environmental analysis major in the environmental economics track, she has found one of her favorite aspects of Scripps to be the world–class speakers, writers, and performers that come to campus for presentations, workshops, and participation in intimate discussions with students. She has also joined the 5C debate team and gotten involved in the photography club.
Incipit Vita Nova indeed.