Chapman University

Some of the comments I've heard about Chapman are simply untrue or unreasonable so I will tell you about this school. Coming from USC, I was transferring to go a small liberal arts school and I got that. I've had no classes of 200 like at USC. And there is zero comparison as far as neighborhood. Orange is a small, safe, and nice city in Orange County. The school is in the Old Towne part with lots of little restaurants and shops. It is a much nicer feel. I admit freely that everyone is different. If you want a big school with a great football team and lots of party this and that, then USC would certainly be better than Chapman. But this school is better if you want to be an individual. The work here is not the hardest or easiest, but it is sufficiently challenging. Most of the teachers are really good and not absorbed in research. The campus is pleasant and friendly. Are there annoying rich snob types? Absolutely, but no more than at USC or any other school. Those same kinds of people go to the state schools too. There are different kinds of people at every school. As for money, the school is expensive but I got a full financial aid package. I am not a "night life" person so couldn't comment on that but there is a lot of Greek on campus and the surrounding community of north Orange County is full of everything from club to mall to beach to theme parks. Chapman is an up and coming school getting better and better and they have many strengths including film and law. But English has been just great for me and I never regret leaving a "prestigious" school like USC to come to a friendly school that cultivates creativity.

2nd Year Female -- Class 2005

Education Quality: A+, University Resource Use/ spending: C

I really like it here. The professors have a genuine concern for your academic success and they actually know what they're talking about. Moreover, you're not just sent to some assistant if you have questions. The student/teacher ration is low, so class discussions are common and an important part of the learning process. The business department is top notch, with internship opportunities at Disneyland along with many other prestigious companies in the area. The film department is excellent. Although, in my opinion, it is just starting to get it's footing, but is already in serious competition with the USC film school in talent and, soon to be, facility. The campus is well kept, with an eclectic mixture of historic, ivy-covered buildings along with modern, state-of-the-art facilities. I feel the location in Southern California's blend of laid-back beach life and cutting-edge corporations a great asset. I find the student body is an extremely friendly and attractive bunch; however, spending perhaps too much time on appearances and the latest fashion trend. The social life here is actually really good, although you have to search for it. And the clubs and Greek life is a lot of fun. School spirit is high, and general morale on campus is very positive. If you are fortunate enough to get into Chapman, you should go!

2nd Year Male -- Class 2006

Education Quality: A+, Social Life: B-

I wanted to go to Chapman because I heard it was a prestigious school to go to primarily due to the film program along with the location in southern CA. I am pretty satisfied with my choice. It is comparable to USC and UCLA film programs without the cut-throat competition. (Trust me, it is cometitive, just not that severe.) Many are able to aquire internship to Paramount, Disney Studios, etc. upon graduation. All us film students are counting the days till the new Marion Knott Studio is completed. The professors in my field are very good, and encourage creativity while preparing us for the intense world of the entertainment industry. Only problem I saw was that the majority of students here look like both male and female runway models, which doesn't make us "average" folk seem so special. The amazing thing is, they are all nice and don't seem to care about how you look. This is fine with me. A party is a party and if you're fun and witty then you're in!

2nd Year Female -- Class 2007

Faculty Accessibility: A+, Education Quality: B+