Chapman University

The average Chapman student is a white, upper class, male, film student. Located in California's conservative haven, Orange County, the school is probably half and half on the liberal/conservative tilt.

If you are
1) not a big drinker
2) hippie-type
3) social justice warrior
4) not into the Southern California beautiful people stereotype
5) middle or lower class
6) majoring in something other than film or business
7) want a huge sports culture
8) not into hookup culture
Don't go here! I made a huge mistake in not reading reviews on these types of websites before I came here! I do think Chapman would be a great fit for some and I have been able to find people I connect with. But I wouldn't say I fit into the overall campus vibe.

I will say some good things about Chapman since I want this review to be objective and not overtly negative:

1) the campus is beautiful
2) being from out of state, I do love the Southern California weather!
3) Orange is cute, reminds me of my hometown, and I don't mind being in a suburb. The closest beach (Newport) is only 20-30 minutes away and LA is an hour or so depending on traffic - lots of things to do in the area!

4) being a foodie, I can't say I love the cafeteria, but it's not bad!

1st Year Female -- Class 1921

Campus Aesthetics: A+, Scholastic Success: D-

This place is like a damn high school all over again. The people running this school are idiots and they don't know anything that goes on and they profile you for the rest of your days there if you ever get written up, even for the stupidest things. IF you get in trouble there once for having alcohol or anything they will purposely and unfairly prosecute as they see necessary. Their public safety only makes you feel less safe because they spend more time making sure everyone has a proper parking pass than looking for actual danger. They have never once stopped a mugging or anything near Chapman and one time they ran over a student crossing the crosswalk and then left.

2nd Year Male -- Class 2015

Campus Aesthetics: A, Education Quality: F

I am a current student in the film school, and involved in Greek life as well. Having said this, I absolutely love all the resources available to students at Dodge. I have had ample opportunities to be on sets, have email access to all of my professors, and even a few have generously provided extra time outside of class for me to improve my work.

You are free to do as much work as you want to--if you don't want to do any work at all, there is a chance you may actually get away with that, but you are seriously wasting your tuition money. Chapman gives you the freedom to get what you want out of your education, but they will not hand it to you, you have to go and seek it out.

Within my first two years at Chapman I have been given the chance to complete a for-credit internship, and study abroad despite having a very demanding major in the film school and a minor as well. If you want a well-rounded education, and a school that supports studying abroad, go for it. My financial aid was even included in my abroad fees.

Academics aside, it is possible to have a social life whether you are affiliated in Greek life or not. It is all your initiative. Many people are frustrated with the presence of Greek life, when in actuality even though there are 30% Greeks, 70% of the school is unaffiliated, which still makes Greek life the minority. It is up to the student to find ways to get involved if he/she does not wishes to be part of Greek life.

There are some who may say that "popular" kids at Chapman are affiliated--and I find this statement interesting. Going to college to be "popular" is probably a poor use of your time in a university, and my personal suggestion is not to focus on "popularity" in a high school fashion but find peers you want to make a long-lasting connection with. Those who are worthwhile will not care whether or not you are affiliated.

Do not let the good-looking appearance of the student body intimidate you--the people I have personally talked to are beautiful inside and out. Yes, sometimes they may come across unapproachable, but take the time to make an effort and get to know them, and you'll find that the vast majority of people at Chapman are not "snooty." I myself do not come from as affluent of a background as many of my peers, and I have never been put down or excluded because I could not afford something. Even the Greek life group I am involved in makes many efforts to include as many people as possible. Chapman is great place--it's all about your attitude though.

1st Year Female -- Class 2015

Campus Aesthetics: A+, Surrounding City: B