Visiting Chapman University (Disney’s Neighbor)

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Last day of high school junior year. By the gates, there will be stressed students who almost grew out of adolescence but is not yet an adult. They will pass a busy summer specked with infinitesimal moments of fun. The heat waves will carry a certain restlessness: one year into IB, a few months after AP, a half term of A-levels, and five months until the college application deadline.

This summer, I am that student.

I attend the Beijing City International School (BCIS) and intend to study in the United States, with a focus on small private universities and liberal arts colleges.

I will be a creative writing major with a minor in communications and media. I love the arts and journalism and everything in between. in classic post-covid fashion, I am going to visit schools with my dearest dad.

Join me as I take you on my college visit tour across the US.

Little Ivy Leagues:

Williams College, Amherst College, Pomona College
Women’s Colleges:
Scripps College, Smith College, Wellesley College, Mount Holyoke College
Ivy Leagues:
Brown University, Dartmouth University
Liberal Arts Colleges:
Middlebury College, Bates College, Hamilton College, Kenyon College
Private Universities:
Tufts University, Chapman University

June 23rd. Afternoon.

Heated by the sun. Heading towards my last destination of the day, Chapman University opened up its gate. It is a private, small to medium-sized university located in Orange County, an area on the outskirts of Los Angeles. It was founded in 1909 by the Christian Minister Association of Southern California, especially Charles C. Chapman. Although it has connections to Christianity, it is not a religious institution. Though ranked number 121 by US News for national universities in the United States, Chapman has hidden perks that benefit a plethora of students in the film, arts, language, media, and communications realm.

Chapman’s best major is undoubtedly film.

Its Dodge College of Film and Media Arts is ranked fourth in the United States and harbors the role of an unofficial props storage for Hollywood. Students can use Hollywood props at any time they need. Chapman is also incredibly close to Disneyland, foreshadowing its emphasis on creative, literary, and artistic pursuits with a dash of modernity, such as television, media, and journalism.

My tour guide was a creative writing major whose career advisor taught her how to make a romantic yet financially disadvantaged field into a lucrative future. From resumés to potential magazines, Chapman’s professors and academic advisors guided her with care and patience.

Though reputed by artistic and literary endeavors, Chapman’s Dale E. and Sarah An Fowler’s School of Engineering is also worth mentioning.

Students are required to utilize scientific knowledge in projects that solve real-life problems. A bit like group 4 projects in IB DP, but more complex and impactful. Students of other majors can also engage in these projects to…you know…enhance their resumé.

Chapman admits students from over fifty countries. However, it is less well known in Asian areas than within the US itself. Most students on the tour guide were humble in attitude and eager to learn, coming from different states such as California, Massachusetts, and New Mexico with majors in philosophy, writing, journalism, and film. I was the only Asian, but that might have been just a coincidence.

Interesting Chapman facts

• Despite being a research university, most of its classes only have 20 students while introductory courses have 60-70 students

• Undergraduate students can join graduate students to conduct research, but some might have to wait up to 2 years after notifying professors in advance

• 50% of its students study abroad. and short 4-6 week programs are often funded

• US domestic students receive generous financial aid and scholarships

• The spacious campus is modern and furnished with high-quality equipment, including a premium gym and theatre

• There is a special place of worship for Christian students and others of different religions

• It is a misconception that Chapman is a Christian university

• Students must live on campus for freshman year – unless they have a permanent residence within 30 miles of campus

• Apparently, the best food on campus is Einstein Bros Bagels

• Plus, freshly pressed juices and Frappuccinos are very popular

Images: Helen Wang

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