Whitman College Top Questions

Whitman has a fairly uniform student body. Even though there isn't a ton of diversity (most students are white, upper middle-class, liberal, non-religious, Pacific Northwesters), we do have students that come from a variety of backgrounds. I was surprised by how many international students go to Whitman. I think Whitman strives for diversity even though it's not one of the strongest areas here. On the bright side, because we are a small campus, you get to know everyone. I've met so many people here and I'm still meeting people. Even though I'm a junior, I have a ton of friends in every grade. It's very very easy to meet people, and almost everyone is friendly. I really feel like there is a Whitman community that students enjoy and take advantage of. I've heard of very few issues between students or groups, or any sort of antagonistic or negative social scene. Everyone really gets along here.

The students here are helpful, kind, and compassionate. They are very enthusiastic of their interests, and they really pursue their passions. It's really refreshing and motivates you to be live up to your own expectations. Most students are from Washington, Oregon, and California. But there are definitely people from states on the East coast and Midwest. There are international students as well. Whitman comprises predominantly of Caucasian students. But while I notice that I sometimes am the only Asian-American within my group of friends, I belong with them.

Quirky, sometimes scary smart, but any of them would give you the shirt off their back if asked.

Every person here has something to bring to the table, so no matter where you end up living you will be sure to have a great time! Just wanna rep my section---D's Nuts!!

I think everyone is comfortable with everyone else.

Awesome

Students at Whitman are predominantly white (and from Washington or Oregon). That being said, there is a prominent Latino population and there are a lot of international students here, as well as a bunch of east coasters and Montanans and Californians. My freshman year roommate was from Romania! And two other girls in my section were from Mongolia and Vietnam. Whitman students, no matter their race, are an extremely open bunch of people. Admissions is really trying to diversify the student body, and I think that anyone would have no problem fitting in. The campus is very open--there's a great LGBTQ group. Students at Whitman tend to be middle to upper-middle class and fairly liberal, but there are definitely exceptions to this rule.

Whitman's student activities and clubs are wildly diverse. There are clubs for everything, whether it be political, religious, LGBTQ-related, outdoorsy, or just for kicks. The best part about the clubs is how easy it is to start a club if there isn't already one you like. Sometime during my freshman year, there was a small push from a few students to start a Slam Poetry Club. And so they did (quite seamlessly). Aside from clubs, Whitman's student radio, KWCW, is ranked pretty high among college radio stations. It's really easy to get involved in the radio, and from what I've heard, really enjoyable and fun too. Intramural sports are a big deal at Whitman too. Flag football is one of the more seriously followed sports, and everyone gets into it (even if you don't play, you'll probably wind up watching). Aside from flag football, tennis, soccer, bowling, and several other sports make it onto the IM list. Whitman students are fairly active in the political scene. For the most part, it's a pretty liberal campus. However, there is a Campus Conservatives group and they are quite active, so if you're hoping for political diversity, there it is. One of my favorite things about Whitman is that the students genuinely seem interested in subjects and activities from all across the board. And, somehow, the students manage to find time between all their activities and studying to just hang out or catch a Monday Night Movie (put on every Monday by the Associated Students of Whitman College -- ASWC).

As a bisexual girl who came out during her freshman year, I can say that Whitman is very accepting. When I told my friends, they were happy for me. That might be because most kids at my school are pretty liberal, and sometimes maybe a little too P.C., or unwilling to offend. I should say that at times during my freshman year I was very frustrated by the level of complacency at my college. I struggled to find passionate, creative folk who could get pissed off when need be. It was a bit of a quest, and after a semester of active searching I did find those people, and they are here, but I should tell you it's a bit of a schlep. That said, the kids here are extremely kind, focused and intelligent. Often health-conscious, environmentally conscious, and outdoorsy. They are starters and joiners, so new projects are always cropping up all over the place.

students are laid back, interesting, and bring a lot to the table. whitman students are just as comfortable studying, playing a sport, participating in campus events, or partying. Although there is not a large degree of racial diversity, that aspect is improving. Although i think it is somewhat shallow and superficial to only analyze diversity based on race/ethnic identity. The is a large degree of diversity in terms of interests, skills, backgrounds, geographic diversity, etc. Students are politically aware, especially regarding environmental issues, mostly liberal. i've never heard of one student talk about how much they are going to earn, not surprising considering there is no business school. A republican student who wants a big school atmosphere, is self centered, and does not wish to challenge themselves would be someone who would feel out of place at Whitman.