Ryan
If you are a white, liberal, upper class student from the Pacific Northwest or California, you will fit in here. LGBT are very welcome here. If you don't fit the above description, then you will feel uncomfortable and possibly be an outcast. Though we have a strong outdoor program, lower class students can't afford to participate, making it a rich student's club. Republicans are demonized, and centrists can be too sometimes. I've heard stories of students writing a paper with a Republican standpoint, and getting a bad grade on it because of this. International students are mostly only friends with other international students. Many lower class and minority students transfer before graduating. The classism and racism on campus isn't obvious, rather it tends to be the inadvertent kind that comes from the ignorance of the upper class of the struggles of those different from them. I can't join student clubs because I have to work 15-20 hours a week just to afford to go here. Other students can have their parents pay for everything. If you have to take out a large number of student loans just to go here, then I suggest you go to a cheaper state school.
Kristianne
For the most part they are not just there to pass the class, they actually want to learn something, they are engaging and reliable.
Andrew
Nice and interseting.
Casey
In general, Whitman is a very inclusive community. Although it may seem at times that the student body is largely made up of upper middle class, white students, the College is actually in the process of pushing diversity. This year's freshmen class was the most diverse class in the College's history. This means diversity in all forms - racial, ethnic, socio-economic, geographic, etc.. Students at Whitman who are the most successful socially are those who are willing to engage others and those who try new things. In my opinion, if you come to Whitman ready and eager to make new friends, you will. For, Whitties are, in general, very friendly, very socially aware, and very excited to experience new things and new people.
Andrew
My classmates are great at helping me better understand concepts and know what it takes to succeed as a group.
Lee
My classmates are self-encouraged and driven to explore the most creative aspects of any issue; they enjoy looking deep into primary sources and aren't afraid to say things in class which may go against the popular interpretation of the work.
Lauralee
All of them are highly motivated students, but they do not neglect their social lives. Most people have somehow maintained a perfect balance.