Chapman University

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School Says - General Information
Originally organized in 1861, Chapman University has steadily evolved from a small traditional church-related liberal arts school, into a vibrant midsize and nationally recognized university with renowned programs in areas such as film and television production, business and economics, theatre, dance, music, and teacher education.

Set in suburban and historic "Old Towne Orange", California, Chapman's beautiful tree-lined campus features a blending of historic and contemporary structures, tranquil gardens, world-class recreational facilities, and "smart" classrooms. With wireless technology throughout the campus, Chapman was recently named one of the top 50 "Best Wired" campuses by Yahoo!

Chapman's academic preparation and wide breadth of excellence is evidenced by the University's accomplished alumni, who include Loretta Sanchez ('88), member of Congress; David Bonior ('85), member of Congress and former house minority whip; Jose Gomez ('75) member of the Panamanian National Assembly; television and film producers John Copeland ('73), Jon Garcia ('90) and John David Currey ('98); cinematographer Gene Jackson ('70); television sports analyst, Steve Lavin ('88); Tony Award nominee and Broadway star of Showboat, Michel Bell ('68); Indy car racing star, Jacques Lazier ('93); former major league baseball stars Tim Flannery ('80), Marty Castillo ('80), Gary Lucas ('76) and Randy Jones ('72); and George L. Argyros ('65), philanthropist and former U.S. Ambassador to Spain.

School Says - Student Body
Programs and services offered include over 70 clubs and organizations, career development, community outreach, multicultural programs, student health and counseling, international student services, PEER and health education, and new student orientation. Six national fraternities, and Six national sororities are active and all include special programming directed toward stewardship and community service activities.

A complete and comprehensive offering of intramural sports and activities involve the entire campus community to create an involving, electric, and outdoor-oriented environment.

Intercollegiate athletics are a big part of undergraduate life at Chapman and almost 20 percent of students compete in varsity sports. Chapman is an independent in the NCAA Division III, often qualifying for championships. Last year, 4 students were named NCAA All-American and 14 were honored as Academic All-Americans. Chapman competes in men's baseball, basketball, water polo, crew, cross-country, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, and tennis; and women's basketball, crew, cross country, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and water polo.

School Says - Academics
Chapman University strives to provide every student with a comprehensive, liberal arts-based course of study which will result in producing an engaging, articulate and communicative world citizen with specific skills to offer. Academic departments are divided into the Wilkinson College of Humanities and Social Sciences; the Argyros School of Business and Economics (AACSB); the College of Educational Studies (CTC); the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts (CILECT); the College of Performing Arts (NASM); the School of Law (ABA); the Schmid College of Science; and University College, the off-campus program for working adults. Chapman is also home to the APTA-accredited graduate program in Physical Therapy. The A. Gary Anderson Center for Economic Research is recognized throughout the world for its excellence in economic forecasting. Chapman was recently named a "Character-Building College" by the Templeton Foundation.

School Says - Admissions
Chapman University seeks accomplished students who will thrive in a challenging academic environment. Admission to Chapman is selective. In 2009, 51% of the applicant pool was offered admission to the University. Prospective students are evaluated on the strength of their secondary school course work and GPA, and SAT I or ACT scores. Interested students are encouraged to visit the campus, schedule a campus tour, and participate in an information session hosted by an admission officer. Arrangements can be made by contacting the Office of Admission. Chapman offers a non-binding Early Action deadline for freshman applicants. To apply in the Early Action period, students must submit the application before November 15. The regular freshman application deadline is January 15. The deadline for transfer applications is March 1. Chapman is a member of The Common Application group and the application and instructions can be found at www.commonapp.org.

Students may request more information by contacting:
Office of Admission
Chapman University
One University Drive
Orange, CA 92866
Telephone: (714) 997-6711 888-CUAPPLY (toll free)
Fax: 714-997-6713
E-mail: admit@chapman.edu

School Says - Campus Life
Chapman University is located in Orange County's beautiful south coast, famous for its ideal climate, cultural and recreational opportunities, and varied natural resources. With the San Diego and Los Angeles metropolitan areas in close proximity, students can attend concerts, see professional sports, or go to world famous theme parks like Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm. There are outdoor activities throughout the year, with Pacific beaches only 10 miles from campus and winter ski resorts only 90-minutes away. Add to these benefits an average year-round temperature of 71 F, and it's no surprise that Places Rated Almanac recently named Orange County, California "the #1 place to live in North America."

On campus, Chapman students take part in the dynamic student activities program. There are over 70 student run clubs, including community service organizations, eleven national fraternities and sororities, 20 NCAA D-III intercollegiate athletic programs, an active intramural sports program, and music, art, and theatre productions.

Though Chapman students are predominantly from California, the student body is diverse, with students hailing from 46 states and 34 foreign countries. Chapman students have distinguished themselves in a variety of forums. In the preceding five years, Chapman students have been recognized as Truman Scholars, Coro Fellows, USA Today All-USA College Academic Team members, NCAA All-Americans, and NCAA Academic All-Americans.

School Says - Cost Aid
Undergraduate tuition (annual, 12-18 semester credits) room, board, and fees for the 2010-2011 academic are as follows:
Annual tuition: $37,500
Accident/Sickness plan: 380
Associated students fee: 120
Wellness Center fee: 244
Orientation fee: 145
_______________________________ Total tuition/fees: $38,389

Room/board cost for academic year 2010-2011:
Room & Board: $13,000
Parking fee: 280
________________________________ Total room/board $13,280Almost 90% of 2009 freshman received some form of need based aid, merit, or talent scholarship. Awards are made through a combination of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs. Awards may be renewed throughout a student's term of study. A student's financial needs are usually met through a combination of internal assets and federal and state funding. Chapman awards merit scholarships, regardless of financial need, to all eligible admitted new students using a standardized test score/ entering grade point average-driven formula. Chapman also offers talent scholarships in areas such as art, music, dance, theatre, writing, film and television, and science awarded regardless of financial need. Audition, submission of portfolio, or supplemental application materials will be required to be considered for talent awards.

Students Say - Academics
Chapman University is "a wealthy private institution" "in the heart of Orange County" that is "just the right size." There are "a lot of great facilities" here. Film production is "Chapman's most celebrated department." Resources are "totally state of the art." Students have access to "equipment that even the best studios will never have." The music conservatory is world class. Other notable majors include accounting, business administration, theater, dance, and public relations and advertising. Chapman offers a bevy of opportunities to study abroad in the summer and between semesters. "The travel courses are awesome," rejoices a political science major. International internships are also available. "Small class sizes" (typically about 20 students) are a plus. A broad yet flexible set of general education requirements ensures that everybody gets a firm grounding in the liberal arts. The administration isn't very popular. The top brass is "very ambitious" but "more focused on the school's image than its students." The registration process, which "can be a nightmare sometimes for everyone except for freshmen," "could be better," and higher-ups are "insanely difficult to contact," particularly for a smaller school. The faculty is generally "outstanding," though. "There is the occasional bad seed" who "should be avoided at all costs." "On the whole, though, the professors are very good and very accommodating," relates a computer science major. "They will always work with you for whatever you need, and you don't have to deal with any teaching assistants, period." You can talk to professors "about anything," adds a public relations major.

Students Say - Campus Life
Students here enjoy an "immaculate" and "truly beautiful campus." "The amenities are wonderful." "Chapman spends a ridiculous amount of money keeping the grounds nice." "We love sitting around the fountains in the sun between classes," says a sophomore. "It is such a nice place to spend four years," reflects a wistful senior. The food is "overpriced," though, and the cafeteria hours aren't long enough. "Get me some chain restaurants!" demands a ravenous first-year student. The social atmosphere is "lively." "It's not a hard- core party school," explains a sophomore, "but there [are] definitely parties every weekend if that's your scene." Many students participate in an intercollegiate sport. There is "a good variety of awesome clubs." "Greek life is huge" as well, and students who pledge tend to get "very, very involved" in their fraternities and sororities. Off campus, the town of Orange is "cute and historic" but "sleepy" and "sort of boring." However, "the beach is super close, like 15 minutes," and Disneyland is "just up the street." Annual passes are reportedly "a good investment." "It's fun to go on random weekdays when it's not crowded." For more urban fare, Los Angeles is only about 30 miles north. Students often "go there for weekend visits and such."

Students Say - Student Body
If you're looking for a big, diverse school, keep looking, advises a junior. At Chapman, "the typical student would be an upper-class white kid from a relatively sheltered background." To be sure, there is a healthy percentage of "down- to-earth kids" "on loans" and scholarships. "I know I wouldn't be able to attend this school if I didn't have such an awesome financial aid package," notes a senior. There are also plenty of "rich Orange County children." "Three-outfits-a-day sorority types" who "wear Uggs with shorts" and "look like they've just walked out of a reality TV show" are not unusual. Students predominantly come from Southern California, and they describe themselves as "tan," "athletic," and "attractive." "I would say 98 percent of students are ridiculously good looking," estimates a captivated first-year student. The campus is also "very cliquey." However, "there are plenty of sub-groups," giving Chapman "a very distinct, melting-pot sort of flair." There are the "liberal, tree-hugging vegans." There are the "surfers," the "stoners," the "crazy frat boys," the "oblivious pleasure-seekers," "the quiet types, the rockers, and the preppy people." "There are also a lot of creative types," primarily "eccentric" "film geeks" who "love movies and enjoy watching, making, and talking about movies."

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