Lewis & Clark College or 2007 (College Prowler: Lewis & Clark College Off the Record)

Introduction from the Author

To be honest, I was initially reluctant to go to Lewis & Clark College. It seemed as though almost no one (aside from college counselors) knew that LC existed, and those who were aware joked about the infamous alumnus, Monica Lewinsky. Now that I’m a proud LC student, I realize the error in my early judgments about the College. The quality of education depends more on your personal motivation and discipline than how many stars your school gets when it’s rated against every other school in the nation. For students who are serious about their education, LC is an ideal place to spend four years. Here, you’ll experience a lot of personal attention, a tolerant and laid-back student body, and a gorgeous campus. Downtown Portland, just minutes away, is the perfect city for college students who are in search of some culture.

LC’s reputation as a mecca for pot-smoking hippies may hold some truth, but the folks in Admissions have been making a concerted effort to recruit students who are more straight-laced. The social scene on campus is mellow but sometimes stifling—rumors travel quickly, and relationship drama is not uncommon. If you want anonymity, you should choose a different school. LC’s small size makes it difficult to lurk in the shadows. With that said, the student body is mostly pretty chill, and life on campus can be amazingly fun, although frustrating at times. Despite LC’s continuing efforts, the lack of diversity is still a problem; minority students are few and far between, despite LC’s international emphasis.

The college search process can be frustrating and stressful. Basing your decision strictly on reputation or selectivity can be limiting. I almost made the mistake of attending a different school because I didn’t think LC would challenge me academically. Several term papers and late-night study sessions later, I feel confident that my choice was the right one. However, LC isn’t a perfect fit for all students. This book was written to give you an idea of what life is like on campus, so you can see if LC is right for you. Now, dig in! I hope this guidebook helps you make the right decision about where you want to spend your next four years.

Caitlin Fackrell, Author
Lewis & Clark College