More Things We Wish We Had Known: CMC Advice from Parents Who've Been There
By Michelle Cash P'20
One year ago, we published a list of “Things We Wish We Had Known” about the CMC experience, based on tips from parents. (See the April 2017 Parent Newsletter.) The response was fantastic, so we’re back again with more! Read this for helpful tips on everything CMC—and join our private Facebook group to keep up helpful hints from parents who’ve been there.
So, here we go for round 2 of “I wish I had known…”
…More about Orientation/Living on Campus
- Call hotels directly to ask about discounts if you don’t see one listed. Local hotels often offer CMC discounts, even if they aren’t listed on the Orientation Portal. Calling the hotel directly often results in a rate reduction.
- Check out the Parent and Family Facebook group. You’ll find numerous discussion threads about move-in issues, including room layouts, and information for international students and athletes, who arrive on campus a few days before other students.
- The Dean of Students Office provides info on all sorts of dorm questions, including room layouts (videos were posted on the Facebook group last fall) and questions about bathrooms and everything else.
- Encourage kids to attend events at the other Claremont Colleges. It’s a good way to meet freshmen at all the schools.
- Check out professionals and services in the village. CMC’s health care service is excellent, but it’s a good idea to identify internists, dermatologists, and orthodontists just in case of emergencies. Little things like dry cleaning can also be less expensive in the village than through school services.
…More about Career Opportunities on and off Campus
- Many students get jobs working on campus. Jobs and CMC internships are all posted on Handshake, the online communications and recruiting system. CMC has the ability to provide funding for internships in certain circumstances.
- Timing for internships and jobs varies widely by sector. Investment banks and consulting firms may recruit in the fall but many others wait until spring, so students should look and apply throughout the year. We covered the Summer Internship Process in detail for parents in our September newsletter.
- There are fewer formal internships for freshmen and sophomores. Don’t worry if your freshman doesn’t land a “perfect” summer job! Experience of any kind, including volunteer work, additional education, travel, and other types of summer jobs all demonstrate a quest for learning and show initiative.
- Freshmen should check out the Soll Center. It’s never too soon to get to know career services and they have great tips for internships and other opportunities.
- CMC students have access to career services at all of the Claremont Colleges. Your students should check out career fairs and company visits at the other Consortium colleges for career opportunities.
…Tips for Dealing with Year-End Logistics
- Arrange summer storage early. Route 66 is a favorite but it fills up early. All American Storage has a shuttle at the end of year for those that don't have access to a car (although most students seem to have a friend who does)!
- Check the Facebook page for summer storage advice. Parents always provide good advice and options on this topic!
- Graduating seniors are a great source of dorm supplies and furniture. Couches, rugs, refrigerators, occasional tables, and lamps are only a few examples. Students should ask around and take advantage of these free or low-cost items, which can provide real cost savings even if they have to be stored over the summer.
…More about things to do in the Claremont Area
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