Hot People, Hot Campus

Introduction
When you visit, the campus is going to make you fall in love. This is by far the most beautiful campus you will ever see ANYWHERE. Definitely a huge incentive, but don't let it leave you delusional. Some of the majors are just so-so, and the social life is greek-heavy.

Religious influence is big. Lots of service and other programs. Jesuits definitely influence the entire campus, including academics.

The size is medium to small. Just enough where you'll see at least one person you know on the way to a class, but you still large enough to meet new people all the time.

The school is a little too friendly to locals. If you're from far away, you're in the minority, but even if you're from close by, there's nothing quite like Los Angeles. It's definitely an experience.

Campus Life and Social Life
Weekends are about half-dominated by frats. If you're social, you will be tempted to join. Girls are basically expected to join sororities if they want to get involved in anything, but you could certainly make it without.

Basketball games are fun as hell. Everyone goes to the home games, even on weekdays. There's a great spirit club called ROAR that holds fun pre-game parties.

"Bus Parties" are popular for underclassmen, but they loose their luster quickly. Bars are more popular for upperclassmen. There's a huge divide between the on-campus and off-campus social life. The beach is very accessible, so that's fun during the days but it's also an option at night because of lax beach security. Advertisement
Academics
This is a strong liberal arts school. Regardless of major, expect an extensive core curriculum that's heavy on the theology and philosophy classes. Except for the math/science classes, most of these are top-notch: great teachers, interesting topics.

Film/TV is a very easy major, workload-wise (as long as you're into that stuff), and the program is definitely the most respected on campus and it has a solid name in the business. But in turn, it's VERY competitive to get into.

The urban studies department is small but has a very good reputation, just by virtue of the school's location in LA. Several profs are nationally recognized.

Business is a popular major, but most students who are serious about business think its a very poor program. Some of the professors are good, but the resources and technology aren't quite up to par. The students aren't enthusiastic about their careers, so is ruins the general attitude towards the school. It's definitely a generic major.

Communications is another popular major, especially for women. It's also pretty easy.

Science and math are really bad. Just don't do it.

Student Body
You will hate the typical guy at LMU. He's a cocky, rich kid who pretends that he's a rebel. They love to skateboard. Girls complain that none of them are interested in relationships.

The girls are redeeming though. Very attractive and a good range of personalities. But there's a significant group here of girls who really think they're better than everyone else, which broods a lot of jealousy.

The student body is so diverse that the "typical" guy/girl is easy to avoid. But about 70% of the students are from in the state.

In Closing...
I don't care how gifted you are, you won't get a scholarship. Financial Aid is really weak. Need-based is decent.