* Strong liberal arts education: It's a highly selective liberal arts college with a focus on undergraduate education. This means a deep dive into various subjects, strong emphasis on critical thinking and writing, and close interaction with professors.
* Its location in Los Angeles: While maintaining a strong campus identity, its proximity to a major metropolitan area provides unique opportunities for internships, research, and cultural experiences.
* Notable alumni: Occidental has a surprisingly impressive list of notable alumni, most famously Barack Obama, who attended for two years before transferring to Columbia University. This often leads to increased media attention and name recognition.
* Commitment to social justice and activism: The college has a long history of student activism and a strong commitment to social justice issues. This is reflected in its curriculum, student organizations, and overall campus culture.
* Small class sizes and close student-faculty relationships: The relatively small student body allows for a more personalized learning experience with greater interaction between students and professors.
* Strong academic programs: While a liberal arts college, it has particularly strong reputations in certain departments, though specific strengths can vary over time.
In short, Occidental is known for its rigorous liberal arts education in a unique urban setting, its history of activism, and its impressive (if sometimes overshadowed) alumni network.