For School & CBO Counselors

Announcements

We know you might have questions about the Fall 2021 Application Process or Occidental’s Short Answer Questions since we won’t be able to meet in person this fall. 

If you or your students want to learn more about Occidental, we encourage you to attend a virtual information session. Students will be invited to ask any follow-up questions during a Student Chat or virtual Office Hours with their admission officer. Interviews are available to students who have attended a virtual information session.

Our latest Report to College Counselors is now available. For more stats about Oxy, check out our admission facts.

If you're with a Community Based Organization, we have information available for you too.

Publications

Occidental’s Road Piece
Financial Literacy at Occidental College
Occidental College’s Viewbook 

Affording Occidental

Oxy meets 100% of the demonstrated need of the students we admit. We extend financial aid through merit scholarships, need-based grants, work study and student loans to meet the various needs and circumstances of our students.

We use the CSS Profile and FAFSA to determine an Expected Family Contribution (EFC). If the student’s parents are divorced or separated, we also consider the EFC of the noncustodial parent when determining overall financial need. This information is collected through the CSS Profile - Noncustodial Parent. In a limited number of cases, the noncustodial parent information may be waived. You must submit the CSS Profile Waiver Request for the Noncustodial Parent for consideration. Submission of this request does not guarantee that a waiver will be approved. 

We encourage students to use our Net Price Calculator for an estimate of the financial aid they could receive from Oxy.

Financial Aid for Undocumented or DACA students

Undocumented students are considered for need-based financial aid like any U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Because federal financial aid is not available for undocumented students, institutional funding is used in its place. Undocumented students residing in CA may be eligible to receive state grant funds through the California Dream Act. More information about this application process can be found on the California Student Aid Commission website.

The financial aid process for undocumented students is similar to the process for U.S. citizens and Permanent Residents; however, the federal FAFSA application is waived for undocumented students. Undocumented students will only need to complete the CSS Profile by the due dates for the financial aid application. Visit our Financial Aid website for more information.

Undocumented Parents

Parental citizenship status will NOT affect a student’s financial aid eligibility at Occidental since aid is determined solely by financial need. Whether or not the student’s parents file taxes, they must provide their parents' financial information on the CSS Profile application. If a student’s parents will not file taxes or do not have an ITIN, use “000-00-0000" in place of a Social Security Number on the CSS Profile application.

Events 

Occidental has hosted community based organizations and college access programs of up to 50 visitors in the past. Since we will not be traveling this fall due to COVID-19, please submit a request here if you would like Occidental to present virtually to your organization. If you are a high school counselor interested in having a virtual presentation with your students please contact your regional admission counselor. 

Tiger Access Program

The Tiger Access Program (TAP), formerly known as the Multicultural Visit Program (MVP), introduces traditionally underrepresented, first-generation and/or low-income students to Oxy's academic and residential community. Historically, the College pays travel expenses for high school seniors interested in Oxy to visit campus and witness firsthand what makes us unique. COVID-19 restrictions have changed our ability to offer flights to campus, but we are committed to creating a personalized and informative experience for underrepresented students considering Occidental College. 

This year's programs will be virtual. Interested students can choose to participate in one of the following three weeks: September 20, September 27 or October 11. Each of the programs will give students the opportunity to connect with Occidental faculty, the Admission office and current students of different majors and backgrounds. Students in the program must commit to attending all of the events scheduled for the week.

Below is a sample of the virtual programming for our Tiger Access Programs (TAP): 

• Sunday morning: Introduction to academics at Oxy. Engage with faculty from various departments. 
• Wednesday evening: Student panel with current Oxy students. Hear from current Oxy students about their experiences and reason(s) for choosing Oxy. 
• Saturday morning: Introduction to student support services. Learn about the programs and offices at Oxy designed to support students academically and emotionally throughout their four years at Oxy. 

The Fall 2020 TAP application is now open and is due September 1, 2020. 

Holistically Supporting Black and African American Students Webinar

Watch the virtual webinar for education professionals committed to holistically supporting Black and African American students. This panel focuses on anti-racism and empowerment in K-12 and higher education. There are many dimensions to this topic, but we addressed:

• Sharing/learning best practices for college professionals to expand our concept of “holistic” application review to better incorporate the experiences of Black students
• Sharing/learning the work that community-based organizations are currently doing to support Black students through the pandemic and escalation of anti-Black violence
• Sharing/learning what community-based organizations are needing/looking for from college access partners
• Sharing/learning best practices to institutionally and individually support the mental health and holistic wellness of Black students