Connect with our International Student Admission Ambassadors!
Get to know CMC from the students who are fully immersed in campus life! Our international student ambassadors are here to answer your questions about life in the United States and at CMC. Send your questions to Ismail and Lucy at internationalambassadors@cmc.edu.
Connect with international admission officers and current international students at our virtual events: connect.cmc.edu/portal/internationalevents.
Ismail Iftikhar '28
Hometown: Lahore, Pakistan
Major: Economics and Philosophy (dual major)
Campus Involvements: CMC Mock Trial, South Asian Mentorship Program, Office of Admission Tour Guide and Student Director of International Recruitment, Student worker at Ath and Mailroom, Claremont Colleges Concert Choir, Student Representative for Board of Trustees Student Affairs Committee, Gould Center Editorial Board and Humanities Research Lab, Policy Analyst for Claremont Colleges demonstration policy, Independent Research with Professor (Race, Religion, Gender and the 2024 elections).
Why I chose CMC: While the small class size, location, and CMC's strength in academic areas I am personally interested in were factors in my decision, what truly set CMC apart for me were its emphasis on community and its practical focus towards education as I saw it as a way to hold me accountable to actually do something with what I learn.
Most memorable CMC moment: Eliminating Stanford two years in a row in Mock Trial. Line dancing with my friends on my birthday and then getting ponded. Going camping over Spring Break in Zion. Singing and dancing for a South Asian cultural showcase event at Pomona. Eating 8 tacos at Pirate Party. There are so many memories I will forever cherish.
Favorite spot on campus: The top of Colorado Stairs outside Roberts Pavilion.
Lucy Takakura '29
Hometown: Shanghai, China
Major: Economics and Philosophy (dual major)
Campus Involvements: Pomona Ventures, Office of Admission Tour Guide, and Student Director of International Recruitment
Why CMC: What drew me to CMC was its close-knit community and strong emphasis on professional development. I wanted to be surrounded by supportive, caring people while also gaining the skills and experiences needed to succeed in the real world. CMC provides the perfect environment for building meaningful relationships, whether with friends, professors, or alumni. Its liberal arts curriculum challenges me intellectually, while its strong alumni network and career services department prepare me for life after college. It has become my home away from home, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of such a wonderful community.
Most memorable CMC moment: One of my favorite memories at CMC was when my RA, Lucy, took my friends and me to Mount Baldy to watch the sunset while eating Chipotle. I had mentioned that I wanted to get off campus and explore a bit, and the very next day she rented a car and planned the entire trip. I really love my community!!
Favorite spot on campus: Beckett Hall
