<p>As the title suggest, I'm interested in a comparison of academics at Smith, MHC, and Wellesley. I realize that, for the most part, anyone who answers this will only have indepth knowledge of one of these schools, so I'm cross-posing this at all three schools. However, I'd love to hear an assessment not only of your own school but also what you think of the other two, however biased that may be.</p>
<p>To get more specific: I'm interested primarily in the humanities, although I'm pretty undecided beyond that. Although I plan on trying a lot of different types of classes, if I had to guess, I'd say that at this point, I'll probably end up in the English and Poli Sci/Gov departments. I'm also interested in pursuing a language, although I'm not sure if I'll continue with my high school French or try something new.</p>
<p>I'd love to hear about specific departments, the rigor of your classes, accessibility of professors, and so on. What classes/professors have you particularly enjoyed or disliked? Have the majority of your classes/professors been good? Are there any cons to an education at any of theses institutions, any particular problems you've run into? I'm really interested in researching/working on projects with faculty members; I know Smith has some programs, like the Kahn Institute, that are set up to facilitate such interactions in your junior and senior year. Do MHC and Wellesley have anything similar?</p>
<p>MHC students not only have access to excellent professors, they also have a number of programs that allows them to go beyond the classroom. My d did a summer internship at the EU. This was truly an amazing opportunity. All three colleges have excellent academic reputations and professors. They also all have programs that will challenge you. Your decision should be on the best fit for your needs.</p>
<p>Have you visited each campus as well? Academics are, of course, very important and having said that, my D visited all the schools she initially wanted to apply to and discovered (much to our relief because who wants to end up on a campus that isn’t a good fit?) that two of them weren’t even a consideration for her after experiencing the atmosphere. It really matters. My suggestion is to absolutely consider the academics, but don’t discount your own experience of the campus culture.</p>
<p>I am a rising sophomore at Mount Holyoke and have to say that the humanities are VERY strong here. Professor accessibility really could not be better…the vast majority of them have a very sincere interest in your life and success. I wake up excited to go to class, and I think this is a sentiment shared by most of my classmates. It’s an extremely community-oriented place.</p>
<p>As far as any negatives go, I would list location as one of them. That being said, I don’t think Smith has as much over us in this area as it may seem. Sure, Northampton has much more happening than S. Hadley, but it’s perfectly easy for us to get to NoHo. Western Mass is western Mass. You either love it or hate it.</p>
<p>Don’t jump the gun, holyoke99. You are still a first-year. You are only a rising sophomore for housing purposes. You become a ‘rising sophomore’ when the semester ends. </p>
<p>I agree with holyoke99: professors really do care about you and are concerned that you do well. Mount Holyoke has the honors thesis program and strongly encourages that each student pursues an independent study with the professor of her choice in either her junior or senior year. If you are a 21st century scholar, the ability to do research with a professor is presented to you much earlier than your junior or senior year. Also, many professors seek student employees. I have taken classes in the humanities, and I have enjoyed all of them. I felt challenged in my history course, but I enjoyed that challenge. I have done multiple independent studies. I have conducted lab research. I am really excited about Mount Holyoke, because I believe I have lived ‘the full experience’ and I am only a junior. I have seen no problems. Mount Holyoke is a very encouraging school, and you can really do whatever you want to while here. You create your education.</p>
<p>mtholyoke2010- I guess you’re right…it just seems like all of my friends have started referring to themselves as rising sophomores. But with the housing number I got I’d probably be better off as an incoming first-year…</p>
You become a ‘rising sophomore’ when the semester ends. </p>