<p>One reason, we were told, for the extreme rigor of the core is to help the students learn to work collectively and to seek help. From my visits, I have the sense of a strong bonding in each class as they make it through together. There is also a strong proctor system in the dorms which , I think, will help shy kids.
Mine has been far from home before and wasn’t nervous about that. (In fact, he was happy to apply to overseas schools.) ANd, the winter break is fairly long, so he should have time to visit with everyone then.
I would not focus too much on post-grad - it is a long way until then, and he could certainly change his mind. That being said, Mudd certainly does well with math post-grad, based on what I see on the website and the one grad I know about. (math - has her pick of grad programs now).
Mudd’s setting - Claremont is a lovely small college town, and LA is about 45 minutes by train. (Train is a modest walk from campus.) The campus is very small, and not as lovely as most NE LACs such as Williams. There are hiking trails, but it’s not the same sort of landscape at all. There is a small ski area, but nothing compared to the skiing around Williams.</p>