<p>I couldn't find information on the Haverford web site about the number of students enrolled in classes (I had no problem finding this info on other LACs' web sites). I've heard that introductory science classes, like math, chemistry and physics are relatively big (about 80 people in the class). Also these classes (and labs) are often taught by visiting professors. Is this true?</p>
<p>Intro science classes are large, but at most it’s about 70 people. Organic chem. (which I took 1st year with about 20 other 1st year students) had about 50 people, intro physics had about 60, and the largest, the year long intro Bio 200 had about 75 people. Despite these sizes, I felt the professors still got to know me. </p>
<p>Weekly labs divide the groups into smaller sections where you can speak 1:1 with profs. My physics professor divided up the class into 6 groups and had us over to his house for lasagna. Because there is an expectation on the part of professors at HC to know their students, they do make an effort to remember all their students’ names and I think by the end of the week/month, they knew mine. The sizes also do not limit class discussion and participation as well. The profs also try to get to know their students out of class. I remember seeing my organic chem. prof (highly respected in his field with sabbaticals at Harvard) in the audience of my friend’s piano recitals (he went to Julliard after HC). Also, my physics prof was a staple at lacrosse, baseball and softball games.</p>
<p>There’s no policy that intro classes are taught by visiting professors. All of my intro classes were taught by big hitters in their fields. I think recently, several of these profs have retired so visiting profs (who are auditioning for a position) may be teaching some of these classes. Teaching is considered very serious business at HC and I’m confident that the departments wouldn’t place a visiting prof in such a position unless they were highly recommended and well screened. </p>
<p>I also saw your post comparing the sciences at HC and Carleton. 1st, HC’s strong suite are the sciences and when I mean “strong”, that is seriously in context of HC’s modest campus culture. You know, HC was the 1st place in America to teach modern biology to undergrads… it was started by Ariel Lowey in the late 1950’s… he was a fellow in the lab of Watson (of Waston and Crick DNA fame)… I believe in Cavendish in Cambridge… no, the “REAL” Cambridge. </p>
<p>Carleton is very top notch too and comparing these differences is a distraction for you. This issue came up in the past and I’ll post it here.</p>
<p>When deciding between colleges, I think it’s important to think “outside the box”. Really, what is an education? Isn't it more than what is offered in the classroom?</p>
<p>In my opinion, any top college will prepare you academically for whatever job/professional school you want (… even though HC’s performing arts are not that great compared to peers (but much better now than before!) that didn’t stop my friend (phil/dance double major) from landing a coveted Kennedy Center internship her junior year). But I think it’s the “other stuff” that really makes a difference and is what you remember 5 years after graduating from college. Attending protest rallies (me) or a Young Republicans Meeting in DC (some of my friends), volunteering in Philly with HIV clinics, homeless shelters, tutoring in prisons, ect… body surfing at a Sonic Youth concert at the Trocadero in Philly, exploring NYC with friends over a long weekend,… there is educational value in these life experiences and adventures too. </p>
<p>There are tons of great colleges but, for me, I don’t think I would have been as challenged or have grown as extensively as a person if my next door neighbor was a ski slope or a cow pasture. :)</p>