I applied to both and am absolutely torn! Any advice/opinions would be appreciated.
I assume you are female. We visited both last summer. They are both fabulous campuses and somewhat integrated in that you can take classes at either and I think live at either if you are female. I would go to the one who offers you the best financial package.
I think one thing that has stuck out to me about Bryn Mawr is the traditions. It is true that if you go to either you can attend classes, eat meals, live in the dorms, and participate in clubs at both. So it comes down to whether or not you really want to participate in Bryn Mawr’s traditions or not. Of course I’m sure Haverford has something similar, but I’m not as well versed in that. If you can I would visit and see how you think you would feel in each community, but if you consider all those things and still can’t decide I think going where the best financial aid is offered is your best bet
Are you able to visit? Two years ago when I was deciding, Bryn Mawr covered my travel costs for admitted students day/weekend where I stayed overnight Sunday and was able to see the campus life Monday. I go to Bryn Mawr so obvious bias, but there really is something special about the traditions, even though I am not the biggest fan of them, but they really add to the sense of community on campus. Haverford doesn’t have traditions to the extent Bryn Mawr does. What it really came down to for me was that, I would never be able to have a women’s college experience ever except for now. I could have the co-ed experience in grad school or just take all my classes at Haverford, Swat, or Penn if I wanted to. To me the women’s college experience is manifested in the ways you learn to carry yourself and speak your mind, the overwhelming positivity and love that radiates throughout campus regardless of whether you know a certain person or not - because everyone is willing to help you succeed.
I’m a current BMC student, personally I think Bryn Mawr is leagues above Haverford in terms of school spirit & community. Our traditions really bring the place together, it’s something that Haverford just doesn’t have.