So, i am an international student intending to apply, during this first ED1 cycle after 10 days, to one of the colleges mentioned above. My major is going to be computer science. I am really confused about which one to choose and don’t have any definitive answer yet. The academics and the research possibilities are top priority to me along with an aidding, helpful and hopefully not so competitive student body. Which one did i mention above would be a better choice for me.
And please answer me asap as my deadline is getting closer and i havent settled down on one yet
Note: financial aspects aren’t my biggest concern
You may want to look up the academic requirements for the CS major and general education at each school to see which one best suits your academic interests. Also check for what upper level CS courses are offered as in-major electives.
I would apply to Williams ED, they notify you by about Dec 14, if you do not get in, apply ED2 to Pomona or Carleton or Harvey Mudd.
Harvey Mudd requires all students take the same classes the first year. Do you like that plan? You don’t actually declare your major until sophomore year. The Harvey Mudd talk was the best admissions chat I have ever attended in person. You are either a “Mudder” or not. Many Mudders are musicians as well. Students have an intense schedule. Depression has been an issue in the past. They are addressing the issue.
I didnt actually know this about Harvey mudd at all i don’t think it’s gonna be a perfect choice for me. First year students takes all classes, depression, intense schedules and etc.
My final candidates are actually Carleton and williams, i think pomona is too competitive for me and my chance of acceptance is slim tbh.
So again, for a student who need cs major in a not so competitive, friendly environment with top notch teachers and courses which is better:
Carleton or Williams
You may be interested that Williams appears in this Princeton Review survey result, “Best Classroom Experience”: https://www.princetonreview.com/college-rankings?rankings=best-classroom-experience.
http://catalog.hmc.edu/content.php?catoid=10&navoid=377#sample-irst-year-program is the sample first year program at Harvey Mudd. Much of it is specified, but there can be variations, such as:
- An elective each semester.
- Math (and perhaps other course) placement based on Harvey Mudd's own placement tests: https://www.hmc.edu/dean-of-faculty/academic-affairs/incoming-students/credit-earned-for-high-school-ap-or-harvey-mudd-placement-exams/
Williams sounds like the right fit, supportive environment without overt competition, great comp sci course offerings and flexible curriculum, plenty of research and summer internship stipend financial support available.
Both Williams & Carleton College are great schools. Chances for admission between the two are probably higher at Carleton College.
With respect to selectivity, Pomona receives a selectivity rank of 1 in its U.S. News category, Mudd a 2, Williams a 5 and Carleton a 15.
I would also lean to Carleton for the reasons given, looks like Carleton is about 50 miles from Minneapolis-St. Paul, if you want access to a bigger city, which could be a plus for some students.