I just got rejected by my ED 1 school, and I’m looking into ED 2 right now. I can’t decide which claremont consortium colleges I’m going for, could you guys give me some advice?
I applied to environmental engineering at ED 1 school (but got rejected). I’m really passionate about sciences and economics. I know Mudd is known for engineering, but I personally prefer a non-traditional engineering discipline like earth sciences environmental engineering, and I’m not a big fan of hard core engineering courses like electrical and mechanical engineering. I also really like economics and entrepreneurship, and in general I’m a well-rounded student who likes to seek cross-disciplinary fields with a focus on sciences.
I have no goals of getting into pre-med whatsoever so that should not be a concern. At first I was set on Harvey Mudd since it’s the best engineering school in the States (I’m a female applicant from Canada). But then what held me back was the reputation of being too academically rigorous that leaves students no time to relax and seek interests from other majors, unless fulfilling the humanities requirement.
Keep in mind that I’m also considering reputation too as an international student, and I took an interest int he 3+2 engineering program with Caltech but unfortunately the tuition fee would be really expensive
My GPA in junior year is 90.7% (out of 100), and my senior year is around 93-95%. A lot of AP courses this year, and my ACT is 32 (English 33, math 34, reading 29, science 31). Math II subject test 750, physics 750. I’m expecting to have a super score of 33 on the ACT if not 34 (don’t know if this helps), and math II expected to be 770+.
just to clarify i really like a diverse environment, and I’m not the typical nerdy/geeky science student, though I am really passionate about change and how engineering can bring us
I’m a little confused about what you’re asking. Your heading says Claremont consortium, and you seem to be asking what Claremont consortium colleges to go for. But Mudd is the only one in the consortium with an engineering program. The others have 3+2 programs.
Also check Pitzer. Students I know who are very interested in environmental studies lean in that direction. With your stats it is a more likely fit. CMC has a 3-2, but you said that is beyond your budget.
I agree with @acemom Pitzer seems to be the place for you. Although I’m not sure if you’ll get the engineering focus that you want, you can still take courses at Harvey Mudd, while you’re enrolled at Pitzer.
@acemom for the 3+2 programs, i can’t seem to be able to find direct application to it. Does this mean students might not be guaranteed a spot even once in the college?
@TurnerT why would you say that? as in I’d make a good candidate for colleges in the mid-west/south or did you mean the liklihood of my stats
yeah i checked pitzer too…at first i really liked it but the rankings aren’t very impressive in terms of international prestige. I’m deciding between Claremont McKenna Pomma and Harvey mudd for ED (since i’ll make sure i would want to commit as well if accepted)
No LAC really has great international prestige. If you want to work outside the United States immediately after college, it is better to go to a large national university. CMC focuses on the social sciences, which don’t seem to fit you. You already said Harvey Mudd might be too “all about work” for you. Pomona is more well-rounded, classic LAC, and it is an option for you. However, Pitzer is probably the better school for environment-related majors.
Keep in mind, Pitzer has the most Fulbright scholars per capita. They really help you with applying for a Fulbright scholarship. I don’t think you should ignore it, unless you are intending to work outside the United States after college, in which case, you really shouldn’t consider the Claremont Consortium.
3+2 students need to apply to transfer to the “2” school after completing the prerequisites at the “3” school. Admission criteria set by the “2” school vary. Financial aid after transfer is at the discretion of the “2” school, so you should not expect financial aid and scholarships at the “3” school to automatically carry over.
You should be concentrating your efforts on finding colleges that offer both the natural sciences and engineering if you’re set on environmental engineering, but it’s not a waste to apply to at least one Claremont that appeals to you. Pitzer is test-optional, something to consider since your test scores are a weak point in your application.
The “engineering” part of environmental engineering should be emphasized. It is very different from environmental science, and many (most?) universities combine civil and environmental engineering.
I suspect a double major in earth/environmental science and public policy (or econ) might suit you very well.
To be honest, a non-Mudder who hasn’t been through the Mudd core would likely get eaten alive in their engineering courses. I am not sure the consortium is the place for you, honestly. I have no idea what the logic would be behind recommending southern or Midwestern schools, though. But I think you need to know fundamentally whether you want engineering or not. If you are not sure, you need to try a college that offers both options.
@intparent Applications from Canadian students are a dime a dozen. They apply based on the population distribution in Canada which is very heavily east-biased and then west-biased.
Have you looked at Scripps? Not sure about environmental science specifically, but the Keck Science center is shared among Scripps, Mudd and Claremont McKenna. And as long as you are within the consortium, you can take classes at any of the Claremonts. Frankly, Mudd sounds a bit too hard core. I second the motion to look at Pitzer as well.
Have you looked at Whitman in Walla Walla, Washington? I understand that they are quite strong in Environmental Science.
My advice is not to apply ED2. You don’t have a clear preference for a school at this point. In fact, if you’re considering both CMC and Mudd …well, that’s not a very common pair of schools to have on the same list, because those campuses have very different personalities. Have you visited Claremont?
What other schools are on your RD list? If both CMC and Mudd are on your RD list, and you’re looking over your RD list to identify your second choice school, perhaps something else would be a better fit. Rice? Tufts?
One clarification: the Keck Science Center is shared by Scripps, CMC and Pitzer, not Mudd.
@TurnerT That would be correct for pretty much everywhere else. Obviously Canada is a special case, and I missed the part where the OP said she was from Canada.
@Woandering You would be wrong in London as well. Perhaps the cab drivers and waitress doesn’t know, but certainly they are well known in businesses, law offices, fund managers and other places.
People that should know about top schools usually do know. They certainly aren’t hidden in publications.
Check out Tufts in the Boston area. The engineering school is about the same size as Mudd.
It is liberal artsy in approach (as is Mudd) but has an ABET accredited Environmental Engineering program and a non-ABET accredited engineering degree in environmental health.
The acceptance rate for engineering is about 14%, so it is a little easier to get into than Mudd.
Tufts also has an environmental studies second major available through the School of Arts and Sciences with 5 different tracks including environmental science. (A “second major” is designed to be combined with any traditional major with the traditional major providing depth of knowledge and the second major providing interdisciplinary breadth. This structure eliminates the “jack of all trades, master of none” critique of some environmental studies programs.)
The current head of the Environmental Protection Agency in the US is a Tufts Environmental Health Engineering alumni.
@Mastadon Yep Tufts is on my list as regular, but probably not ED.
Thanks everyone for your input! I’m probably going to do ED to Harvey Mudd because of its location and its employment success. I’m really fond of the Claremont Consortium and I’ll probably have another school (since Harvey Mudd is really hard to get in)
So i’ll probably choose either Scripps or Pitzer. In terms of chances, which one would be more welcoming for an international female Asian student wanting to do engineering with interdisciplinary option?
@Woandering I’m curious about the scholarship–is it something for international students as well? @SlitheyTove No I haven’t had a chance to visit Claremont unfortunately, but what it attracts me is that it is a consortium of multiple schools so I won’t feel “isolated” with a small number of people while having the benefit of a small-classroom size education
In addition, does anyone know if Pitzer has a great job placement? Should I not submit my ACT 32 and SAT 750 ofr mathII and physics–is this considered too low? Do they still prefer tests though?
@TurnerT When you said they are really east and west based, what does this mean? I’m from Toronto, so probably will be competing for the harder spots? What schools do you recommend from the mid-west and south? I have CMU, Georgia Tech, Michigan, Northwestern
