<p>I've been accepted to CMC and am strongly considering attending. However, my only concern is that the school is so focused in Econ and the social sciences that the other departments will be weaker than those at comparable colleges. Can anyone attest to the quality of the education outside of the social sciences? I am undecided on my future major but there is a good chance that I will want to pursue something other than accounting, politics, Econ, etc.</p>
<p>This is a pretty common concern. Hopefully a few others will weigh in too.</p>
<p>I think it’s important to remember that one department’s strength does not necessarily detract from the other departments. CMC is certainly unique among liberal arts college in that it has an internationally renowned economics department. Econ is CMC’s most popular major and is probably what CMC is best-known for. But I think you’ll find that the faculty and research opportunities available through CMC’s other departments are quite exceptional.</p>
<p>A few things that jump to mind for me. I know CMC’s Psychology department is among the top psychology departments in the country, especially in terms of research opportunities for students. The literature department is growing in popularity and national recognition as well, and some recent hires (including Jamaica Kincaid) have helped raise the profile of that department on campus. The sciences also jump to mind as an area of strength at CMC. Neuroscience and the EEP program (Environment, Economics, and Politics), in addition to pre-med, seem particularly popular.</p>
<p>I’ll let others chime in with more thoughts. But if your only concern about CMC is the strength of the other programs offered, I don’t think that needs to be a concern at all, unless you want to pursue something that CMC (or one of the other Claremont Colleges) doesn’t offer at all.</p>
<p>My impression is that some time ago, your concern may have been the truth, however, CMC has taken great strides to become a better all-around school. Based on the comments I hear from people outside the econ department, they have successfully accomplished this goal. People rave about Psych, English, Philosophy, PPE,Sciences, pretty much anything. I have never really heard someone talk negatively about any department on campus, and don’t forget, any weaknesses in a department can be compensated for through cross-registration.</p>
<p>DLF’s comments are very accurate.</p>
<p>From my own experience: I have enjoyed all my classes in econ, math, as well as PPE.</p>