Does the consortium really work?

<p>Can students REALLY take advantage of the classes offered in the consortium? I’m concerned that how much is “hype” and how much isn’t.</p>

<p>Hey, I'm a Haverford student, but I was reading through the Bryn Mawr page and just wanted to comment. I can say that, yes, the Consortium is utilized. About 90% of Haverford and Bryn Mawr students take classes sometime during their college career at the opposite college. I know of Haverford students majoring at Bryn Mawr, and Bryn Mawr students majoring at Haverford. Swarthmore and UPenn are less utilized, it's a little more difficult to register for classes there. With Bryn Mawr, it's simply the matter of registering fot the class, regardless of it's content or if a similar class is offered at Haverford. It's your option. With Swarthmore and UPenn, only classes not offered at Haverford or Bryn Mawr can be taken...and with UPenn, you have to individually deal with the registrar at the university. Having said that, I know of students taking anything from Arabic at Swarthmore to Sign Language at UPenn. If you want to take advantage of the consortium, it's there to do so.</p>

<p>I am wondering if a male student from Haverford can take classes at Bryn mawr, as BMC is a womens college.</p>

<p>Yes, of course male students can take classes at BMC. Actually, I know of quite a few students who are majoring at BMC (Growth and Structure of Cities comes to mind). My roommate (who is a male) is even majoring East Asian Studies, which is kind of a joint major between Haverford and Bryn Mawr.</p>

<p>YES! The consortium works. None of it is "hype." Anyone who tells you it is is of that particular brand of Mawrtyrs or 'Fords who are consumed by apathy. You will hear rumors, but until you actually TAKE classes at both Haverford and Swat as I have, you can't talk!</p>

<p>Yes, going to Swat is a bit different than going to Haverford. Swat is 25-30 minutes away. But trust me -- as a Bryn Mawr student your day will be very, very long, and that round-trip hour to Swat and the time you have before or after class to eat, hang out with friends, or study is PRECIOUS. Also, the people in my class there have been very welcoming when I have taken the initiative to get to know them.</p>

<p>The tri-college consortium is the best thing on the planet and one of BMC/Haverford/Swat's best features. Never underestimate how amazing it is. Never listen to anyone who tells you different. I love the tri-co!</p>

<p>Feel free to ask other questions. I had really mixed feelings about Bryn Mawr last semester, but looking back it was mostly due to personal issues. First semester is rough. But now I love the school and love to spread the word that Bryn Mawr, Haverford, and Swat are all amazing. They are unique and you have to decide which one as a "home campus" will provide the most support and be the best fit for you. </p>

<p>The tri-college consortium is the reason I came to Bryn Mawr over several prestigious large universities, and you'll find many of your classmates had the same reasoning.</p>

<p>My D's physics lab partner at Bryn Mawr is a male student from Haverford.</p>