<p>After visiting both of these schools, some differences are obvious. My impression is that Harvey Mudd students are both sloppier and happier than Caltech kids. The caltech kids look a little more stressed out.</p>
<p>But what some factors that would help a student decide between the two?</p>
<p>The stereotype may be that Mudd students are somewhat less of recluses than Caltech students + happier...and from someone my dad knows from Caltech, he said it was really ridiculously tough to meet women, whereas the neighboring school scene at Mudd might help. I'm pretty sure it's possible to be happy at either school, of course, but it's certainly a thing one must decide carefully.</p>
<p>My own major observation, which is terribly obvious but still major, is that Caltech has graduate students and an established graduate department. This could be something one wants, or something one doesn't want, depending on individual tastes.</p>
<p>This is just one mother's interpretation of her son's comments, so take it for what its worth. My son looked at both and liked the heavy humanties requirement on top of the intensive core curriculum at Mudd. That, plus the fact that the kids all seemed so much happier at Mudd even though they were working like dogs, put Mudd over the top. It is nice to have the option to take intensive courses with professors not distracted by graduate students, but still able to take art at Scripps. Mudd isn't for everyone, but is perfect for the right fit.</p>
<p>Judging by the OP's handle, the ability to meet women might not be too high on their list of desired attributes.</p>
<p>That right! The ratio of men/women is a plus for my shy girl</p>
<p>Oh OK, so if it's a girl you're talking about...that's different ;) </p>
<p>My remarks may or may not still apply -- a bunch of neighboring campuses may or may not still help broaden the social scene? And, I'm not sure what the ratios for Mudd and Caltech are.</p>
<p>As far as academics, I don't think we can comment until informed of what major the OP's daughter plans on. And the only major comment on academics I can make has already been made, which is about grad students sharing the campus. One may or may not want that.</p>