<p>Hey, Im posting this for a friend. (He edited this himself)
Hes basically deciding between Harvey Mudd and Columbia for ED and is struggling to make a decision.
Personally, Ive visited both and I think HMC might be a better fit for his personality: smaller classes, tight community, focus on students, silicon valley. NYC might be a little too much for him. His personality can be described as quirky, and a bit nerdy I guess? He kinda has like mild ADHD, so a very jumpy kid if you get what I mean.
He wants to major in physics, computer science, or something like that. Hes a very interesting and quirky cool kid. He likes drumming and sports (Not like athlete sports, more of exercising). He hates writing and the humanities. He could be uncontrollably active in class discussion and too much one direction lecturing would likely bore him.
So heres the question, the thing hes struggling on is HMCs prestige and coming from a Chinese family, prestige is everything. Plus the opportunities, alumni connection, and diversity at Columbia might be better.
My personal theory is if hes going to apply to grad engineering school, which he will, people will only care about his last degree and HMC will provide a better learning environment and undergraduate education for him. Im a social sciences and humanities person and I dont know much about the sciences so help guys?
Thanks tons!</p>
<p>If he truly hates the humanities then Mudd is not the right place. It has a substantial humanities requirement. And he will not be able to avoid writing. It is not like some STEM schools where you can avoid these things. I don’t know what Columbia’s requirments are, but I am betting that they are less.</p>
<p>Thanks Azalia! I know writing is an essential part of the liberal arts education and he can live with writing, but doesn’t want a major emphasis on it like Swarthmore. I’ve heard that Columbia’s core curriculum is even more intense.</p>
<p>You are probably right about Columbia. I was thinking of Columbia’s engineering school.</p>
<p>Harvey Mudd is about 7 hours from Silicon Valley. So, uh, don’t let that be a factor. </p>
<p>Also, if he doesn’t know where to go, perhaps he should apply RD to both? If he’s not sure, it’s best not to make that decision too quickly.</p>
<p>Azalia: SEAS doesn’t have the core?
Clienk: But they do have a silicon valley program right? He wants to apply ED to increase his chances.
Both: Can you please list some reasons why you think Harvey Mudd might be right for him and potential downsides of HMC? I want him to decide ultimately. Thanks!</p>
<p>I don’t know for sure about Columbia Engineering and the Core. It wouldn’t have been an issue for my son, because he was attracted to STEM programs with significant humanities requirements.</p>
<p>Never apply ED to a school unless you love it. Your friend should look at the liberal arts requirements for both schools as well . No need to fret about name recognition or alum connections at Mudd.</p>
<p>Don’t apply ED to either. He doesn’t know enough yet.</p>
<p>“silicon valley” - Mudd is in southern California, not silicon valley.</p>
<p>“He hates writing and the humanities.” - Mudd is big on writing and other communications, and requires more humanities than most tech schools.</p>