So I was accepted to Haverford and Colby. I know they are very different schools in terms of locations, sizes, vibe, etc, but I love both and have no clue which one I should choose. I think I’ll be happy at both schools, so my main concern now is in the academics (I know they are both very strong. I want some more insight because I’m an international student).
I haven’t decided on my major yet, but I’m interested in Econ/Political Sci/Math. Which school has better departments? Also, if I want to go to a grad school after graduation, which school has better reputation among grad schools? I know it’s difficult to compare without knowing my career plan and what I’ll be majoring in, but any information will be helpful.
My last concern is in rankings (I know…it sucks). Haverford was in the top 10 a few years ago, but it dropped to 12th and then 18th now. I know I should base my decision on fit rather than ranking, but what happens to it? Also, I couldn’t visit campus before May 1st.
Haverford is generally more is respected academically, despite the rankings. As another poster commented, there is a single level of rank that separates these two. Schools move up and down the list constantly, you need to have a historical perspective in order to really factor them in.
I personally found the video “Colby Life” on You tube very informative in conveying the attitude towards academics at Colby. It’s a documentary done by a Colby Student about student life, it is about 44 minutes long. Google “Colby Life” on You tube. (sometimes moderators remove links so its best you just google it). Haverford has a very different vibe both socially and academically.
My suggestion: If you don’t know what you want to major in, don’t twist yourself in knots trying to evaluate relative department strength between the 2 schools.
You already mentioned the fit issue…so pick the environment you want to be in more: More isolated and near the great outdoors, or suburban with a 20 minute train ride to a big city?
As for rankings, if you need a reason to focus on Haverford look at Forbes (#25 vs. Colby @ 61) or Washington Monthly (#6 LAC vs. #25).
I love both of these schools and feel like @EyeVeee has the best advice in terms of focusing on environment.
Haverford, with its Quaker roots, feels more diverse (which is also typical of schools closer to cities.) Colby feels very wholesome but is definitely more remote. Both schools value community.
If you are undecided about major but interested in a few things, look at the course catalogs, the requirements for every student, and the requirements of a few majors and minors you might like. One school might be better for you in that context.
Haverford feels more diverse because it actually is more diverse.
I think Haverford has much more going for it - location (ease of getting to as an international student, amenities near by, easy access to a major city with a great dining, cultural, and music scene), diversity, benefits of the consortium, better academic reputation, strong grad/phd placement…
I’m an active Haverford alum and my son will be attending Colby next year. I feel that Haverford offers more diversity, and that is has a more intellectual vibe. I agree with other posters that rank should not be a consideration, and I know that grad schools love seeing Haverford! (I would hope, as a parent, that they also love Colby, but can’t speak to that first-hand). My kid really wanted to go to a school with a laid-back vibe, smart (but not overly intellectual) kids, and very strong academics in ski country, which is why he chose Colby. I also think Colby has a more active party life and that Colby students are better at (or more interested in) balancing academics and social life, where Fords (Haverfordians) spend far more time studying, and are content to do so!
According to a ranking that sampled 15 top medicine, business, and law schools, Haverford does quite well as a feeder school coming in at 18 among all schools. Take it with a grain of salt as the sample size isn’t enormous, but I think it’s still useful. http://www.inside-higher-ed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/wsj_college_092503.pdf
