<p>Anyone know much about Haverford? Specifically, how easily/well the cross registration with Bryn Mawr works? And how easy it is to get out of Haverford without a car? Do the students do much off campus? What is the social life like there? And, why is it so much smaller than the rest of the "big 10" LACs? Does the small size really make much of a difference?</p>
<p>What are the differences between Haverford and Swarthmore?</p>
<p>I live within a mile of both schools, and the pair of shuttle buses between them seem to run constantly. They're maybe 5 minutes apart. Haverford is two blocks from the local regional train station, and it takes about 15 minutes to get to 30th St. station in Philly, the major amtrak hub. It's an easy walk from either school to shopping/restaurants. I don't know why it's so much smaller than most others, but it must be a conscious decision; they certainly have plenty of physical space in which to expand. As to the second question, I think that Haverford retains and is more overtly conscious of vestiges of their Quaker heritage than Swarthmore, which is not a criticism of either school, just the observations of an old Quaker who has had lots of friends and relatives at both.</p>
<p>I think the difference in "Quakerism" is probably an accurate observation. Probably the major milestone that defined Swarthmore occured in the 1920's when they instituted their unique "outside examiners" Honors Program. This was the fundamental decision that set Swarthmore on its academic-focused path. </p>
<p>It was also an extremely un-Quaker decision because it established a distinction between education for all equally (with standard classroom instruction) and a special seminar-based track for some. This was heavily debated at the time and the female half of the board of managers was largely responsible for approving the academic focus.</p>
<p>Although the end of formal ties with the Society of Friends came later, that was really the moment in time when Swarthmore effectively decided to become a "secular" institution.</p>
<p>Cross registration. Academically, they function almost as one school. According to Haverford admissions dept, most students at both Haverford and Bryn Mawr take at least one course at the other institution each semester. The town of Haverford is an upper middle class bedroom community. There may be some things for students nearby, but it is hardly a college town.</p>
<p>Confusedmom,
D is a sophomore at Haverford this yr. She attended a single gender secondary school with a student population of 425. So Haverford is still larger than what she had experienced! ;) And, yes, even coming from Los Angeles, she is loving college...and the wonderful friends she has met from every place imaginable.</p>
<p>Although D has not taken a class at Bryn Mawr, many of her Fords have, via a shuttle that routinely runs between the 2 campuses. There are a number of shops and eateries near the campus...all within walking distance of 15 minutes...IHOP, Trader Joe's, Starbucks, Rite-Aid, Staples, etc. She raves about Thai and Indian food. D and friends venture into Philly by train about once per month. </p>
<p>She is TA-ing in the Gen Chem Lab this semester...don't know if that would happen at a large university. The opportunities appear to be available...</p>
<p>Thank you all</p>