Is HMC a good fit?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvey Mudd College
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<p>DD is a rising junior from a reasonably competitive high school in Texas. She is currently ranked 6th in a class of ~750, with a 4.0 (uw) / 5.5 (w) GPA. Her junior year course load includes AP Calc AB, pre-AP Physics, AP English, AP Spanish, AP US History, Astronomy and Pathophysiology. Next year's planned course load includes AP Stat, AP Bio, AP English, AP Gov / Econ, and Honors Anatomy / Physiology.</p>

<p>Her ECs include eczema related research, Indian classical dance, Western and Indian classical vocal music, volunteering at the local children's hospital, and membership in the standard suite of honor societies and clubs.</p>

<p>She is interested in studying something that combines biology and medicine, e.g., an undergrad degree in biology followed by a graduate degree in biomedical sciences. HMC was recently brought to our attention as an institution to consider. Based on our preliminary research, the general appeal of Harvey Mudd lies in the excellence of its undergraduate science/math/engineering programs, and the high percentage of its graduates that go on to grad school.</p>

<p>Is HMC a good fit for someone with her profile, i.e., Indian-American girl with interests in Biological sciences? What is the male-female ratio in the biology program? Does HMC offer any special encouragement to women applicants? Would it be useful for us to come for the upcoming campus day on September 20th? </p>

<p>Any insights, suggestions, etc. would be appreciated.</p>

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<p>Well biology is our least popular major so the F/M ratio of our program would likely be inconsistent. However, what major she is does not really play into what friends she gets because all of us have to go through the "core" together, which is a collection of science, math and even engineering classes, that all students have to take and primarily tackle in the first 2 years. So in short, she will be chilling with all types of majors, and wont be effected so much by the ratio of her particular major socially.</p>

<p>Also, regarding our biology major. It seems to be aimed at people intent on going on to get a graduate degree in biology. Its covers a bit more ground than most places and also has Mudd's patented grade inflation stuck to it, making medical school a difficult option if one has that as their ultimate goal. </p>

<p>*Does HMC offer any special encouragement to women applicants? *</p>

<p>In short, yes. Mudd has a bit more lenient admissions policy with females, but its still selective of course. We also do offer a full scholarship for females and minorities that your daughter could apply to. </p>

<p>*
Would it be useful for us to come for the upcoming campus day on September 20th? *
YES YES YES YES YES YES YES.
Visiting prospective colleges is key for helping decide where you want to spend 4 years of your life. </p>

<p>As for the Indian-American life here, I am not sure what you are getting at. My roommate and best friend are both Indian and seem to be happy here. (One even gets Indian food delivered weekly to Mudd from a local place)</p>

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<p>The Indian-American community at the Claremont Colleges is very strong. Every year they host an EKTA festival around the time of Diwali. It is very popular and well-attended. There would be ample opportunities for your daughter to keep in touch with her Indian heritage and participate in ECs.</p>

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<p>Seiken, are you friends Indian American, or just Indian?</p>

<p>I'm an Indian who is seriously considering Mudd...so what are the average numbers of the community at HMC?</p>

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<p>My roommate is Indian-American and my best friend (female) is from India. So i really couldnt tell you the average numbers since im in such a biased situation ^^. I've actually jumped on the bandwagon myself and now get Indian food delivered directly to my room twice per week prepaid. Im turning........</p>

<p>Well anyways, if you have any questions you would like me to ask them, then shoot.</p>

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<p>Thanks Seiken.</p>

<p>Could you just ask your friends if they find enough Indian company? And if they don't feel a feeling of isolation from the community?</p>

<p>Also, is vegetarianism a problem? I ask because I am veg myself.</p>

<p>BTW, do you have any idea if Thyra Briggs is an adcom? Is she involved in making decisions?</p>

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<p>Could you just ask your friends if they find enough Indian company? And if they don't feel a feeling of isolation from the community?</p>

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<p>Also, is vegetarianism a problem? I ask because I am veg myself.</p>

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<p>BTW, do you have any idea if Thyra Briggs is an adcom? Is she involved in making decisions?</p>

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<p>Thyra is the VP for admissions and financial aid. I bet she has some voice in the process...</p>

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<p>I'm glad. I had an interview with her recently, and she liked me, I think :)</p>

<p>Seiken, thanks a lot by the way. Knowing the veg. info was really helpful :)</p>

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<p>for the record, I hear CMC has better vegetarian options; they label all of their with the ingredients and stuff. if you go to Mudd you'll be able to hit up the dining halls from all of the campuses, so you can consider the options in the other campuses too.</p>