<p>Hi, I'm having a hard time deciding. Is ranking really that important? MHC is 27 vs 23 for BMC on one list. And overall on another list BMC is 33 whereas MHC is 70. And how is Bryn Mawr's alumni connection compared to MHC's? I know MHC's is really strong. And is there a difference in the type of student's there? Thanks in advance for answering my questions.</p>
<p>I only go here, so I can only speak on behalf of Mount Holyoke. Rankings don’t mean anything. Both schools are equally well-known in the world outside of college. I’d argue that because there are more students at Mount Holyoke, it is slightly better known (more graduates). Please do not base your decision on rankings. Go wherever you are happy. </p>
<p>I don’t think you could go wrong either way. Mount Holyoke’s alum connection is very strong. I don’t know about Bryn Mawr. I also don’t know Bryn Mawr students, so I can’t speak for or about them.</p>
<p>I was in the same predicament but today I sent in my deposit for Bryn Mawr and could not be happier. </p>
<p>This past week I visited both schools during accepted students days and it really helped formulate my opinion. I felt the academics were much strong at Bryn Mawr. I also loved the honor code and very strong/active traditions. The proximity to Philly, DC, and NYC is also really appealing to me.</p>
<p>I agree with the previous poster to not base your decision on rankings, that’s just silly! Know what your passions/needs/wants are and see if the school fits the bill. It doesn’t matter if that school is Yale or a community college - you will be successful no matter where you go. </p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>I know it’s not just based on rankings, that’s why I’m still having trouble. I visited MHC too, but I didn’t exactly “love” it. It was okay. What made you decide to go to BMC?</p>
<p>Bryn Mawr was the only school I didn’t get to visit until accepted students weekend. I fell in love. Everything just felt really right. I loved the location, the students were amazing, and I felt the classes were much more engaging and that students were equally as engaged. I feel like the traditions are stronger at Bryn Mawr, too. plus they gave me more aid. It’s hard to describe, it’s really a gut feeling.</p>
<p>there’s a thread on the Bryn Mawr 2013 facebook group that might have some helpful perspectives…</p>
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<p>I don’t have a gut feeling!!! I need help…</p>
<p>You have two outstanding choices! My daughter had the same choice to make several years ago! She visited both campuses. In the classrooms, she found the academic environment she was looking for: challenging, intellectual classes…bright and engaged students. Where she found the difference was in the “feel” of the campus. Given her personal academic intensity, she was attracted to the bucolic Mount Holyoke campus and the ability of MHC student’s to “have an intensly intellectual discussion” one minute and “a lively discussion about shoes” the next! She chose Mount Holyoke and never looked back!</p>
<p>Neither school is a “party school”, though, if you look for it, I’m sure you can find a party group at any school.</p>
<p>As for the five college consortium…it really works! My daughter has taken courses at U Mass and Amherst. She is registered for a course at Amherst for the upcoming semester. She and many of her friends have taken advantage of the consortium both for classes and activities…very successfully. </p>
<p>At Bryn Mawr, she got the impression that the Haverford consortium was seamless, but that it is not as easy to register for courses at UPenn and Swat.</p>
<p>My daughter loves the traditions at Mount Holyoke. I believe Mountain Day is her favorite…but she can name them all! I remember from visiting Bryn Mawr that there are many traditions there as well. Both colleges also value volunteerism. I remember that at her MHC orientation, there was a volunteer day…and there are opportunities to be involved with the community throughout your college experience.</p>
<p>While I can’t give any insight for Bryn Mawr, I can tell you that the sense of community at Mount Holyoke is very strong. </p>
<p>Best of luck! You are fortunate to have two wonderful choices!!</p>
<p>Another thing to consider would be what majors they offer. My D looked at both schools but one of them doesn’t have a major that she is considering. Good luck!</p>