Quaker/Tri-College Consortium

<p>Reading about the Quaker/Tri-College Consortium that Swarthmore is a part of, I was very interested to know about how well that works for Swarthmore students. I really like the concept of a liberal arts school, and especially Swarthmore, a broad selection of majors with strong curriculums is very important. I, at least currently, plan on majoring, or at least minoring, in architecture — this is offered at UPenn. Is it effective to apply to Swarthmore/Haverford to get the advantage of a liberal arts school with the benefits of bolstered course offerings, or just apply to a school which can offer that on campus?
Also, if anyone can speak about the effectiveness of the consortiums in general, I would really appreciate it.
Thanks!</p>

<p>I applied to swat, got in, but couldnt attend financially. what i can say is that the tri-consortium is definitely a cool benefit, I dont belive its possible to major in something not offered at swat. idk tho, someone more reliable will comment im sure. But swat is an amazing school, so i think that in all regards its a completely worth while investment</p>

<p>It seems like it’s a really great added benefit, as I would love the ability to have a liberal arts eduction and still have the wide breadth of courses to choose from like a large university. Thanks for the input!</p>

<p>Glumberg,
I don’t think your plan to major/minor in architecture is going to work if you attend Swarthmore or Haverford. From everything I’ve heard over the years, (I have a Swat grad and a current Swat student) shuttling between Penn and Swat/Haverford is not the easiest thing to do. The schedules don’t always match up. Occasionally, students do take a course at Penn, but it’s one course, not an entire sequence necessary to major in a very specific field such as architecture.</p>

<p>Thank you, momof3sons — while a little disappointing to hear, it’s good to learn more about the flaws of the consortium now!</p>

<p>I’m a parent of 2 Swarthmore alums, and an alum myself. My understanding is that it is technically possible to major in a department at Bryn Mawr or Haverford, but I don’t think it is possible at Penn. I know there are restrictions as to what courses you can take at Penn: I think you can only take undergraduate courses in the School of Arts and Sciences. There may also be a limit on the Penn classes, like one per semester max. On top of which there are major logistical challenges in getting to classes. It is doable - my daughter took a couple of courses at both Haverford and Penn. But it is a hassle.</p>

<p>Daughter took one class at Haverford. You take a shuttle there. Due to that, you need at least an hour on either side of your class to make sure you make the shuttle each way and that can put a crimp in the rest of your schedule. Courses taken at the other schools in the consortium do count as credits toward graduation but do not count on your Swarthmore gpa.</p>

<p>I’m a current student, and I don’t think you can major or minor at UPenn as a Swat student. I know Bryn Mawr/Haverford students major regularly at Swat (mainly in linguistics), so I assume the reverse is possible–but the Tri-Co consortium is stronger than the Quaker consortium.</p>

<p>I am a current student at Bryn Mawr, I am always astounded when read people claiming it is hard to coordinate shuttles/classes between campuses. While it takes a little more planning, it is more than doable. As a Freshman, I took one class at Haverford each semester, and one at Penn each semester. This fall, I am taking two Penn, one Haverford, and one Bryn Mawr class. You can’t major at Penn, but you can create an independent major with a little effort. You can major at Haverford, not sure about Swat. The tri-co and consortium is an amazing benefit of the schools, taking advantage of it has given me a wider option of courses to take, and a more diverse social life. I go out in the city all the time.</p>

<p>^I notice that you haven’t taken any Swat classes. Bi-Co students can major at Swat if it isn’t offered at Bryn Mawr or Haverford (as far as I know, this is used primarily for linguistics). Moreover, Bryn Mawr-Haverford shuttles are MUCH more convenient than the Tri-Co van, especially since Swat’s timetables are different from Bi-Co’s. Penn classes are actually more convenient because the train runs hourly and is pretty reliable, plus you can hang out in the city, but registration is more annoying.</p>