<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>