<p>As a mother of a nerdy girl, I also recommend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. My daughter just graduated and was very happy there. Worcester Polytechnic Institute is another possibility. Someone above mentioned Holy Cross and not sure that would be the best choice for a nerdy female. My daughter went to a high school where many kids go there and similar colleges and she definitely did not fit in with the girls.</p>
<p>If Haverford is a reach, then most of the schools mentioned here are going to be reaches, too. I think, too, that alot of the schools mentioned here are for “nerds” in the science / tech sense, and that’s not necessarily how I hear the OP describing her daughter. I think that a shy kid might actually do better anyway at a school that has more of a variety of students, not just all techy kids. </p>
<p>I think that alot of shy, bookish kids find their niche at college and come out of their shells. I would just avoid any schools that have an overwhelming reputation for being jocky / preppy / heavy Greek life.</p>
<p>Nerds are everywhere.</p>
<p>The first ones that popped into my mind were Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and Carnegie Mellon.</p>
<p>My S just finished his sophomore year at RPI (majoring in Information Technology) and has liked it very much.</p>
<p>I also didn’t see “nerdy” as being necessarily science/technology/engineering. That’s why I suggested U of R - my d is a humanities “nerd.” 30% of its engineering graduates this year were female (18% is average), so it’s a good school for an engineer/techy type as well, but it has a full-rounded student body as well.</p>
<p>She probably wants to go to a place where she is happy and comfortable, and where she is in the presence of many nerds who are unashamed to be labeled as such.</p>
<p>Nerds rule the world. They are our future. Popular, personality plus jocks…your time has passed. Now go to work for the wealthy nerds.</p>
<p>Hands down Swarthmore. Non-nerd (but very smart) kids who have visited say so. Even nearby residents say so.</p>
<p>Totally agree with SDonCC’s observations. That said, I think that Carleton (mentioned several times) might be the type of school in this niche that also might be within reach. And Oberlin wasn’t mentioned before. Colorado College, Lawrence, Connecticut College…and other small liberal arts colleges might be an alternative to the excellent science-oriented suggestions offered above.</p>
<p>Smith has an ABET-certified engineering program with 100% females (obviously), and 30% of students are in the sciences. <a href=“http://www.science.smith.edu/departments/Engin/[/url]”>Engineering | Smith College; First rate in math, and a good orchestra, and lots of students who like to study. Not a party school at all (though one can find parties if one looks).</p>
<p>Busdriver- Don’t go there…popular, personality,jock does not equal work for wealthy Nerd. Many, many nerds are worker bee’s who never develop leadership and team skills which is key to almost all success in the business world- especially if trying to start ones own company. Corporations require team work and leadership skills to progress in a career. People have to like working for you and with you- therefore personality and popularity and of course the team work experience of a jock are all valuable life skills. It’s always about working smart, not just working hard that brings the most success, Nerd or not.</p>
<p>Agree with those who say that nerds can be found everywhere. However, one thing that D1 found in her college search was a relationship between % of college that was “Greek” and general nerdiness of the school…With less student population % in social fraternities/sororities, the more nerds on campus! </p>
<p>Here’s another link that will give some suggestions…
[Teams</a> | International Quidditch Association](<a href=“http://www.internationalquidditch.org/teams.html]Teams”>http://www.internationalquidditch.org/teams.html)</p>
<p>“Busdriver- Don’t go there…popular, personality,jock does not equal work for wealthy Nerd. Many, many nerds are worker bee’s who never develop leadership and team skills which is key to almost all success in the business world”</p>
<p>I supposed it depends upon what your perception of a nerd is. If you consider a nerd to be a geeky sort with no people skills, who only like to be by themselves in a quiet room…yes, they might not do so well in many professions. I suppose I consider a nerd to be someone interested in intellectual pursuits who is very intelligent, and unafraid to hide their eclectic interests in things that others may not consider to be “cool”. I know many nerds who are also athletic and are also very personable. A nerd with an outgoing, confident personality will indeed be very successful. But you can’t be terribly successful on pure popularity and athletics alone, with no brains to back you up (or can you)? Well, at least chances are you won’t be the boss, unless Daddy owns the company.</p>