<p>I'm aware of all the academic benefits and rigours of each school but how do they compare socially. I'm kindof an awkward introvert but I'm aware of the advantages of being able to talk to people and I think college would be an ideal time for me to come into my own. So I'd like to at least become a socially adept introvert by the time I graduate. Which one of these schools would be more ideal in helping me out of my shell?</p>
<p>Harvey Mudd- the community is very nurturing, and the Claremont Colleges make for a huge asset that other consortiums can’t. Since the colleges are next to one another, people can go to any of the events that any college sponsors, which makes for a much more active vibe than other LACs. The Claremont Consortium is really diverse- the ideal place to meet people of all sorts of political beliefs, vibes, and perspectives. </p>
<p>That being said, Swarthmore is traditionally much stronger than HMC in the humanities and social sciences, and if you’re interested in that you should definitely factor that. Swarthmore also has a pretty tight-knit community, not to the extent of HMC, but I think you’ll make friendships and remember the conversations you have for a lifetime :)</p>
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I LOVE your goal!! My awkward introvert son is becoming more socially adept at Mudd. Not as socially adept as I would have hoped, but he’s definitely improving. He has friends, a job, groups in classes, and hangs out in the common areas playing board games (not into e-games). OTOH, I think the school could do more considering the number of awkward introverts they must have there. I don’t know any details about Swat.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>No personal experience at either school, but I would guess, given the size of the engineering department at Swat, that it’s also a very close-knit community. In other words, studying engineering at Swat probably gives you an instant (albeit small) community of cohorts.</p>
<p>I would suggest posing this question over on the [url=<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/swarthmore/]Swarthmore[/url”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/swarthmore/]Swarthmore[/url</a>] forum - absent the comparison to Harvey Mudd. Just ask how awkward, introverted geeks (just a guess!) fit in at Swat. It’s a good question!</p>
<p>And, by the way, congratulations on this abundance of riches - what a wonderful choice to have!!! :)</p>
<p>Thanks for the responses.</p>
<p>@nostalgicwisdom- I love the idea of being able to meet other people outside the Mudd community. I think it would be a great advantage if I could find the time to get to know them.</p>
<p>@GeekMom63- haha thanks. It sounds like your son is adjusting quite well at Mudd. How long has he been going there?</p>
<p>@dodgersmom- Thanks for the suggestion. I would enjoy the idea of the small community at Swat but I would also be interested in knowing people outside of engineering.</p>
<p>My son is a sophomore, majoring in CS, not engineering. Although Mudd is known for engineering, it does all the major STEM degrees, and I’m almost certain that engineering isn’t the largest major. I think he’s taking three non-Mudd classes this semester, but I’m not quite sure.</p>
<p>When we visited Mudd, we noted that the students were very friendly and happy. And with the Claremont consortium, you’d have many opportunities for interaction with students of all types.</p>