<p>DS is interested in engineering ,math and the sciences, with no clear path (except not premed). We're currently looking at Brown, Haverford, Brandeis, Lafayette, and Stevens. Haverford is a top choice , but I'm looking for more specifics on their math/science/physics programs. He's drawn to the small size, Honor Code, beautiful campus, the whole feel during his 2 visits. The downside is that there's no merit money. - which makes it less appealing financially .Looking for feedback from those in the know. Thanks. </p>
<p>@Epeemom </p>
<p>This is pretty old at this point, but I found the discussion very helpful when S was considering Haverford last fall: <a href=“Why Haverford Sciences are phenomenal: Part 12(?) - Haverford College - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/haverford-college/427212-why-haverford-sciences-are-phenomenal-part-12.html</a></p>
<p>If you use the search function in the Haverford College forum, you’ll likely find many more discussions on the topic. Use “engineering” or “sciences” in your search. </p>
<p>I’d also recommend doing a general search on 3+2 programs on the College Search & Selection forum. They’ve been widely discussed in the past and it’s worth considering all the pros and cons.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>I don’t know about Haverford specifically, but for many students, if not most, other than the engineering part of STEM, it seems that the good liberal arts college do an awesome job in preparing their students for Science, tech and math. If engineering is the goal, there is usually some 2/5 type option, but many of such schools do not offer a totally on site engineering major but have enough of the math and physics so that a student can get the engineering part later. </p>
<p>My son and his close friend both graduated from highly regarded LACs that did not have the big tech or any engineering programs and both have held their own in jobs that have a lot of grads from such schools. Didn’t hurt my son one bit. Had he specifically wanted to go into engineering, however, he would have had to have taken courses in that area outside fo his LAC as they did not offer an engineering degree on site.</p>
<p>Haverford has a 4+1 program with Penn, in addition to the more typical 3+2 programs that a lot of LACs offer. You end up with a master’s instead of two bachelors’, but you’re full pay at Penn for that last year as there’s no FA available for that year. If you can afford a five-year program, Dartmouth is another good place to check out. </p>
<p>Most kids who want to be engineers go with the less expensive 4-year degree for obvious reasons.</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies. I’ve done quite a bit of reading on the Haverford forum, and found lots of helpful information. Perhaps what I’m really asking is “someone tell me why it’s worth $60K to send my child to Haverford when they don’t offer a degree he MAY want to pursue” Add in the 4+1 with Penn and now we’re over $300K. (We won’t qualify for aid.) I understand he can major in engineering at Swat. but have read that their engineering program is more theoretical. </p>
<p>He’s also looking at Brown. I’m not sure he’ll get in, but if he does they offer a plethora of math/science/engineering options for the same price. But in the end, I think we like the “feel” of Haverford better…he’s thrived in a small school environment for the last 12 years. </p>
<p>WPI and RPI are off the list because they don’t offer NCAA fencing programs. Stevens Institute is a possibility, and I think that with his stats they will offer him some merit aid… but, it’s not Haverford (or Brown).</p>
<p>I wonder what I will do with all of my free time when this process is over :-)</p>
<p>He can easily get a degree in math, physics or chemistry and still set himself up to get into a great engineering grad program. If he does well he will likely be able to find one that will offer him a stipend. The Penn program might not necessarily be the best route, but it does mean that he can start taking grad level classes during his time as an undergraduate. </p>
<p>I would only go with Stevens if he is sure he would like to be an engineer. Engineering is tough work and Stevens doesn’t offer the same kinds of options Haverford and Brown do.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that a lot of students change their mind about their majors before graduating.</p>