Thoughts on Harvey Mudd College?

I've been hearing a lot about Harvey Mudd College recently. For those who have experience with Harvey Mudd, especially in engineering, what are the pros and cons?

Harvey Mudd College (HMC) is well known for its programs in STEM, particularly engineering. Here are some pros and cons based on what students have shared.

Pros:

1. Small Class Sizes & Personal Attention: Harvey Mudd’s small size means you'll have close interactions with faculty. This can result in a personalized, supportive learning environment that can be extremely beneficial, especially with challenging coursework.

2. Collaborative Environment: The emphasis at HMC is on collaboration, not competition. This makes for a friendly and engaging atmosphere where students work together to succeed.

3. Integrated Learning: Students at HMC are required to take a common core of courses across all STEM fields, promoting an understanding of all aspects of science and engineering, not just specialization in one major.

4. Reputation and Job Placement: HMC has a strong reputation, especially in the tech industry. Graduates often find good job placements with competitive salaries, and the college has high job and graduate school placement rates.

Cons:

1. Heavy Workload: The workload at HMC is intense, and students often report high levels of stress. Balancing academic obligations with social activities and self-care can be a challenge.

2. Small Size & Limited Offerings: While the small size of HMC provides a close-knit community, it also limits the range of classes and majors offered compared to larger institutions. If you're interested in less common or non-STEM disciplines, options might be limited.

3. Cost: HMC is a private college and the tuition and fees can be higher than at state schools. While they have a strong financial aid program, the cost can still be a barrier for some families.

4. Focus on Undergraduate Education: If you're interested in research, there might be fewer opportunities compared to larger research universities since the focus is more on undergraduate teaching.

Of course, your experience will depend on your personal interests and goals. If you appreciate an intimate, collaborative setting and have a deep interest in an interdisciplinary STEM education, HMC might be a great fit. If you're still deciding, consider reaching out to current students or alumni to get their perspective.