Dartmouth and Harvey Mudd: Which College is Right for You?

If you’re considering attending one of the top colleges in the country, you may have come across Dartmouth and Harvey Mudd in your search. Both of these small liberal arts colleges have an outstanding reputation for academic excellence, a close-knit community, and a strong commitment to preparing students for success beyond graduation.

But, how do you know which college is the right fit for you? In this article, we’ll compare Dartmouth and Harvey Mudd in detail, examining campus culture, academic programs, and much more. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of what each school offers, and which one might be the best choice for you.

A Brief Overview of Dartmouth and Harvey Mudd

Dartmouth College is located in Hanover, New Hampshire, and is part of the Ivy League. With just over 4,000 undergraduate students, Dartmouth is a small college that offers a personalized education.

The college has a deep commitment to undergraduate teaching, research, and creative scholarship. Dartmouth boasts a highly-qualified faculty, and the student body is known for its academic excellence and diverse interests.

Harvey Mudd College is located in Claremont, California, and is widely recognized as one of the top colleges of engineering, science, and mathematics in the country. With a student body of just over 800 undergraduates, Harvey Mudd offers an intimate learning environment. The college is committed to providing a well-rounded education that combines rigorous technical coursework with a strong emphasis on the humanities, social sciences, and the arts.

Both Dartmouth and Harvey Mudd have a strong commitment to research and innovation. Dartmouth is home to several research centers, including the Thayer School of Engineering and the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.

Harvey Mudd has a number of research institutes, including the Keck Institute for Space Studies and the W.M. Keck Science Department. Students at both colleges have the opportunity to work alongside faculty members on cutting-edge research projects, gaining valuable hands-on experience in their fields of study.

The Campus Culture at Dartmouth and Harvey Mudd

The campus culture at Dartmouth is known for being friendly and collaborative. The college has a strong sense of community, and students are actively involved in various extracurricular activities. The college is also known for its unique outdoor programs, and students have access to hiking, kayaking, and skiing opportunities.

Greek life is also a significant part of Dartmouth, with around 60% of students participating in fraternities or sororities. The strong sense of community at Dartmouth is a significant reason why so many students choose to attend this college.

Harvey Mudd has a welcoming and collaborative campus culture similar to Dartmouth’s. The college’s small size allows for a tight-knit community where students form strong relationships with each other and with faculty members.

Harvey Mudd also has a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and students from diverse backgrounds are a critical part of the college’s community. The college is also actively involved in outreach programs and community service activities. These efforts contribute to Harvey Mudd’s inclusive and welcoming atmosphere.

Academic Programs and Majors Offered at Dartmouth and Harvey Mudd

Dartmouth offers 40 majors in various fields, including the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The college is known for its strengths in undergraduate teaching and research, and many students go on to highly-regarded graduate and professional programs.

Dartmouth has a unique academic calendar called the D-Plan, which provides students with flexibility in planning their academic year. Students can take off-campus terms to pursue internships, research, or study abroad opportunities. The college also has a strong undergraduate research program, which allows students to conduct research with faculty members across various disciplines.

Harvey Mudd is a science, engineering, and mathematics-centered college with majors in these fields, along with additional majors in the humanities and social sciences. The college has a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for advanced study in these fields.

Harvey Mudd also has a unique program called Clinic that provides students with the opportunity to work on real-world problems for clients. Additionally, students can participate in research projects with faculty members, and many students go on to publish research papers in peer-reviewed journals.

Both Dartmouth and Harvey Mudd offer a variety of academic programs and resources to support students’ academic success. At Dartmouth, students have access to academic advising, tutoring services, and writing centers to help them excel in their coursework.

Admission Requirements and Acceptance Rates at Dartmouth and Harvey Mudd

Admission to Dartmouth and Harvey Mudd is highly competitive. Dartmouth has an acceptance rate of 7.9%, while Harvey Mudd has an acceptance rate of 14%. Both colleges consider academic achievement, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations in their admission process.

Average test scores and GPAs of admitted students are also high. For Dartmouth, the middle 50% range of SAT scores is 1450-1560, and the middle 50% range of ACT scores is 33-35. For Harvey Mudd, the middle 50% range of SAT scores is 1500-1560, and the middle 50% range of ACT scores is 34-35.

Aside from academic and extracurricular achievements, both Dartmouth and Harvey Mudd also value diversity and inclusivity in their student body. They actively seek out students from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences to create a vibrant and dynamic community on campus. This is reflected in their admission process, where they consider factors such as socioeconomic status, first-generation status, and race/ethnicity.

Once admitted, students at both colleges have access to a wide range of resources and opportunities to support their academic and personal growth. Dartmouth, for example, has a strong undergraduate research program, where students can work closely with faculty members on cutting-edge research projects.

Harvey Mudd, on the other hand, has a unique curriculum that emphasizes hands-on, interdisciplinary learning, with a focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

The Faculty and Student Body at Dartmouth and Harvey Mudd

Both Dartmouth and Harvey Mudd have highly-qualified and dedicated faculty members who are committed to undergraduate teaching and research. The student-to-faculty ratios are low, and students have access to one-on-one advising and mentorship.

Dartmouth has 850 faculty members, and Harvey Mudd has 150 faculty members. The student body is also diverse, with students from various backgrounds and interests. Dartmouth has a student body that is approximately 50% male and 50% female, and about a quarter of the students are international. Harvey Mudd has a student body that is 49% male and 51% female, and around 16% of the students are international.

Additionally, both Dartmouth and Harvey Mudd offer a wide range of extracurricular activities and opportunities for students to get involved on campus. Dartmouth has over 350 student organizations, including clubs for sports, arts, politics, and community service.

Harvey Mudd has over 50 student-run clubs and organizations, including a robotics club, a gaming club, and a sustainability club. These extracurricular activities provide students with the chance to explore their interests, develop leadership skills, and build a sense of community on campus.

Extracurricular Activities Available at Dartmouth and Harvey Mudd

Dartmouth has over 350 student organizations that cater to various interests, including arts, sports, politics, and community service. Many students at Dartmouth participate in Greek life, and there are various fraternities and sororities on campus.

The college also has a strong athletics program, with 34 varsity sports teams. The college’s location in Hanover also provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and canoeing.

Harvey Mudd has over 80 student organizations that cater to various interests, such as engineering, community service, and athletics. The college has a strong athletics program, with 17 NCAA Division III teams.

Harvey Mudd also has various research and entrepreneurship clubs that provide students with opportunities to work on innovative projects and business ventures. Additionally, the college has a robust community service program, which allows students to volunteer and give back to the community.

Facilities and Resources Available to Students at Dartmouth and Harvey Mudd

Dartmouth has a range of state-of-the-art facilities and resources available to students, including six libraries, numerous research centers, and 15 computer labs. The college also has a $1.5 billion endowment, which provides students with ample resources and opportunities.

Housing options at Dartmouth include traditional residence halls, theme houses, and Greek houses. The college has a strong commitment to sustainability, and many of its facilities and programs reflect this value.

Harvey Mudd has modern and well-equipped facilities, with the primary buildings being the Olin Science Center, the Shanahan Center for Teaching and Learning, and the Parsons Engineering Building. The college also has a range of research centers and institutes, including the Hixon Center for Urban Ecology and the Math and Computational Science Center. Housing options at Harvey Mudd include residence halls and on-campus apartments, and the college has various dining options and spaces for social gatherings and events.

In addition to the facilities and resources mentioned above, both Dartmouth and Harvey Mudd offer extensive support services to their students. Dartmouth has a Center for Professional Development, which provides career counseling, job search assistance, and networking opportunities.

The college also has a Student Wellness Center, which offers counseling, health services, and wellness programs. Similarly, Harvey Mudd has a Career Services Office, which helps students with career exploration, job search strategies, and graduate school preparation. The college also has a Health and Wellness Center, which provides medical and mental health services, as well as wellness programs and resources.

Career Services and Opportunities for Graduates of Dartmouth and Harvey Mudd

Dartmouth and Harvey Mudd both have robust career services offices that provide students and alumni with career counseling, resume building, and interview prep. Many students at Dartmouth participate in internships, research opportunities, and study abroad programs, which help them to gain valuable experience and skills. Additionally, the college has a strong alumni network, which provides students with opportunities for mentorship and networking.

Harvey Mudd has a strong alumni network, with many graduates going on to work in prominent positions in various industries, including academia, engineering, and technology. The college also has a postgraduate fellowship program that helps students pursue advanced study and research after graduation.

Harvey Mudd’s location in the Los Angeles area also provides students with access to a range of job and internship opportunities in various industries, such as entertainment, aerospace, and healthcare.

Furthermore, Dartmouth offers a variety of career-related resources, such as career fairs, employer information sessions, and job search databases. The college also has a program called the Dartmouth Outdoors Leadership Experience (DOLE), which provides students with leadership training and outdoor skills that can be applied to a variety of careers, such as environmental conservation and outdoor education.

Similarly, Harvey Mudd offers a program called the Clinic Program, which allows students to work on real-world projects for industry clients. This program provides students with hands-on experience and the opportunity to work on projects in a variety of fields, such as healthcare, energy, and transportation.

The college also has a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, with resources such as the HMC Innovation Lab and the HMC Entrepreneurial Network, which provide students with the skills and resources to start their own businesses.

The Cost of Attending Dartmouth versus Harvey Mudd

The cost of attending Dartmouth or Harvey Mudd can be a significant consideration for many students and their families. Dartmouth’s tuition and fees for the academic year 2021-2022 are $60,117, and the total costs, including room, board, and other expenses, are $78,587. The college has various scholarships, grants, and financial aid options that can help offset the costs. Around 50% of Dartmouth students receive some form of financial aid.

Harvey Mudd’s tuition and fees for the academic year 2021-2022 are $60,432, and the total costs, including room, board, and other expenses, are $80,796. The college also offers various scholarships, grants, and financial aid options to help make education affordable for students. Around 70% of Harvey Mudd students receive some form of financial aid.

It is important to note that the cost of attending a college or university goes beyond just tuition and fees. Other factors such as location, transportation, and personal expenses can also impact the overall cost of attendance. For example, the cost of living in Hanover, New Hampshire, where Dartmouth is located, may be different from the cost of living in Claremont, California, where Harvey Mudd is located. It is essential for students and their families to consider all of these factors when making a decision about which college or university to attend.

Scholarships, Grants, and Financial Aid Offered by Dartmouth and Harvey Mudd

Dartmouth and Harvey Mudd offer various scholarships, grants, and financial aid options to help students pay for their education. Dartmouth has a need-blind admission policy, which means that a student’s financial need does not affect their admission decision.

The college also has a strong financial aid program, which provides need-based aid to students. Students can also apply for merit-based scholarships, such as the Dartmouth Scholars Program or the First-Year College Scholarship.

Harvey Mudd offers need-based aid to students, as well as merit-based scholarships such as the Presidential Scholarship and the National Merit Scholarship. The college also provides financial aid for summer internships and research opportunities, enabling students to gain valuable experience in their field of study. If you are considering these colleges but are concerned about the cost of attendance, know that there are many avenues to explore to make your education more affordable and attainable.

Alumni Networks: Comparing the Strength of the Alumni Networks of Dartmouth vs Harvey Mudd

Both Dartmouth and Harvey Mudd have strong alumni networks that provide students with valuable mentorship and networking opportunities. Dartmouth’s alumni are known for their loyalty and generosity, and the college has one of the most extensive alumni networks of any college in the country.

Many Dartmouth graduates go on to hold leadership positions in various industries, and the college has a history of producing distinguished alumni such as Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss) and Mindy Kaling.

Harvey Mudd’s alumni network is also robust, with graduates going on to work in prominent positions in various fields. The college has a unique program called the Harvey Mudd College Associates, which provides opportunities for alumni to stay involved in the college’s activities, events, and projects. The college’s alumni are highly connected and active, making them an excellent resource for current students and recent graduates.

Final Thoughts: Which College is Right for You?

Both Dartmouth and Harvey Mudd are excellent colleges that offer a personalized education, a strong sense of community, and a commitment to academic excellence. Choosing between these colleges will depend on your academic interests, personal preferences, and financial situation.

Dartmouth may be the right choice for you if you are interested in a diverse, collaborative, and community-oriented environment, with a robust academic program and a strong alumni network. Harvey Mudd may be the right choice for you if you are interested in pursuing rigorous coursework in science, engineering, and mathematics, with a well-rounded education that includes the humanities, social sciences, and the arts. Ultimately, the choice between Dartmouth and Harvey Mudd depends on many factors, including what you are looking for in your college experience.

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