Caltech vs Harvey Mudd: Pros and Cons?

I'm a junior trying to decide between Caltech and Harvey Mudd for engineering. Can anyone give me a rundown of the pros and cons of each school? I'm interested in factors like campus life, reputation, and overall experience. Thanks in advance!

Sure, I'd be happy to help you compare Caltech and Harvey Mudd! Both are excellent institutions, but they do offer different experiences, especially considering their campus life, reputation, and overall experiences. Here are the pros and cons of each:

Caltech:

Pros:

1. Campus Life: Known for its "house" system, Caltech creates a tight-knit community for its students, fostering close relationships and collaborations.

2. Reputation: Caltech is world-renowned for its engineering and science programs, as well as its cutting-edge research facilities.

3. Resources: Caltech has a higher endowment per student and more resources, which can translate to better funded programs, labs, and facilities.

4. Location: Situated in Pasadena, Caltech provides close proximity to the Los Angeles area, offering more internship and employment opportunities.

Cons:

1. Intensity: Caltech is known for its rigorous coursework and high academic pressure, which might not be a suitable environment for everyone.

2. Size: Caltech has a much smaller student body, which can be limiting in terms of diversity and campus activities.

3. Limited Breadth: The strong emphasis on STEM subjects may lead to fewer opportunities for students who may want to explore other disciplines.

Harvey Mudd:

Pros:

1. Liberal Arts Approach: Being part of the Claremont Colleges consortium, Harvey Mudd offers a broader education that goes beyond engineering, allowing for exploration of other disciplines.

2. Collaboration: Emphasis on collaboration and partnership in academic projects creates a supportive atmosphere among students.

3. Campus Life: The consortium provides a range of extracurricular activities, clubs, and social events, contributing to a vibrant campus life.

Cons:

1. Reputation: While Harvey Mudd is well-known for engineering, it doesn't carry the same international prestige as Caltech.

2. Smaller reach: Being a smaller college, Harvey Mudd may have fewer resources, facilities, and industry connections compared to Caltech.

3. Location: Located in Claremont, it might not have the same level of access to the greater Los Angeles area as Caltech does, potentially limiting access to external internships and networking opportunities.

Ultimately, the decision between Caltech and Harvey Mudd will depend on your personal preferences and the type of college experience you're looking for. Consider factors like academic intensity, campus life, location, and breadth of study as you make your choice. Good luck!