| Not a dumb question at all. They all have a unique set of specialties. You might want to narrow down the schools to see which one you might be interested in visiting. |
| Does it feel like one university with several colleges/"houses" (like the Uk schools) on the same campus? |
I don’t know about the UK, but not like houses at Yale. More like separate schools, but all immediately adjacent and kids can cross register for classes and also eat at other school’s dining halls (or could - that may have changed after COVID). |
It can feel like one on the student level. In a given day, DS has class at Mudd and Scripps, has a research meeting at CMC, hosts a mentor session at Pomona, goes to his 5C club, eats at pitzer, and nestles back in bed at Pomona. Other than Mudd, the other 4Cs don’t have intensive core requirements, so there’s constant overlap academically and socially with other 5Cs. |
Yes. For sports, Pomona and Pitzer form a combined team, while the other three form another team. They can use each other’s gyms as well. |
No, it feels like 5 separate schools with distinct personalities and distinct architecture. Agree that your student should do some research and determine which schools they want to tour. A non-stem kid doesn't need to tour Harvey Mudd for example. |
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No, it feels like 5 separate schools with distinct personalities and distinct architecture. Agree that your student should do some research and determine which schools they want to tour. A non-stem kid doesn't need to tour Harvey Mudd for example.
I should have added that while it feels like different schools, I agree that it is an easily walkable campus and students do take classes at other schools, easily eat in the other cafeterias, etc. |
Yep, but a humanities kid should still look at mudd’s hsa department-a lot of amazing scholars who occasionally take on students for research. |
| they have distinct vibes and strengths, but the campus boundaries are very integrated. Pomona has a more classic broad liberal arts flavor, CMC is government/econ/leadership focused, Mudd for engineering, Pitzer is focused on sustainability and social consciousness, Scripps is the all women’s college. Pick 1 or 2 of the best fit ones to do the official tour and walk around on your own if you have time to get a sense for the others. |
| Ours sees them as one university in essence. They love it! Lot of resources to cross collaborate |
But for tour purposes, I believe Mudd only has stem majors. |
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Pomona College: Gryffindor
As the "anchor" and oldest of the colleges, Pomona is often seen as the Gryffindor of the group. It is perceived as well-rounded, prestigious, and the central "hero" of the consortium. Claremont McKenna College (CMC): Slytherin CMC is frequently dubbed the Slytherin house due to its heavy focus on leadership, politics, and economics. Its students are often characterized as highly ambitious, cunning go-getters with a strong drive for career success. Harvey Mudd College: Ravenclaw With its intense focus on STEM and reputation for extreme academic rigor, Harvey Mudd is the quintessential Ravenclaw. It attracts "intellectual powerhouses" who value wit and learning above all else. Pitzer College: Hufflepuff Pitzer’s emphasis on social justice, environmental sustainability, and community makes it a natural fit for Hufflepuff. Its culture is viewed as laid-back, accepting, and dedicated to the "unassuming achiever". Scripps College: Ravenclaw / Gryffindor Hybrid Scripps is often debated between Ravenclaw (for its intellectual "Core" curriculum) and Gryffindor (for its history of pioneering women’s education). Its elegant, traditional architecture also mirrors the aesthetic of a classic magical castle. |
Yes, and a very rigorous stem-based core. Most humanities kids would be unhappy there. |
| Socially, is it more like a small Slac feel within your school, or more like a smaller uni? I know the other schools offer the chance to broaden academically and socially if you want, but do you still get a small community feel where you are constantly running into people you know, you know most of the majors in your dept, etc? |
I don’t disagree. I’m saying a humanities student at the other colleges would still take courses at and connect with humanities professors at Harvey mudd. |