pradeepk

Hello!

Well, I visited Harvey Mudd and I loved it! I really feel like I could learn a lot from this school and I feel I would have endless opportunities after I graduate. The only thing im concerned about is how prepared I have to be to attend. Im in the IB program at my highschool so I understand rigor. I guess my first question is, how much does the IB program prepare you for Harvey Mudd? Secondly, I am only in Calculus AB and I've read other posts saying that Calc BC is required before you even attend! This freaked me out a little. Also, my knowledge in physics is lacking. I really want to go to Harvey Mudd but I just feel like I would be so behind in all of my classes.

Anybody want to share their opinion on how prepared you have to be? Or any personal success stories of succeeding at Mudd without being that prepared for the rigor?

Thank you!

colorado_mom

I am also interested in feecback from Mudd students that took IB in high school.

I know a lot of students take AP, but my son went the IB route (rigorous, but with less flexibility than AP). He almost missed the boat on Chem prereqs. His school offers just a semester of pre-IB chem in 10th grade... and the guidance counselors had not warned him that you need 1 year chem for the more competitive engineering schools. Luckily he was able to tuck in IB SL (1yr) chem senior year.

Suin

The first math class you would take is Calculus, which is more proof based than most Calc AB classes. It will cover most of what BC had, but far more quickly and at a deeper level. Seeing the material beforehand is of course helpful, but if you think you can step up a level and learn the material, it shouldn't be much of a problem. The first semester of Mudd is all pass/fail so you have time to get used to the workload.

Daniel12

I'm pretty sure the official word of the admissions committee is that
- calc AB is sufficient
- even if a student hasn't taken any high school calculus, they could be admitted on the condition that they take a course over the summer

That said, the core courses involve a *lot* of calculus. I count about 8 core courses (some of them quarter-long) that are largely calculus based, and several others that involve a fair amount of calc.

Most of these courses focus on using calculus to solve tough problems in the physical sciences. Does that sound like something that would come naturally for you? If so, you'll probably do fine; if not, many of the classes will be tough, but still doable with enough effort and dedication.

ElphDriver

My son is currently a junior at Harvey Mudd. He did the IB Diploma in HS (no AP math/science classes) and found himself to be very well prepared. I think something that the IB program taught him was how to apply himself and work hard, and that willinginess/capacity to work hard is what is sustaining him now. He is an engineering major, and is completely engaged in what he is doing.

pradeepk

Thanks ElphDriver! That really boosts my confidence

Muddslinger

IB Mathematics HL will do a fine job of preparing you for math. As for the sciences, Physics HL with relativity and mechanics will teach you 80% of the freshman curriculum. If you supplement physics HL mechanics by studying some rotational kinematics problems on the side, you stand a solid chance of placing out of physics 24, mechanics and wave motion. I didn't take chem HL, but I'm guessing that it would at least give you a good foundation for frosh chem. Taking IB Bio is largely useless since Mudd's core bio has been the easiest class I've taken so far on campus.

As for workload, Mudd has more homework and the coursework is definitely harder but you're resistance to high workloads will come in handy.

You'll live either way. Worst case scenario is that you have no prior experience with any of your coursework so you wind up learning a lot. No big deal. Given a solid understanding of what an integral does, Mudd will give you all of the tools you need.