Re Harvey Mudd, we toured a year ago (I’ve known about it since the mid-1970s when my brainy BF applied). It seems a great place for the hardcore brainiac who loves the idea of a Spartan environment. The stark, barracks-style dorms will appeal to the anti-Ivy set for sure.
My favorite part of the tour was toward the end when the guide stopped us and pointed out, with extra emphasis, the mental health office. She made a strong point: if you feel you need some help, do NOT hesitate. A lot of nodding heads and knowing looks among the parents with that one.
As a native of SoCal, I should add if you’ve never been in that part of the region, note that most of the publicity photos show the Claremont Colleges in a glorious, postcard-worthy setting, with snowcapped mountains in the background. In reality, this happens maybe a few days a year. At least half the year, that area is shrouded in a hazy smog and you can barely see those mountains. But the beach is about an hour’s drive.