<p>Academically it won’t make much of a difference because students have access to the academic resources at the other school. Haverford’s biology program focuses on microbiology while Bryn Mawr’s department covers the macro aspects of the subject, but students can (and do!) major at the other school. </p>
<p>I can also tell you about Bryn Mawr that:
- Bryn Mawr has the single most selective post-baccalaureate pre-med program in the country. I assume that many of the resources for post-bac students are available to undergraduate students as well. Look here: [Bryn</a> Mawr Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program](<a href=“http://www.brynmawr.edu/postbac/home.shtml]Bryn”>http://www.brynmawr.edu/postbac/home.shtml)
- Bryn Mawr has a lot of funding for students to participate in unpaid internships or research on and off campus. Many science majors stay on campus and do research with a professor in the summer after their freshman year, when it is hardest to find a good position off campus. Upperclass students typically spend their summers off campus (with or without Bryn Mawr funding), unless they are working on a bigger project with a professor on campus. I know a few Haverford students who did not get funding for their preferred position, which has (to the best of my knowledge) not been an issue at Bryn Mawr in the recent past.</p>
<p>There are two reasons why I would prefer Bryn Mawr over Haverford:
(1) We have less general education requirements than Haverford. Bryn Mawr students need two courses in each division (sciences, social sciences, humanities), and we can use AP credits to satisfy them. Haverford students need to take three courses in each division and may not use AP credits to get out of a requirement. Haverford students also need to take 19 courses outside of their major, which is less than ideal for students who are very committed to a single subject.
(2) The dorms at Bryn Mawr tend to be quieter than the dorms at Haverford. That’s good if you like to sleep, bad if you like to party. </p>
<p>And reasons why I would prefer Haverford over Bryn Mawr:
(1) Haverford has on-campus apartments!
(2) Haverford’s traditions are more fun than Bryn Mawr’s.
(2) Haverford students take the concept of self-government more seriously than Bryn Mawr students, and Haverford’s administration is more open to student input.</p>