Yeah, I’m just going to apply to Vanderbilt university as a chemistry major for the following reasons.
- The academics are not as rigorous as Harvey Mudd's. I know Vandy is also a very hard school to maintain a good GPA, but Mudd is even crazier.
- Better financial aid and merit-based aid opportunities.
- Better campus and environment. Honestly, I don't really like LA.
In the meantime, whoever said bio-molecular engineering is not a major in Mudd isn’t completely right. Bio-molecular engineering is a subset of chemical engineering, so most universities just include bio-molecular engineering to various sub-categories of chemical engineering. Only few schools claim bio-molecular engineering as an actual major.
Thank, y’all.
Mudd has only a general engineering major. You can take elective courses in different areas, but there is no chemical engineering or bio-molecular engineering major. Have you even looked carefully at the school’s website?
Regarding campus appearance, the Shanahan Center that opened 3 years ago is very attractive. My kid has almost all her classes in it. And there is a brand new dorm this year, but I have not seen it yet.
https://www.hmc.edu/about-hmc/2014/05/07/shanahan-center-lauded-for-green-design/
https://www.hmc.edu/admission/connect/visiting-campus/shanahan-center-tour/
Yes definitely don’t apply ED to Mudd. You are incorrect as others have stated they don’t offer your major and it’s a very unique school that I don’t think would be a good fit if you are interested in the school with easier classes. It’s considered one of the most rigorous schools. If finances are an issue you should not be applying ED anywhere because you are going to need to compare aid packages from different schools. Even the ones that are 100% need met still vary in the amount you will offered as a grant and how much you will be expected to work.
Here’s a link that may further clarify why I’m applying to early decision despite the slight financial issue:
http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/13/the-case-for-early-decision/?_r=0
Another source is my father, who himself is an admission officer. He definitely encouraged me to apply early decision to as “many” colleges as you can.
You can only apply ED to one college, so your statement makes no sense. Certainly getting in EA rounds as well as an ED round if you truly have a well researched first choice is a valid strategy. But so far it doesn’t seem like your research has been very thorough… so you may end up with an ED commitment to a college that does not suit you.