Is it easier to get into Smith or Bryn Mawr?

CMK92
Mon, 16 May 2011 04:43:55 +0000

My dear friend phanatic(above) brought my attention to this thread. I just thought that I would weigh in on the discussion.

As many posters have already mentioned, Bryn Mawr doesn’t offer music or art classes on its campus. They’re taken at Haverford. The bus ride between the two campuses isn’t at all an inconvenience. The buses generally run every 10 to 15 minutes during peak class hours. I have timed the ride myself for my CS class at HC. It took no more than 6 minutes. dharmagrlx, if you’re interested in joining Haverford’s orchestra, they meet every thursday in the evening. Although night rehearsals are at Haverford, you can obtain a key to Goodhart’s music room to practice.

I’m a political science and philosophy double major. I’ll admit, even the intro courses (depending on the professor) are challenging. Anything taught by Salkever, Elkins, or Allen is a worthwhile course. (Although, Salkever may be retiring soon.) Elkins is highly rated for his Philosophy of Law course which gives you a taste of the work that a first or second year law student would be doing. Salkever specializes in political philosophy. Don’t let the course listings fool you, his 200 level political philosophy course is much more demanding than the 300 level. Like Smith, political science is also a popular major at Bryn Mawr. Overall, the courses are varied. There’s something for everyone. If a course doesn’t interest you in Bryn Mawr’s poli sci department, then you can always take courses (or major in poli sci) at Haverford, Swarthmore, or Penn. I’ve yet to take courses at Swat or Penn, but I plan on taking Game Theory at Swat next spring. Some have described Haverford’s poli sci department as more “conservative” when compared to BM’s. While others don’t view it that way. My courses for the fall are: Evolution of the Jihadi Movement (HC), Mourning, Mercy & Forgiveness (HC), Philosophy of Law (BM), and The Politics of Humanitarianism (BM).

As for applying ED, I applied to Bryn Mawr ED II, and haven’t regret it yet. When Bryn Mawr had its admitted students weekend a few weeks back, many of the students there were choosing between Smith and Bryn Mawr. I can honestly say that it boils down to which college you like best. Where would you rather spend your four years of undergraduate study at? dharmagrlx, I think you should visit both institutions before casting your vote for either one of them. I personally would be more than happy to host you if ever you decide to visit Bryn Mawr.

Best of luck on the application process!

P.s. If you have any questions on Bryn Mawr’s political science department, music at Haverford, or anything related to Bryn Mawr in general, feel free to PM me.