<p>Unlike any other top LAC I can think of, Wesleyan offers masters and PhD degrees in mathematics, and a masters degree in computer science. My understanding is that the graduate degree programs offered at Wes are one of the main reasons to choose it over other top LACs. Although Wes offers graduate programs in a number of areas, there are only 200 graduate students (or so) overall, which means that undergrads are needed to assist profs with research. The ability to do meaningful research in math/compsci while an undergrad at Wes would certainly give a boost to one’s grad school application, I would imagine.</p>
<p>My daughter loves numbers and is considering doing a University Degree (self-designed major) at Wesleyan in “applied mathematics,” combining various math and compsci courses, while double-majoring in psych (with an emphasis in research/stats). Another of Wesleyan’s strengths is the open curriculum that allows students to create their own majors and pursue this kind of individualized course of study as an undergrad. This semester, her first at Wes, she’s taking multivariable calculus and is also auditing discrete mathematics (to see how well she likes more advanced proof-based math courses). She really likes both her math profs. It’s a pretty busy schedule, (5 units, plus an audited class), but she’s enjoying it. Next semester, she plans to take discrete math for credit and explore compsci a bit, and then make up her mind about the undergrad major in “applied math.”</p>
<p>Wes also offers a free fifth year of study leading to a masters degree in mathematics and/or compsci, I believe (if you qualify). My understanding is that it’s possible to graduate in three years, and then take this extra tuition-free subsequent year of grad school work at Wes. Doing so, one can actually graduate in four years with both a bachelors and a masters degree in math/compsci from a prestigious university, while most of the rest of your high school class is graduating with a bachelors degree, only.</p>
<p>I would contact the math/compsci departments, make some faculty connections, and ask a ton of questions. You may find that applying to Wesleyan is a wise move. Based on my daughter’s positive experience there, I think it’s well worth consideration, in your case. </p>
<p>Our daughter also got a very good financial aid package, which really helped.</p>