<p>So far my daughter was looking in universities where Ph.D. is offered. Recently one college counsilor mentioned about Harvey Mudd, Rose-Hulman, etc where Ph.D. is not offered. Is it worth applying such colleges? She has 3.82 unweighted GPA, 2100-2200 SAT 1, ACT 32/34.</p>
<p>Absolutely yes. Some of the best educational experiences available can be found at these colleges. </p>
<p>You'll find people debating over whether an undergraduate college can offer research experiences that match what's available at a research university, but I think in many ways they can offer a superior pedagogical experience for most because they are focused on the undergraduates and their resources are exclusively for the use of the undergraduates (Ultimately, the best situation for a given student is going to depend on the particulars of that student; like everything else in the college world, it's all about fit).</p>
<p>In any case, a disproportionate number of students from undergraduate colleges go on to earn Ph.D.s (last I saw, Harvey Mudd is second only to Caltech among all colleges and universities in the number of students who get their Ph.D.s) so attendance at a good undergraduate college is clearly not seen as a detriment by graduate school gatekeepers.</p>
<p>Both Harvey Mudd and Rose-Hulman are math/science/technology schools; does the fact that her college counselor mentioned those schools mean your daughter is leaning (or sprinting?) in that direction? If she is clearly heading the math/sci route, then I'd think her first decision point would be whether she'd like to attend a math/science oriented school like Caltech, MIT, HMC, Rose-Hulman etc. vs. a school with a broader curriculum that nevertheless has a strong science program (e.g. the Ivies, many of the excellent large state universities, etc). After that, I'd expect things like size and location would come into play long before the issue of whether or not the school has a graduate program. Of course, again, this whole process is about fit, so HMMV...</p>
<p>Full disclosure: I got my BS from Harvey Mudd, and then attended a large research universities for my Ph.D. and postdoc, and then was a professor at a large university before I moved out of academia; my opinions are based on my experiences. Please feel free to pm me if you have additional questions or just wish to chat further.</p>
<p>Not sure if your daughter is looking to actually get her PhD but some schools without those program produce intellectually active seekers. REED</a> COLLEGE PHD PRODUCTIVITY</p>
<p>Wesleyan has Ph.D programs in bio, chem, mbbc, physics, math and musicology, although I agree with what others have posted, that you can get an excellent education at places w/o the Ph.D.</p>