Nestled in Claremont, California, the tiny liberal arts school, Harvey Mudd College, is one of the U.S.A’s most exclusive and elite institutions of higher education. It is, however, part of the Claremont Colleges system, sharing resources with the other highly-ranked colleges in the area, and giving students opportunities usually absent in such a small college. While the college focuses on mathematics and the biological & physical sciences, it also offers a Humanities & Arts division where students can take courses to ensure a broader education.
Academically, standards are exceptionally high. Average SAT scores and high-school achievements rival those of the Ivies, and Harvey Mudd College was anointed one of the “new Ivies” in 2006 by Kaplan.
Students complete a Common Core curriculum—nearly 2 years of “boot camp” work in math, engineering, computer science, and the sciences—before choosing a major. As a result, Harvey Mudd students are well prepared for graduate school as well as the workplace. Evidence of this is in the fact that, for a long time, Harvey Mudd boasted the highest percentage of graduates earning Ph.D.’s, while simultaneously providing its students with America’s highest average salary upon leaving.
In their junior and senior years, students often participate in the highly regarded Clinic program. Students conduct supervised and team projects especially for major industrial leaders, garnering high-level research and professional training while still in college. Since 2005, this program has expanded around the world, giving students unparalleled access to major companies early in their career.