Haverford College: An NM Squad Review

Located northwest of Philadelphia, Haverford College is easily accessible by train or car, boasting a 400-acre campus with academic buildings, dorms, nature trails, an arboretum, and sports fields. The humid continental climate brings cold winters and mild summers, with rainfall year-round. Despite its suburban setting, Haverford fosters a close-knit community, often referred to as the "Haverbubble," where students tend to stay within campus boundaries. The closest major airport is Philadelphia International Airport, just a 20-30 minute journey from Haverford, offering various routes to India via London, Doha, Germany, or Paris.

Admissions

In 2023, Haverford College received 6,391 applications, admitting 825 students, equating to a 12.90% acceptance rate, with 373 enrolled students, including 42 from Pennsylvania, 272 domestic non-residents, and 57 international students. Among its 1,300-1,400 students, approximately 15% are international, primarily Chinese, with only 4 Indian students in the class of 2024, representing 5% of the campus population, fostering diverse interactions. International students encounter intense competition for scholarships because of the limited availability of aid. Despite Haverford meeting 100% of the demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, it mandates the completion of the CSS Profile for need-based financial aid applications.

Academics

Haverford College operates on a rigorous semester system, renowned for its Mathematics program ranking #15 nationally. Collaboration is encouraged among students, particularly in Mathematics and Physics, while Biology and Chemistry students benefit from access to numerous on-campus labs crucial for pre-medical studies. The college requires undergraduates to complete 32 credits, spanning Humanities, Social Sciences, and STEM fields, with a mandatory thesis requirement fostering valuable skills for graduate school and beyond.

Haverford provides a diverse array of majors, with top choices including Chemistry, Political Science and Government, Economics, Information Science, Mathematics, Biology, Psychology, English, Physics, and Anthropology. Conversely, less popular options encompass Foods, Nutrition, and Wellness Studies, Archaeology, Art History, Cognitive Science, Creative Writing, Foreign Languages and Literatures, Italian Language and Literature, Russian and Eastern European Languages and Literature, Women's Studies, and Research and Experimental Psychology. Notably, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are among the most competitive majors to secure admission.

Amidst academic pursuits, Haverford maintains flexibility, allowing students to declare majors by the end of their sophomore year, though technical majors may present challenges, especially within less flexible departments like Biology. Upholding academic integrity, Haverford values an Honor Code reflected in unsupervised exams and take-home tests, enforced by the Honor Council to prepare students for integrity-focused environments like graduate school. The college's liberal alcohol policy promotes responsible on-campus consumption, with students expected to adhere to social Honor Code guidelines. With its commitment to personalized learning and strong student-professor interactions, Haverford boasts small class sizes.

Culture

Haverford fosters a collaborative community where every individual's uniqueness is valued, reflecting the Quaker tradition. The small campus promotes quick friendships and a welcoming atmosphere. With over 145 student organizations, Haverford offers diverse engagement opportunities in academics, culture, and research, facilitating unity and impact. Haverford's 23 varsity teams, including the sole US cricket team, excel in NCAA Division III, providing athletic opportunities for all genders. While not a party school, Haverford hosts weekend events within its permissive alcohol policy, balancing social life with academic focus.

Haverford College's communal dining center and libraries like Magill, Marian E. Koshland, and Music Library create popular hangout spots. Students also frequent The Coop café and Ripplewood Whiskey & Craft bar for food and drinks. Annual traditions like Pinwheel Day at Haverford celebrate spring with vibrant pinwheels on Founders Green, while Haverfest offers students a day of music, activities, and food before the academic year ends. Haverford College ensures campus safety with 24/7 patrolling and comprehensive services, including assistance for students in distress or emergencies, responding to various situations like fire alarms, medical issues, and maintenance, with a focus on student well-being. First-year students reside in various Residence Halls, fostering a strong campus community with 98% of students living on campus.

Career

Haverford has the Center for Career and Professional Advising. It organizes career fairs and offers the Whitehead Internship Program, targeting internships with alumni and partners. The Center for Peace and Global Citizenship (CPGC) provides internships, fellowships, courses, speakers, and financial support for community-engaged learning, fostering global citizenship. Further, Haverford uses Handshake for job searches. International students may face preference challenges in sectors like Tech, Consulting, and Finance but still secure positions in top companies due to the strong alumni network. Yet, the college aims to attract more top companies despite its small size.

Pros & Cons

According to a former student, Haverford College features approachable professors, proximate to Philadelphia for varied experiences. Supported by a strong alumni network, students receive ample assistance. The college emphasizes research, critical thinking, and skill development, preparing students for graduate school and beyond. Collaboration with Bryn Mawr enhances resources and funding opportunities.

A former student shared that the close-knit community fosters strong connections but can feel claustrophobic. The Career Advising Center struggles with recruitment, especially for international students. Computer Science is less popular due to its underdevelopment. Vegetarian students face limited dining options.