Haverford College
Haverford, PA, USA

Reviews

Haverford College

female from MN

a current student here
22 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Haverford is a fantastic academic environment. In my experience, professors really care about their subject and their students. Overall, they are incredibly approachable and always interested in helping you learn and eager to discuss issues that are of further interest and tangentially related to classroom work. Professors will work you hard, but the work is meaningful, productive and worthwhile. Busywork is very minimal if not absent. As a sophomore, I've already been to three professors' houses for dinner. Classes are small, allowing for involved student-professor and student-student interaction. Students themselves are thoughtful, generally interested in learning and care about their subjects. Haverford is a liberal arts college, and discussions in the classroom frequently involve related subjects and connections made to other classes. It's definitely an intellectual community: I am constantly aware that I'm surrounded by incredibly intelligent human beings and I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn from all of them, whether their lessons be academic or social.
Am enjoying being here
Haverford prides itself on its Honor Code, a unique student-written and student-enforced living document which covers both academic and social concerns. The Honor Code is logistically useful, as it allows students to take self-scheduled exams and it also creates a general atmosphere of student/administrative/faculty trust. The Code stresses personal involvement and responsibility, and the community takes it to heart. Rules at Haverford are minimal and make sense. Interactions are friendly. Haverford is an incredibly unique community where the average person has a great deal of common sense, is trustworthy, and takes time to listen and discuss concerns. All of this translates to the social environment: students know how to have fun, but are responsible and understanding of others' concerns. Issues on campus definitely carry the feeling of we're all in this together. We have a very strong ethos of student self-government, and the student body comes together once a semester at Plenary to present and vote on resolutions. These, and other forms of student input are actually taken very seriously by the administration. Haverford students are aware they live in the Haverbubble but generally enjoy it. There's a stereotype that the kids who come here are nerdy and socially awkward, but this characteristic is manifested in an endearing manner, and the vast, vast majority of Haverford students are lovely, thoughtful, respectful, and intelligent human beings. Of course, every school has its problems, but in the grand scheme of things, Haverford functions pretty well. It's a pretty good example of a real, cohesive community.
Bang for the buck
Haverford is expensive, with tuition upwards of $50,000 a year. If you're not on financial aid, it can be brutal. However, Haverford has (relatively) fantastic financial aid: many students say that their financial aid package from Haverford was by far the best of their offers. If you're looking for an intellectual, socially responsible, and laid-back community, I'm convinced that Haverford is one of the best out there. By virtue of its uniqueness, I think the price is very worth it.
Tips for prospective students
Read the Honor Code (http://students.haverford.edu/code/). If it's interesting and appealing to you, that's fantastic. If it's not, Haverford is probably not the best fit. The community is structured around the Code, and while you don't have to agree with it, it will pervade most aspects of your life here. That being said, Haverford is not the kind of school that looks for everyone to obey and accept the standard: we value discussion, constructive criticism, changes. The Code is a living document, re-ratified by the student body every year. Past that, be genuine. Haverford students are interesting, and admissions prizes personality, thoughtfulness, character over GPA and numerical measures of excellence.
Great for these types of students
The average Haverford student is thoughtful, intelligent, modest, ambitious, laid-back, sincere, responsible, friendly, and somewhat socially awkward. Haverford is diverse on paper, but the Honor Code definitely attracts a fairly ideologically homogeneous student body. That being said, people still have plenty of opinions and talk about them.

Mike from NJ

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Forbes has ranked Haverfrod College 7th among Liberal Arts colleges and 11th overall for all colleges and universities. Without question you will receive an outstanding education with unsurpassed personal attention. Solely an undergrad school,classes are small and are taught by highly qualified professors who will know you by name.
Haverford has an extremely high rate of student acceptances to the top grad schools.
4 year graduation rate is 91%, which among the top in the nation.
Tips for prospective students
Be prepared to work hard and see the rewards.Very friendly student body.
Academic Rigor
Equal to ivy schools.
Dorm Life
Most can have singles if you wish. Nice, good size but not fantastic.
Food and Dining
Good quality, all you can eat meal plan, Feels like home.
What to do for fun
Always something to do. Activities are broad ranged and you will have no problem finding things to do...provided you have time.
Bang for the buck
Very expensive but worth every dollar.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
First week freshman Customs will bring you all together and make the transition to college fun and easy.
Great for these types of students
Smart, unassuming and friendly.
Clubs and Activities
Too numerous to list. You will find it easy to find more than one activity.
Greek Life
None
Campus Safety
Beautiful and safe campus.

K-dog

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Haverford College is a community of extremely caring and concerned people. One of the many aspects of the college that stands out is the our Honor Code; the Code is representative of the standard of trust and respect shared in the community and is seen in action when students feel comfortable leaving their doors unlocked and belongings unwatched, knowing that none of the community will take anything. But even more importantly, it also allows for students to take proctored exams because the professors know that students will respect the rules and not cheat.
Tips for prospective students
Have fun! I'm sure many people (mainly parents, teachers, other adults) will tell you to manage your time wisely, which is very important, but also don't forget to absorb as much as you can in your four years here. Don't be afraid to reach out to others socially or for help and remember that if you are ever bored, you're just not paying attention to the plethora of activities that are happening on this campus.
Academic Rigor
It takes a lot of effort to succeed in the classes here, but I have never felt that the work I've been assigned is outrageous or pointless. There are so many opportunities to get help on campus as well. Professors will always have office hours and there are many tutoring options as well.
Dorm Life
The dorms are more spacious than many other dorms on other campuses. Also, most of them are singles--it is quite possible to graduate from Haverford having never had a roommate.
Food and Dining
Taste-wise, the food could be better, but there are always many options. Also, if you get tired of Haverford food, your meal plan allows you to go to Bryn Mawr and get amazing food.
What to do for fun
Literally anything. There are always events going on and if there is something you feel that is missing, it is easy to get funding from the school to put on an event.
Bang for the buck
Haverford is clearly quite expensive, but I've seen many articles about how much alums earn after graduation (Haverford is ranked at the top for mid-career salary). I haven't graduated yet, so we'll see how that goes, employers that know about Haverford know that it is an awesome school, so that is always nice.
Article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2014/09/11/where-to-go-to-college-if-you-want-the-highest-starting-salary/
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
If you like art, go to James House. You can paint on the walls and use the provided art supplies.
Great for these types of students
People that don't cheat and don't steal.
Clubs and Activities
A haiku about clubs and activities at Haverford:
So much to do here
I wish I could do it all
But I'm just a girl
Greek Life
Non-existent.
Campus Safety
Like many schools, there is an emergency blue light system (wherever you see a blue light, you can push a button and help will come to you promptly), but also our Campus Safety Officials are awesome and are always around to help out. Even if you are off campus, if you call them, they will pick you up. Also, on weekend nights there students that drive golf carts and will pick up people that need help/don't feel like walking home at night.

Kayla from Bronx, NY

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Haverford is has an amazing, creative, insightful atmosphere that contributes to the success of all of its students. Its honor code is not strict-despite the opinions of others, in fact it is open to the ideas and issues that its students bring up and these issues are voted upon twice a year.
Tips for prospective students
I recommend that every person out there apply to Haverford. The people are awkward, yet friendly and unique. It is a great liberal arts college that allows you to explore yourself with the support of teachers and faculty. It is here that you can tackle anything while still being entertained and enlightened.
Academic Rigor
The classes are rigorous but rewarding. However, there is so much help out there for you. The teachers are willing to extend there office hours to meet with you are just to catch up on things with you. Due to the honor code, you academic honesty relies upon yourself and effects the community as a whole.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is amazing. Each dorm building has a unique quality and theme. The people that reside in each of these building are a perfect fit for each building. They dorms are not too small, but not too large. Everyone looks out for each other on their hall and it is truly a family environment.
Food and Dining
Although we have one dining hall, the food is not too shabby. The deserts are really good, however the food can get boring and dull sometimes. But it is up to each individual to switch it up a bit and explore new varieties of meals that they would have never though about trying.
What to do for fun
Join clubs! There are so many awesome clubs on campus ranging from athletic clubs to outdoor clubs to movie watching clubs. People can also go out into the city for some great restaurants or do community service. There are definitely many parties on the weekends on and off campus.
Bang for the buck
The admissions department is absolutely generous with your financial aid package!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Screw Date is funny tradition in which you get paired up with someone for a date, and you get to embarrass yourself on stage by saying funny or sexual pick up lines!
Great for these types of students
It is great for all types of students ranging from jocks to nerds to hipsters, and anyone in between :)
Campus Safety
They are so nice and friendly and they care about everyone. They are always on the lookout for our safety and I feel like they are part of my family.

Jasmin from Brooklyn, NY

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
A close-knit space where people of liberal tendencies really get to know one another. The faulty is superb and dedicated, and people generally look out for each other. The general air of people on campus is surprisingly reserved and polite.
Tips for prospective students
Be sure to visit the school often in order to ensure that its atmosphere and location best suits you.
Academic Rigor
I find the work here challenging for most classes and a lot of care should be taken when choosing classes in certain departments.
Dorm Life
I loved my freshman dorm. It feels more like living with relatives than like living with people who were once total strangers.
Food and Dining
Although people always complain about the food, it's really not bad. There are plenty of choices/options on most days. However, it's not your mother's cooking.
What to do for fun
There are always student bands, improv shows, visiting artists, plays, and of course, parties to go to on the weekends. All of these choices don't exist every weekend, but for a small campus, I've found that I've never had the time to do all of the things I wanted to on the weekend. And of course other college campuses are very close by. And then there's Philly.
Bang for the buck
At Haverford, you're mainly paying for the one on one attention, resources, and networking capabilities. There's no way to tell how the extra money I'm spending will help me later on, but I know that this community is more than supportive enough to help me be successful.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
An unofficial requirement on campus is to go tunneling, which is to say to travel through the underground maze of tunnels. No one's very sure why they are there, but I suspect that it is a quaker thing.
Great for these types of students
People interested in liberal arts and sciences. A lot of students here pursue premed studies and psychology. Haverford people are also conscientious, intelligent, and modest.
Clubs and Activities
There are entirely too many things to do here on campus and plenty of leadership opportunities in clubs and other activities.
Greek Life
There are none, however, the sports teams act as small hubs of intense group bonding on campus. Other groups, such as affinity groups, can mirror the Greek feel as well.
Campus Safety
Unbelievable. I love how secure the campus is. The Safety and Security officers on campus are always vigilant, but the real key are the people on campus because everyone can more or less recognize each other and are quick to identify threats. Not that there are very many.

Sofie from the U.S.

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Haverford College is giving me the well rounded education that I was looking for when first applying to colleges. To me, the most notable aspects about Haverford are the small class sizes that create a more intimate learning environment and the more than generous financial aid that is offered to its students.
Tips for prospective students
Haverford College is a place for those who are looking for a smaller school where professors give students the attention and help they desire.
Academic Rigor
Many of the courses are extremely challenging, but I believe that they are not overwhelming or too stressful.
Dorm Life
The dorms themselves aren't as wonderful and luxurious as on other campuses, but living in the dorms is a wonderful experience overall.
Food and Dining
The food is fine, but it gets tiring after a while.
What to do for fun
FAB events, dances held in Founders Hall, Lunt concerts
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Our campus has an observatory, which I think is extremely cool.

I think a really fun tradition at Haverford is the Customs Week program that is meant to welcome incoming freshmen in the fall.
Great for these types of students
Haverford is a great school for students looking for a smaller liberal arts school with small class sizes.
Campus Safety
'Safety and Security' is a wonderful part of the Haverford community because they are really there to look after its students.