Tip of the Month – Mudd in a Poem

Each year, National Decision Day takes place on May 1st for students who applied during the regular decision admission cycle. If you are still trying to figure out which college is best for you, things might feel a little stressful. This month’s tip might not be exactly helpful for navigating the various decisions students must make at this time of the year, but we hope helps you get a sense of Mudd, in a creative way.  So today, we bring you the essentials of Mudd, distilled into the poetic format by Peter Osgood.

Harvey Mudd College – what’s that? I don’t know!

A response you might hear some places you go

But say that you want a Science PhD

And many concur, think HMC!

Harvey Mudd is the college I honor today

That offers a program unique in its way

For scholars and leaders in fields of STEM

And for welcoming women as often as men.

This is a place where science is fun

We work very hard then play in the sun

The access we offer is way out of reach 

Of most other STEM schools; it’s the way that we teach!

You must complete Core, 4 semesters of this

We strive to produce rounded scientists.

You’ll learn to write well and also to speak

Learn Math and Physics with symbols in Greek.

Articulate scientists, that’s what we seek.

There aren’t that many, it must be a clique!

First term is Pass/Fail; it is intense diverse study

So work in a team; find a smart buddy!

A variety of subjects await you in Core

It builds a foundation to let you do more.

Core has CS, Engineering, and Math

Then Physics, Chem & Bio to show you a path 

To a major that’s broad, flexible and deep

With plenty of research and labs and then sleep.

STEM subjects are king but far beyond those

Our students take humanities courses in droves. 

Social sciences too the arts and the letters

Puts science in context – that’s how you get better.

Use science to help meet society’s need

Technology with conscience – that’s what we heed! 

We gather for clubs with our neighborhood schools, 

Take classes together then swim in their pools.

Mudd is so small you’ll know all your peers. 

Your arrival on campus will draw many cheers

We welcome all geeks; you’ll be one of us

Then maybe you’ll join our fun science bus!

We speak of community (N+1) really means 

You’ll grow as a person and work best in teams

For those who like teamwork we may be the best

And Honor Code offers you take-home tests!

We’re geek Marines, leave no classmate behind

We fail to succeed, it’s a habit of mind 

To prepare for success later in life 

We’re making a human Swiss army knife.

Our teachers will know you – to them it’s a game 

To memorize faces and call you by name.

Faculty mentors are women and lads

With classes and research only for undergrads!

In labs and the workshops you’ll learn and get dirty.

We’re a great place for girls and boys who are nerdy.

Our research and projects others might want to mimic

But no one can quite do what we do in Clinic!

Companies like Amazon pay money each term

Then five of our students team up for each firm.

The students solve problems, do original work

The companies make job offers- it is quite a perq!

Through Clinic you become professionally well-heeled

You’ll leave having already practiced your field.

Grad schools will pay you to come to their school

Employers will hunt you – they’ll think that you’re cool!

It’s fun and hard work – you can’t be a dud.

There’s no place on earth quite like Harvey Mudd!

Innovators and leaders in science we raise.

Harvey Mudd College – the name should be praised!