harvey mudd supplemental essays examples

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How to Respond to the 2023/2024 Harvey Mudd Supplemental Essay Prompts

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Harvey Mudd College is a small college located in Claremont, California. While they are a premier engineering, science, and mathematics college, they actually consider themselves a liberal arts school. They believe that science, math, and engineering should not be separate endeavors from arts and humanities. The school is highly competitive, so any applicants should be sure to submit the best Harvey Mudd supplemental essays they can. Let’s break down how you can turn each prompt into a stellar essay!

Before you apply

It’s always a good idea to do some research about a school before you apply. Before you start on the Harvey Mudd supplemental essays, try reading about their history and values. Harvey Mudd’s mission is to raise up future leaders in science, engineering, and mathematics who truly understand the impact of their work. It is their emphasis on studying the humanities alongside science that sets HMC apart from other top STEM colleges.

Harvey Mudd is looking for students who take initiative with more than just their studies. They want to see that students are exploring the world around them through non-scientific avenues, in order to create well-rounded, full views of humanity. If you’re unfamiliar with the history of Harvey Mudd College , take some time before answering their application prompts to familiarize yourself with their mission and vision.  

“Scientific research is a human endeavor. The choices of topics that we research are based on our biases, our beliefs, and what we bring: our cultures and our families. The kinds of problems that people put their talents to solving depends on their values.” – Dr. Clifton Poodry HMC’s collaborative community is guided by our mission statement. Through an intentional interdisciplinary curriculum our students seek to build a skillset adaptable to society’s needs. How has your own background influenced the types of problems you want to solve, the people you want to work with, and the impact you hope your work can have? (500 words or less)

Perhaps this question does not excite you at first, as there’s a quote and three questions all in one. However, while there are multiple parts to respond to, they are not so complicated. So, let’s take it part by part and break it down!

First, let’s look at the quote that is shared. To understand why this quote is being used, you should first understand what Harvey Mudd stands for as a college. If you want more context about the quote, take a few minutes to research the speaker. Time to answer some questions! Let’s rewrite their question to make it a little clearer. 

Think about the following questions

• How has your background influenced the types of problems you want to solve?
• How has your background influenced the people you want to work with?
• How has your background influenced the impact you hope your work can have?

The main thing you should be thinking about is what your influences and background have been. This is the base for every question they ask. This essay really wants to know about you and your past! So, don’t skip over this part by just talking about your future as there are a plethora of things outside of academics that influence who you are. 

Consider your background

• What type of area did you grow up in?
• What does your family demographic look like?
• Where did you attend elementary, middle, and high school?
• Have you worked or participated in any internships?
• Have you traveled around the US or the world?

These are not all questions you need to answer, but one or two of these areas may have had a substantial impact on who you are. You can also think about some of the areas highlighted below. Are there any that you have given a significant amount of time to or that you’re particularly passionate about? 

Look for inspiration in:

• Sports, music, technology, writing, literature
• Jobs, internships
• People who inspire you (whether you know them personally or not)
• Other personal interest

This prompt gives you 500 words to answer in, which is a decent amount for a college application. Take your time to talk about topics that are meaningful to you. You don’t have to use all 500 words you’re allotted. However, if a college is giving you space to share who you are, you should always try to take full advantage of that opportunity! 

Many students choose Harvey Mudd because they don’t want to give up their interests in the Humanities, Social Sciences and the Arts – or HSA as we call it at HMC. Briefly (in 100 words or less) describe what you’d like to learn about in your dream HSA class. Your class can either be one chosen from existing classes at HMC, or you are welcome to create your own. (100 words or less)

If you still don’t know by now, Harvey Mudd is all about exploring the intersection of science and humanities. A humanities course can be about religion, history, philosophy, literature, performing arts, and more. This question is not asking you to pick a class from their catalog. They’re asking you what topic you would like to study. This could be anything! You get to be creative here!

This prompt gives you a hundred words or less to answer. So, your response needs to be concise and have a clear answer. Write out a short list of your interests and try to see where those interests intersect with each other. 

If you’re struggling to come up with class ideas, try not to research examples. Try asking friends and family what they might want to study. This question isn’t meant to be difficult, so don’t over- complicate it. Have fun, and know that HMC wants to learn more about you. And who knows, maybe one day your idea will become a real course that they offer!

Additional resources

Once you’ve finished your Harvey Mudd supplemental essays, give yourself a pat on the back. But remember, supplemental essays are just one part of the college application process. Although there is still more to do, we are here to help you through it.

If you are wondering whether or not to send your SAT/ACT scores , we can help you decide. Don’t forget to check out our other resources that might help with the college application process, such as how many colleges to apply to and how to find safety, reach, and match schools . 

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Harvey Mudd College (HMC) Supplemental Essays Guide: 2021-2022

Not sure how to approach the “Why Harvey Mudd” essay and other Harvey Mudd essay prompts? With advice from a trained Admissions Expert, CollegeAdvisor.com’s guide to the Harvey Mudd supplement can help improve your chances against the low Harvey Mudd acceptance rate. If you need help with your Harvey Mudd supplement essays, sign up for your free account or call (844) 343-6272 to schedule your free consultation today.

What is Harvey Mudd College ranked?

The overall Harvey Mudd college ranking among national liberal arts colleges is 28, according to U.S. News . Harvey Mudd specializes in engineering—the Harvey Mudd college ranking is #2 in engineering among schools that do not offer a doctorate. Harvey Mudd is also one of the most innovative schools in the country. The Harvey Mudd college ranking is #6 in this category.

What is Harvey Mudd College’s acceptance rate?

In 2020, the Harvey Mudd acceptance rate was 18% , placing it in the “more selective” category. The average Harvey Mudd SAT score is 1490-1570, and the average ACT score was 34-35. Because the Harvey Mudd acceptance rate is so low, the Harvey Mudd supplement is a great chance to stand out. So, if your test scores or GPA are at or below this average, don’t worry—a strong Harvey Mudd supplement can boost your chances at admission. For details about the school beyond the Harvey Mudd college ranking or the Harvey Mudd acceptance rate, check out the Common Data Set from this year’s incoming class.

Since the Harvey Mudd acceptance rate is so low, the admissions committee wants to ensure the students they admit genuinely want to attend Harvey Mudd. They use the Harvey Mudd supplement to assess how much investment a student has in the school. This is known as Demonstrated Interest (DI). The more interest you show, the more likely it is that Harvey Mudd College will accept you. So, be sure to explain why you would be a great fit for Harvey Mudd and how the school can help you succeed.

The Harvey Mudd application and the Harvey Mudd supplement evaluate students holistically. They assess a student’s character, writing skills, and overall fit for the school. Because the Harvey Mudd college ranking is so high, there is a lot of competition. So, you should do all you can to stand out. 

Does Harvey Mudd College have any supplemental essays?

Like many schools with similar acceptance rates to the Harvey Mudd acceptance rate, Harvey Mudd has supplemental essays. The Harvey Mudd supplement has two required Harvey Mudd essay prompts. The first one is a longer “Why Harvey Mudd essay,” which asks students why they want to attend Harvey Mudd. The second of the Harvey Mudd essay prompts asks students to describe their ideal college class in the humanities, arts, or social sciences. 

The first of the Harvey Mudd essay prompts is a classic “Why Us” essay. Schools use these prompts to assess why a student thinks the college will be a good fit for them. A good response will show knowledge about Harvey Mudd and explain how the writer will take advantage of the resources that Harvey Mudd provides.

The second of the Harvey Mudd essay prompts is more creative. This prompt asks students to look beyond the Harvey Mudd college ranking and Harvey Mudd acceptance rate at what they would like to learn in their ideal college class. As a liberal arts school, Harvey Mudd emphasizes academic diversity through its rigorous humanities curriculum. A strong response highlights the writer’s academic interests and shows careful self-reflection.

The Harvey Mudd supplement takes time and care, so we recommend starting your Harvey Mudd supplement well before the application deadline. Below, we’ll look at both of the Harvey Mudd essay prompts in greater detail. Let’s begin with the “Why Harvey Mudd essay.”

How do I write a Harvey Mudd College essay?

Prompt 1: why harvey mudd essay.

Writing the Harvey Mudd supplement starts with looking at the Harvey Mudd essay prompts to see what each of them asks for. Remember that you will write two Harvey Mudd essays in order to complete the Harvey Mudd supplement. Let’s look at the first prompt:

What influenced you to apply to Harvey Mudd College? What about the HMC curriculum and community appeals to you? (500 words max.)

Before starting to write your “why Harvey Mudd essay,” reflect on the reasons why Harvey Mudd made your list in the first place. Even if Harvey Mudd is not your first choice school, the fact that you are applying means that there are qualities about the school that appeal to you. Take some time to list a few of those qualities. 

Once you have a list of ideas for the why Harvey Mudd essay, narrow it down to the most important subjects. These represent your core reasons for applying to Harvey Mudd. Think about the features that separate Harvey Mudd from similar liberal arts schools on your list. Ideally, you should focus on 2-4 key concepts instead of trying to cover every detail. This will give your essay more depth.

Showcase your knowledge

The most effective why Harvey Mudd essay will showcase your knowledge of the school and its programs. The admissions team wants to see that you are invested in Harvey Mudd and have done your research. Your why Harvey Mudd essay should include specific details about the school that interest you. There are many ways to find this information. These might include visiting the school website , taking a campus tour , or reaching out to a current student or staff member.

As you research, think about what aspects of campus life you would like to take advantage of. Then, tailor your searches accordingly. For example, if you know you want to study English, look at the department website to see what courses match your passions. If you are interested in the outdoors, check out the student organizations and see which ones engage in those activities. The more you can reference specific names (whether courses, professors, or organizations), the more interested you will appear to the admissions team.

In your Harvey Mudd supplement, avoid vague statements or extra information that does not relate to your personal interests. For example, many applicants may wish to cite the California climate in their “why Harvey Mudd essay.” However, there are many other colleges in areas with nice weather. So, this reason does not explain why you chose Harvey Mudd over other options. With this in mind, make sure your reasoning reflects your specific interests. Focus on what Harvey Mudd offers that you can’t get at other schools. 

Begin writing

Once you have listed your reasons for applying, you are ready to start writing your “why Harvey Mudd” essay. As you do, try to include stories that describe how you have connected with the school. For example, if you attended an admissions session or took a tour where you had a memorable experience, write about it here! Including these details in your why Harvey Mudd essay lets the admissions team know that you have taken the time to experience life on campus. This shows them that you understand what it means to be a student at Harvey Mudd.

Another strategy for tackling the “Why Harvey Mudd” essay is to imagine yourself as a student and describe how you might get involved on campus. The admissions committee wants to admit students who care deeply about their interests and will pursue them at Harvey Mudd. For example, don’t be afraid to declare your interest in an engineering major (if that is your genuine desire) and then explain how you would like to do research with a specific professor in that department. The more specific and clear you can be about your goals, the better your essay will be.

“Why Harvey Mudd” Essay Prompt – Key Questions:

• Does this why Harvey Mudd essay show evidence of research?
• In your why Harvey Mudd essay, do you explain the specific reasons you want to attend the school beyond just the high Harvey Mudd college ranking?
• Does this why Harvey Mudd essay identify why you would be a good fit for the school despite the low Harvey Mudd acceptance rate?
• Does this why Harvey Mudd essay show how you would enrich campus life?

Prompt 2: Harvey Mudd Supplement Essay

The second Harvey Mudd essay is much shorter. However, it still requires care and focus. This second of the Harvey Mudd essay prompts reads:

Many students choose HMC because they don’t want to give up their interests in the Humanities, Social Sciences and the Arts – or HSA as we call it at HMC. Briefly describe what you’d like to learn about in your dream HSA class. (100 words max)

In order to answer this question, you need to have an idea of what your academic interests are! Think about your favorite subjects at school and brainstorm a broad list of topics. Then, try to narrow down to more specific areas within your chosen subjects. Finally, keep in mind that this question specifically asks about the humanities, social sciences, and arts. Take a look at what these fields mean at Harvey Mudd. This will help you discuss your interests more clearly and align them with Harvey Mudd’s programs.

Be specific

As with the previous Harvey Mudd essay prompts, it helps to be as specific as you can when talking about your academic passions. Instead of saying you would want to learn American History, talk about a specific figure or time period you want to study. We encourage bringing two or more subjects together, so don’t feel like you have to stay within one field!

You do not have many words to write this Harvey Mudd essay, so get straight to the point. Use the first few sentences to describe what topics your class would include. Then, talk about why those subjects pique your interest. Your Harvey Mudd supplement should help the admissions team understand your background, so make sure to provide context for your interests.

Finally, don’t be afraid to let your passion show in your writing. This Harvey Mudd essay prompt helps the admissions committee see your enthusiasm for learning. Students who show clear interest in their classes are not only more likely to be accepted but also more likely to enjoy their college experience. 

Harvey Mudd Essay Prompts – Key Questions:

• Does this Harvey Mudd essay focus on specific themes, not just general subjects?
• Does this Harvey Mudd essay show understanding of the Humanities and what they value?
• In your Harvey Mudd essay, do you show your passion for learning?
• Does this Harvey Mudd essay explain why you are interested in the topics you chose?

Harvey Mudd Essay Prompts – Final Thoughts:

Because the Harvey Mudd acceptance rate is so low, make sure your Harvey Mudd supplement stands out. The Harvey Mudd essay prompts give you the chance to show your creativity, academic passion, and interest in attending the school. The Harvey Mudd college ranking is high, which means many applicants are drawn to apply. But don’t let the pressure of the Harvey Mudd acceptance rate discourage you. A standout Harvey Mudd supplement can significantly increase your chances of acceptance.

Preparation and reflection are key to answering the Harvey Mudd essay prompts in the most effective way possible. So, think about what you want from your college experience and why Harvey Mudd is the place for you. And don’t hesitate to get a friend or mentor to help revise your essay. Sometimes a second pair of eyes helps you see improvements that you may have missed.

This guide was written by Alex Baggott-Rowe , Davidson ’16. For more CollegeAdvisor.com resources on essay writing and the Harvey Mudd essay prompts, click here . Want help crafting your Harvey Mudd supplement? Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

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Home — Application Essay — Law School — Harmony in Law: Harvey Mudd Supplemental

Harmony in Law: Harvey Mudd Supplemental

About this sample

Words: 553 |

Published: Jan 26, 2024

Words: 553 | Pages: 1 | 3 min read

Table of contents

Navigating legal frontiers: a personal odyssey, the intersection of law and social impact, fitting into the harvey mudd law school tapestry.

In the labyrinth of legal complexities, I find my purpose illuminated by a passion for justice and a commitment to intellectual rigor. The Harvey Mudd Law School supplemental essay example serves as a canvas for me to articulate not just my aspirations, but also the unique journey that propels me toward a career in law. As I delve into my experiences, convictions, and eagerness to contribute to the legal realm, this essay is a testament to my readiness for the challenges and intellectual growth that Harvey Mudd Law School promises.

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My journey into the realm of law began with a profound realization during my undergraduate years. Faced with a moral and legal dilemma within a community project, I assumed a leadership role to navigate the complexities. This experience compelled me to analyze the situation, devise ethical solutions, and ultimately advocate for justice. It was in this crucible that my passion for law crystallized, and my resolve to pursue it as a vocation was born.

The Harvey Mudd Law School supplemental essay example is a fitting platform to showcase my role in this experience, emphasizing not only my analytical skills but also my unwavering commitment to ethical principles and the pursuit of justice.

My journey in law is marked by a dedication to the intersection of legal expertise and social impact. Engaging in pro bono work and legal advocacy, I have witnessed the transformative power of the law in addressing societal challenges. This passion is not confined to the classroom; it has permeated my extracurricular activities, research projects, and even my personal pursuits.

The Harvey Mudd Law School's commitment to preparing legal professionals who understand the social implications of their work resonates deeply with my philosophy. Through the supplemental essay example, I aim to convey not just my academic prowess but also my fervor for utilizing legal knowledge as a catalyst for positive change.

Researching Harvey Mudd Law School, I am captivated by its commitment to fostering a diverse and intellectually vibrant community. My experiences working with diverse teams, engaging in collaborative research, and advocating for inclusivity align seamlessly with the values upheld by the institution. The supplemental essay provides a canvas to articulate not only my alignment with these values but also my eagerness to contribute to the rich tapestry of perspectives at Harvey Mudd Law School.

Furthermore, the emphasis on experiential learning and practical application of legal theories at Harvey Mudd aligns perfectly with my belief in the importance of hands-on experience in legal education. Through the essay, I aim to express my enthusiasm for participating in the school's unique programs and clinics, where theory meets practice in the most impactful way.

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In conclusion, the Harvey Mudd Law School supplemental essay example encapsulates my journey, values, and aspirations in the legal field. It serves as a testament to my commitment to justice, my understanding of the social impact of law, and my eagerness to contribute to the diverse and dynamic community at Harvey Mudd. I am not just seeking an education; I am seeking an environment that fosters intellectual growth, challenges preconceptions, and prepares me to be an ethical and impactful legal professional. Thank you for considering my application.

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First-Year Applicants

Required materials.

• Common Application
• School Report submitted by your counselor.
• Counselor Recommendation (when available).
• Teacher Recommendation from a math or science teacher.
• Teacher Recommendation from a humanities, social sciences or arts teacher.
• If you use Parchment to order your high school transcript(s), be sure to choose “Harvey Mudd College – Admission” as your selection.
• If you use Parchment to order your college transcript(s), be sure to choose “Harvey Mudd College – Admission” as your selection.

A personal essay is required within the application.

$70 Application Fee or Fee Waiver

Fee waivers are available to those who demonstrate financial need. Request a fee waiver through the Common Application. The application platform may ask your counselor to complete a fee waiver form to affirm your request. We also honor fee waivers from the ACT, College Board, and NACAC.

Required Additional Writing

An additional essay and short answer response are required.

• Harvey Mudd College seeks to educate engineers, scientists, and mathematicians well versed in all of these areas and in the humanities, social sciences and the arts so that they may assume leadership in their fields with a clear understanding of the impact of their work on society. – HMC Mission Statement. “Scientific research is a human endeavor. The choices of topics that we research are based on our biases, our beliefs, and what we bring: our cultures and our families. The kinds of problems that people put their talents to solving depends on their values.” – Dr. Clifton Poodry HMC’s collaborative community is guided by our mission statement. Through an intentional interdisciplinary curriculum, our students seek to build a skillset adaptable to society’s needs. How has your own background influenced the types of problems you want to solve, the people you want to work with, and the impact you hope your work can have? (500 words or less)
• Many students choose HMC because they don’t want to give up their interests in the Humanities, Social Sciences and the Arts – or HSA as we call it at HMC. Briefly describe what you’d like to learn about in your dream HSA class. (100 words or less)

Optional Materials

• Admission Interview. For information on how to arrange an interview, see the interviews page .
• HMC extends optional pilot program for another year, through 2025, see Standardized Test Scores for more details.

HMC reserves the right to evaluate an application and render a final decision even if all pieces of the application have not been received.

Preparing for Harvey Mudd

We will always consider your academic profile within the context of your high school and what it offers. This means we won’t penalize you for not taking certain courses because they aren’t available and don’t need you to take every advanced class your school offers. However, taking challenging classes throughout high school will not only support your chance for admission but also position you for success at Harvey Mudd. We hope you will choose an appropriately challenging curriculum throughout high school and offer this guidance:

Requirements (for enrollment) +

• One year of high school chemistry
• One year of high school physics
• One year of high school calculus

+  If you are not able to complete these courses before high school graduation, we may offer you conditional admission and you will need to complete a one-semester college course and earn a B or better in order to enroll.

Recommendations

• Four years of English
• Two years of social sciences including history
• Two years of a foreign language

Early Decision vs. Regular Decision

With Early Decision, you let us know we’re your top choice, and we give you a decision earlier than the rest of our applicant pool. Compare the information below to decide if Early Decision is right for you.

Early Decision:

Early Decision is not for everyone since we know that some students may need more time to make that sort of commitment and that many families will want to wait and have the option of comparing multiple financial aid packages that they may receive from applying Regular Decision.  However, if you have done your research and discussed the Early Decision option and processes with your family and with a counselor if one is available to you, Early Decision can be a good alternative for you.  Remember, you should only apply Early Decision to a college if you know it is your first choice. 

• We have two rounds of Early Decision with two different deadlines (November 15th and January 5th.) The only difference between these two rounds are the deadlines themselves. 
• Students may only have one Early Decision application active at any given time. If you are denied in the Early Decision 1 round at one school, you are welcome to apply Early Decision to a different school if they have an Early Decision Round 2 with a later deadline. 
• If you are denied during either Early Decision Round 1 or 2 at Harvey Mudd, you are not allowed to apply under the Regular Decision plan to HMC during that same year. 
• All students applying for Early Decision (either round) have the opportunity to apply to other colleges via Early Action (non-binding) Plans or Regular Decision. 
• Typically, this is the case for one or two students each year. 

Regular Decision

When you apply through the Regular Decision program, you simply apply by our regular application date. Regular Decision may be right for you if you need more time to get your application ready, or maybe you have your eye on a few schools and want more time to weigh your options. Just remember: Many more students apply for Regular Decision admission than Early Decision so it takes us longer to evaluate these applications.

About 40% of the first-year class will have entered Early Decision so a larger pool of applicants competes for a smaller number of spaces in the first-year class. We want to see grades from the first term of your senior year before we make a final decision.

Home-schooled Students

As a home-schooled student, your application process and requirements are the same as any other first-year applicant to the College. The process begins by completing the Common Application.

What we are thinking as we consider your application

• Did you follow an established curriculum and if so, from which source?
• Did you take courses at local high schools or colleges?
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How to Get Into Harvey Mudd College: Admissions Stats + Tips

What’s covered:, how hard is it to get into harvey mudd college, average academic profile of accepted harvey mudd students, what is hmc looking for.

• How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into Harvey Mudd  

How to Apply to Harvey Mudd College

One of the seven colleges in the Claremont consortium, Harvey Mudd College is known for its rigorous focus on science and engineering. At HMC, students all work towards a Bachelor of Science degree, but also complete the Common Core, consisting of required courses in the humanities, social sciences, and arts. 

Interested in applying to Harvey Mudd? Read on for a deep dive into what it takes to get accepted into this selective school for STEM. 

For the 2020–2021 admissions cycle, Harvey Mudd College (HMC) received 4,737 applicants, of which 473 were accepted. This means that last year, the acceptance rate was 9.9% , making it a highly selective school. That same year, Harvey Mudd received 485 early decision applicants, of which 104 were accepted, which yields a 21.4% acceptance rate for early decision. Harvey Mudd does not have early action. 

While Harvey Mudd’s admissions rates are low, they don’t necessarily reflect your own chances of admission. Our free chancing calculator can help you better understand your chances of acceptance into any school. By taking into account multiple elements of your profile, including your grades, test scores, extracurriculars, and more, we’ll estimate your odds of acceptance, and give you tips on improving your profile! 

While standardized test scores are usually required for applicants, HMC is test-optional for three years, beginning with students entering in Fall 2021. Of the students who enrolled in Fall 2020,  the top 25% of students scored above a 1540 on the SAT, with 96% scoring above 1400. The top 25% of those who submitted ACT scores scored above a 36, with 100% of students scoring above 30 . 

Class Rank & GPA

Harvey Mudd doesn’t offer information on its freshman class’ high school class rank or GPA, but given the high standardized test scores, you should aim to graduate in the top 10% of your class, and with all A’s. 

How Harvey Mudd Evaluates Applications

According to their 2020-2021 Common Data Set, Harvey Mudd considers the following factors “very important” in a student’s application:

• Course rigor
• Academic GPA
• Application essay
• Recommendations

These factors are “important” :

• Extracurricular activities
• Character/personal qualities

These are “considered” :

• Standardized test scores
• Talent/ability
• First generation
• Alumni/ae relation
• Geographical residence
• State residency
• Racial/ethnic status
• Volunteer work
• Work experience

And these are “not considered” :

• Religious affiliation/commitment
• Level of applicant’s interest 

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into Harvey Mudd 

1. aim for all a’s while taking the most challenging classes available.

While Harvey Mudd doesn’t have a “cut-off” GPA, accepted applicants across the board have strong academics. Since almost 100% of enrolled first-years last year graduated in the top quarter of their class, a competitive candidate for Harvey Mudd will need to have A’s in nearly every class. Additionally, Bowdoin wants to see that students challenge themselves, so you should try and take advanced honors, AP, or IB classes.

If your GPA is lower, and you’re still a freshman or sophomore in your high school, check out our tips for increasing your GPA . If you’re a junior or senior, it will be harder to increase your GPA, so the easiest way to increase your Academic Index is to get a higher test score.

2. Write engaging essays and supplement responses

In addition to the Common Application or Coalition Application essays, HMC will require you to write two additional short answer essays as part of the Harvey Mudd Supplement. 

Use these essays and response questions to show your strengths, character, your authentic voice, and what you may bring to the Harvey Mudd campus, as well as your passion for STEM. 

For a detailed guide on how to approach the Harvey Mudd essays, take a look at our article How to Write the Harvey Mudd College Essays 2021–2022 .

3. Cultivate at least one or two Tier 1-2 extracurriculars (find your “ spike ”)

Harvey Mudd is a challenging and invigorating academic environment, and a large part of a student’s time there is participating in real-world research and learning the social implications of science. While stellar grades are still the most important for your application, the admissions committee also wants to see your out-of-classroom passions and your skills that are less able to be assessed on paper: your extracurriculars. 

In general, any activity that you do regularly outside the classroom counts as an extracurricular, as long as you can demonstrate that the activity has contributed to your growth as an individual. However, not all extracurriculars are created equal. Extracurricular activities can generally be divided into four “tiers.” To increase your chances at HMC, you should have one to two “Tier 1” or “Tier 2” extracurriculars. 

• Tier 1 activities demonstrate exceptional talent, achievement, leadership, or merit. Activities and roles on the national level or which garner field-wide recognition count as Tier 1 activities. This may include winning a national award, qualifying for international competition and therefore gaining prestigious recognition, or starting a nonprofit that gains national traction. Having a Tier 1 activity marks you as a distinguished youth in the field of your activity, so having Tier 1 activities is rare. 
• Tier 2 activities are more common than Tier 1, but still show high levels of achievement and potential. Holding school-wide leadership positions like student government president, winning regional competitions or awards, and local recognition as a student athlete or musician are all considered Tier 2. 
• Tier 3 activities demonstrate sustained participation rather than exceptional achievement, and are frequently seen in applications, both across the board as well as in any given individual student’s application, as some students may have more than one Tier 3 activity. These activities can include holding minor positions in school clubs or being on a Varsity team.
• Tier 4 activities are the most common and have the lowest entry bar; they demonstrate interest without particular dedication. However, they are still important to include, especially if you have higher tier activities, because they can help show the diversity of your interests. Tier 4 activities can include regular volunteering, general membership in clubs or organizations, or taking any kind of music or art lesson over several years. 

4. Fulfill Harvey Mudd’s required courses for enrollment 

Harvey Mudd requires its students to enroll with a few specific courses already under their belt in order for them to be prepared for its rigorous STEM curriculum. Applicants should have: 

• One year of high school chemistry
• One year of high school physics
• One year of high school calculus 

Applicants who haven’t completed these courses by high school graduation may be offered conditional admission. 

5. Ask the right teachers for recommendation letters

Harvey Mudd requires three letters of recommendation: one from a counselor, one from a math or science teacher, and a third recommendation from a humanities, social sciences, or arts teacher. HMC is a small college with a high student–faculty ratio (8:1) where students collaborate closely with each other and with professors. 

Your letters of recommendation will show admissions officers what kind of student and peer you are. Letters of recommendation should come from instructors who know you the best and who can speak positively of your character and abilities. Take some time to think about which teacher will write you the most promising recommendation letter, and take a look at tips from CollegeVine to help guide you through the process. 

Planning on applying to Harvey Mudd? Here are some dates to keep in mind.

Application Requirements

Harvey Mudd accepts the Coalition Application and the Common Application. To apply, you will need:

• All parts of your Common or Coalition application, including the personal essay
• $75 application fee or fee waiver
• Supplemental essay (500 words) and short answer response (100 words)
• Secondary school report (information about school’s offerings and environment)
• Official secondary school transcript
• Counselor recommendation
• Bowdoin Supplement
• Two letters of recommendation: one from a math or science teacher, one from a humanities, social science, or arts teacher 

Optional materials include:

• Admissions interview
• Standardized test scores (optional through 2023)

Learn more about Harvey Mudd

Take a look at our other resources on HMC to help you with your application process:

What Does It Cost to Attend Harvey Mudd College?

How to Write the Harvey Mudd College Essays 2021–2022

What Are the Claremont Colleges?

Harvey Mudd Essay Example: Breakdown + Analysis

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Supplemental Essay Guide 2024-25

What do the 2024-25 supplemental essay prompts really mean, and how should you approach them? CEA's experts are here to break them all down.

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Harvey Mudd College | HMC

• Cost & scholarships
• Essay prompt

Want to see your chances of admission at Harvey Mudd College | HMC?

We take every aspect of your personal profile into consideration when calculating your admissions chances.

Harvey Mudd College | HMC’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Societal impact short response.

Harvey Mudd College seeks to educate engineers, scientists, and mathematicians well versed in all of these areas and in the humanities, social sciences and the arts so that they may assume leadership in their fields with a clear understanding of the impact of their work on society. - HMC Mission Statement

“Scientific research is a human endeavor. The choices of topics that we research are based on our biases, our beliefs, and what we bring: our cultures and our families. The kinds of problems that people put their talents to solving depends on their values.‘‘ - Dr. Clifton Poodry

HMC’s collaborative community is guided by our mission statement. Through an intentional interdisciplinary curriculum our students seek to build a skillset adaptable to society’s needs. How has your own background influenced the types of problems you want to solve, the people you want to work with, and the impact you hope your work can have?

Dream Class Short Response

Many students choose Harvey Mudd because they don’t want to give up their interests in the Humanities, Social Sciences and the Arts – or HSA as we call it at HMC. Briefly (in 100 words or less) describe what you‘d like to learn about in your dream HSA class. Your class can either be one chosen from existing classes at HMC, or you are welcome to create your own.

Common App Personal Essay

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?