Haverford College Top Questions

Haverfordians: geeky, socially awkward, less-than-good looking. Haverford: insular, unknown, small, too PC.

People expect Haverford and Haverford students to be awkward and somewhat anti-social, and although 'Fords certainly have their fair share of awkwardness (in fact, "awkward" is a common catch-word heard around campus) it's less awkward-uncomfortable and more awkward-funny. We're quirky and intellectually curious, and most people are quite open about these qualities; students are not afraid to admit to having fun doing their Kant readings or watching some ridiculously obscure Argentinean biopic about some dead, less-than-famous artist. At the same time, there are a lot of people on campus who are into the more mainstream scene - due to our VERY open drug and alcohol policy, there are tons of parties and copious amounts of alcohol and weed to be found.

A large number of people have never heard of Haverford, so stereotypes don't abound. People might say that we are a bunch of peace-loving Quakers and that all of they guys on campus are short, hairy, and named Dan.

They're nerdy, highly liberal.

Outsiders and students themselves portray our campus as full of short, awkward nerds, people who are more likely to be studying than partying on the weekend, and somewhat socially inept.

The main stereotype about Haverford students is that they are extremely awkward, smart, and cocky about how smart they are.

We study a lot and are very open to other people with different beliefs.

Hm. That we're white-bread, country-clubbish. That we're all focused on our studies and unable toh ave fun. That the boys are short, hairy, and named Dan.

Haverfordians are known to be socially awkward and sometimes too smart for their own collective good. People here are BRILLIANT but noncompetitive. Everyone is super-liberal, super-involved, and super-driven. Although our sports teams aren't the best, Haverford has a "sporty" reputation- everyone is active and the gym is always full- and people complain about an artists vs. athletes divide. Because of the Honor Code, Haverford has a reputation of being this really idealistic place- all tests are unproctored or take-home, you can leave your bag lying around in the Dining Center, the school is really lax about alcohol because we're supposed to be responsible for ourselves and others, etc. etc.

The stereotypical Haverford student is politically liberal, somewhat socially awkward, an honest do-gooder, casually dressed, affectionately dorky, and concerned about the greater good. Haverford itself is well known for its academic honor code- this bond of trust among students and between students and faculty is integral to Haverford's identity.