Name: Carter Langen
Sport: Men's Fencing
Hometown: Berkeley, Calif.
High School: Urban School of San Francisco
Clubs/committees: Strength and Conditioning Committee, Chess Club, Archery Club
Why did you choose Haverford?
Even before I visited Haverford, I liked the idea of a student-driven Honor Code, and the level of trust that it implied exists in the community. I was skeptical of whether it actually worked until arriving for a tour and information session, but every community member I encountered – from alumni interviewers to other students who applied – assured me that people here really did care about each other and the kind of community in which they live.
Why did you choose to play a sport in college?
I decided to keep fencing in college because fencing has always been a good way for me to push myself to do my best, on and off the strip. It also provided me with something that was familiar in an otherwise very new environment. Over the years, I have found that I appreciate the extra structure and routine that practice and competitions bring.
What does being a student-athlete mean to you?
I am a student who happens to enjoy and to participate in competitive athletics. Because Haverford is pretty good at scheduling, the two almost never conflict, allowing me to succeed in both academic and athletic goals.
What advice would you give a high school student considering Haverford?
I remember looking at several other small liberal arts colleges with fencing and strong academics, and being very confused. Small liberal arts colleges with good academics all sound very similar online. What I found really defines them are the students who go there or have gone there. While an on-campus visit is ideal, alumni interviews are also a great way to get a sense of the student body. Also, as with any decision, cross reference and get multiple sources!
What makes Haverford unique?
I have mentioned the community and the people already, but they alone do not make Haverford unique. There are wonderful people everywhere, and close, trusting communities at most colleges. What sets Haverford apart is our orientation program, which we call Customs. Unlike most orientations which happen for a week before classes and then stop, the Customs program continues through the end of your first-year. We also have a lot of upperclassmen involved, at least seven upperclassmen to at most twenty first-years.