<p>I am deciding between Swarthmore and Princeton. I was wondering if you could give me any information or advice that might help me in my decision. They both offered me enough financial aid, with Swarthmore offering the slightly better package. Thank you!</p>
<p>Have you visited the schools? Obviously, they are both excellent - congratulations! One major difference is size - my son was absolutely turned off by the small size of Swarthmore when he toured, but many other students find the small size an advantageous.</p>
<p>Have you visited both? The differences are somewhat striking. I'm sure there are folks here who will share their preferences one way or the other, but it really comes down to which one fits YOU.</p>
<p>Thanks Mini and Motheroftwo. I visited Swarthmore and fell in love with it. I have made a brief trip to Princeton during winter break (when all the students were gone), so I did not get more than a quick impression of it. I am planning on visiting both shortly, so I am sure this will be the deciding factor. However, I am trying to gather as much information as I can before I make my decision.</p>
<p>Elbereth, I'm glad you posted this as it appears there are several kids who are in the same lucky boat. Amherst or Harvard, Pomona or Stanford, Williams or MIT? The decision depends so much on personal preference that it is impossible to give you guidance without knowing more about the style of education that would be right for you. </p>
<p>You will get an excellent education at either school and most likely go on to be healthy, wealthy and wise. The major difference between HYPSM and WASP (adding Pomona with partially intended irony!) is the style of teaching and the focus on the undergraduate experience. For my son, who goes to Williams, the LAC emphasis on small classes, personal attention, professors who are teachers first and foremost was the deciding factor. You can get all of this at HYPMS, but not as consistently.</p>
<p>Secondly, and this is more difficult to articulate, is the different level of competitiveness among students. The LACs offer a more nurturing and supportive environment both from teachers and peers. At the ivies, the competition can be intense. Some thrive on competition; some whither and withdraw. Again, it's personal learning style.</p>
<p>Thirdly, there's the prestige thing. We don't like to admit it, but we all have a threshold of prestige need. Princeton is a household word, worldwide. Swarthmore (and other top LACs) have a devoted following and those who are important (like employers, grad school adcoms) will recognize and appreciate the names, but most likely you'll get a blank stare from your next door neighbor.</p>
<p>Lastly, are there any special programs that you require? The smaller colleges have smaller course lists across the board, though each has a few specialties that they feature in depth. HYPSM have amazing resources in just about every discipline; WASP may be limited if you're looking for an offbeat field. </p>
<p>Good luck and congratulations!</p>
<p>D visited both a year ago and spent the weekend at Swat (Discovery Weekend) last fall. She absolutely loved Swat (her #2 choice if she didn't get accepted ED to Pomona) and made so many friends during her weekend there. She liked Princeton and its programs but felt that there was more diversity in the student body at Swat.</p>
<p>Congratulations and good luck with the decision-making process, a wonderful place to be!</p>
<p>I replied to you (OP) in the Swarthmore forum but I also wanted to add this: to tell you the truth, Princeton is a small university and pretty LAC-like. The undergraduate experience, from what I've heard is very pleasant at Princeton. You will also have tremendous resources at your disposal at Princeton, also at Swat; I can't do an apples-to-apples comparision, since I don't have anyone I know intimately going to Princeton. Competition is there everywhere there are top students and you will find that at both Swat and Princeton. It comes down to a very basic personal feeling you have about both colleges and your own gut instinct.</p>
<p>I have a soft spot in my heart for Princeton because I live nearby and benefit a lot from that proximity. I have a soft spot for Swarthmore too since my only child goes there.</p>