<p>so I’m deciding between American U and Swarthmore currently. I want to major in International Relations. AU didn’t give me as much money as Swarthmore did although AU has a better program for what I want. Swarthmore, while it may have incredible prestige (one of the top 3 liberal arts schools in the U.S) it also doesn’t have my specific major although it has a program in which you can start your own major. Does anyone know how easily this can be done at Swarthmore and how recommended it is? Case Western also gave me an incredible financial aid package (best one i’ve received)
So, any input?
Thank you!</p>
<p>Nice to have choices. The academics are likely to be more intense at Swarthmore, but the opportunities - in-term internships, number of different language and area studies options, access to faculty actively working in the field, etc., and sheer volume of students interested in the same thing are all going to be greater at American. SIS is the largest school for undergraduate IR study in the country.</p>
<p>I don’t think you HAVE to major in international relations or go to college in D.C. to wind up with a career aligned with your interests. I have friends from college (a school that is not in D.C. and does not have an international relations major) who are working in these types of careers. For example, the Dean of SIS.</p>
<p>Have a kid at each school and both are having great experiences. Very different in many ways. I do think Swat’s academics, access to professors and reputation are all stronger. Having a special major should not be difficult there. Swat also has great opportunities to do college-supported summer internships with alums in many fields in many locations. AU has a more hands-on approach to learning and a great location. Students and campus vibe are really different so consider that as well.</p>
<p>Same question, au or swat, but neither giving money - for me as mom swat is HUGE in terms of better education and prep for life, etc. and it’s so darn hard to get into, so to pass it up for au which I think is nice but average school in a great city seems crazy but sees au as far more exciting- please help with suggestions - and preferably reasons my d should choose swat :)- thanks!</p>
<p>obsaintjoseph - was your daughter accepted to AU? The only decisions which came out were Early Decision, which are binding. Cannot figure out why you are asking people on the AU board to give you reasons why your daughter should go to Swarthmore - go to the Swarthmore board for that. You seem hung up on prestige and how hard it is to get into a school, so you have your mind made up already anyway. </p>
<p>Re: Any college/university vs. another, you should go where you think the overall value vs. cost of one institution exceeds the other, period. If the parent is paying, then money talks…you pay the piper, you call the tune. Be the parent, not just the financier.</p>
<p>Bubmom, can you list the similarities and differennces between the two schools (ie. Dorm life, school pride/spirit, social life, Greek life, campus vibe, types of kids!). I know these are just your opinions but it would help </p>
<p>@ca1996 lots of those things are already answered on this forum if you just search using keywords… plus why ask a prospective parent about any of those things? wouldn’t you be better served asking a student…or a parent who actually had a student attending AU?</p>
<p>Both are truly excellent schools, but they are very different places. She will get an excellent education at either school, though.</p>
<p>What kind of person is she? </p>
<p>My youngest son chose AU because he wanted what it offered–the chance to get out and learn by doing, as much as learning in the classroom. He took his classes quite seriously–he’s a curious combination of athlete, frat rat and NERD-- but what he really enjoyed most were office hours or coffee with his professors, so as to learn a lot not covered in classroom curriculum–and his internships. </p>
<p>His group of friends was remarkable in that they were all so smart, articulate and ambitious.</p>
<p>What has been a bit surprising to me is how easily he and his friends all made the transition from campus to the real world. All of his friends have jobs (good ones) and that seems to be not quite the norm for recent college grads.</p>