<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>KittyKat,
I don’t think this is even a close call since Swarthmore gave you adequate financial aid. You honestly won’t get a finer undergraduate education anywhere else in the country. My son majored in political science and minored in History at Swat with his specific interest being International Relations. He went directly from Swarthmore to one of the top 5 Ph.D. political science programs in the country to further his studies in IR. Good luck!</p>
<p>You don’t say what you future plans are beyond undergrad. If you do not plan to get a graduate degree and you are absolutely sure that the program and especially the contents of that program are really what you want, then go to American. But the majority of students find themselves in the opposite position and don’t have enough money to go to Swarthmore. I can also tell you that the IR program at American was the dream school/program of the daughter of a friend of mine. But once she went there she was very unhappy and seriously considered transferring. I totally agree with momof3sons that you won’t get a better education. Keep in mind, that you have total control over your education. If there are areas and classes that you can’t find within the consortium, you also have Penn to source classes. But in the end, you need to go where you feel you fit. No comment about Case Western as you haven’t really said much about it. Good luck with your decision!</p>