Amherst v. Swarthmore v. Middlebury v. Williams

College Search & Selection
1

<p>So, I can pretty much apply to one of the following: Amherst, Swarthmore, Middlebury, or Williams. I’ve heard good things about all and I’ve gone to the websites, but they seem to say similar things.</p>

<p>Anyway, I’m looking for a school that has:</p>

<li>Beautiful Campus</li>
<li>Quirky, Intellectual people</li>
<li>Strong Social sciences and study abroad
4: Lots of freedom in choosing courses</li>
<li>easy way of reaching large city (doesn’t have to be next to giant city, but maybe 20 min by train or something)</li>
</ol>

2

<p>The only school listed within 20-minutes by train to a large city is Swarthmore (Philadelphia). Why are you limited to applying to only one?</p>

3

<p>yeah, swarthmore meets all those I think.</p>

4

<p>what is your definition of a large city?</p>

5

<p>For the criteria you list Swarthmore is only answer.</p>

6

<p>Amherst: 1, 3, 4
Swarthmore: 1, 2, 3, 5
Middlebury: 1, 3
Williams: 1, 3 </p>

<p>Swarthmore.</p>

<p>Why are you applying only to one? Limited, and want to save room for the Ivy League? =P</p>

7

<p>basically, i've got to pay for most of my college apps myself and im a bit broke. </p>

<p>thanks, i am looking more at swarthmore now</p>

8

<p>I have a son who is a recent graduate of Swarthmore, and I would say that it fits all of your criteria. I'm not sure why the poster kwu left out "4" for Swarthmore, because I think there is plenty of freedom to choose your courses. The only requirement is that you take 3 courses in each of the areas of natural sciences/math, social science, and the humanities. That requirement still gives you a broad range to choose from. For example, Astronomy, Bio & math, History, sociology & poli. sci., and religion, philosophy and English. There are many more variations, of course.</p>

9

<p>It seems penny-wise and pound-foolish to try to save $150 in application fees for a $200K education when you have no idea where you'll be accepted with admissions being so capricious and arbitrary much of the time. When you're standing there with your one rejection letter in your hand next April, is it really worth it to not have applied to three other places that you would have liked and would have had a chance to be accepted to?</p>

10

<p>gellino, i agree completely, i just don't have any money--i dont even have the application fee money now, its just the amount ill get after saving by December (its really hard to get a job around here). but im hoping to find work to be able to apply to all of them.</p>

11

<p>are you eligible for fee waivers?</p>

<p>Some schools waive their fee if you apply on line</p>

12

<p>aranyria:</p>

<p>I agree with sybbie719. You sound like you should be eligible for fee waivers. Schools are usually pretty liberal about making allowances in this regard.</p>

13

<p>how do you get a fee waiver for a school?</p>

14

<p>anyone? do you get it from specific colleges or your school as a whole...?</p>

15

<p>Ask your guidance counselor - they should have some good answers - there may be different fee waiver forms for each school.</p>

16

<p>kk thanks 10char</p>

17

<p>You could also call the admissions offices directly and ask their representatives.</p>

18

<p>I'd suggest you look at Vassar - fits all 5 criteria - though NYC is more than 20 minutes by train, it's easy access.</p>