Bowdoin vs. Swarthmore

Hi guys,

I am planning on dual majoring in computer science and economics. Right after college I plan to enter the workforce in finance/business for a few years before going back to earn my MBA. I would eventually like to be a business exec or work for some tech company. I was just wondering if someone who is experienced with both schools could help me because right now I am very stuck between both of them.

Thanks!

A great problem to have. We looked seriously at Bowdoin, but engineering at Swat closed the deal.

Swarthmore is as difficult as they say. The students are the most interesting, industrious, friendly kids I’ve been around. The academics are challenging, but everyone is doing similar workloads and there’s a lot of togetherness in the shared experience. The campus is great, the facilities are improving, and the new President is going to do great things for the school.

Bowdoin and Brunswick are the central casting version of college. Nice town, good local food, wonderful campus, friendly people, great education. I can’t speak about the academics from experience, but Bowdoin feels very similar…if not slightly more laid back.

Some quick thoughts…the food and dorms are better in Maine; the access to civilization and the weather are better in Philly. Everyone will tell you this…but it’s really about where you feel you’ll fit in…what feels right? Both schools will get you where you want to go professionally. I’m sure you can look up graduate school admission stats for both schools, and I’m guessing they both do very well in placing grads into good schools.

I don’t know where home is, but I can tell you we’re very happy to have our child close to home. It’s far enough that we don’t “drop in”, but close enough to grab dinner if it’s been a month since our last sighting. Proximity can be important, if you’re someone who might miss home or feel trapped over a holiday weekend. Maine would not have provided that access for us (but would have given us a great reason for long weekends there).

If all else fails…flip a coin. You win either way.