Can someone describe the campus vibe/personality of the selective LACs on the east and west coast? I’m particularly interested in Pomona, Swarthmore, and Amherst. Which ones are the most intellectual/geeky? Do some have overbearing drinking/drug cultures?
I am most familiar with Swarthmore and I always describe Pomona as “Swarthmore with better weather.” 
I’d say that Swarthmore falls into your “intellectual/geeky” category for sure. Amherst certainly has the intellectual kids, too, but also maybe into athletics more than Swat. I would not say that any of those schools have an overbearing drinking/drug culture.
That’s pretty funny! I heard a Pomona student describe Swarthmore as “Pomona College with weather” 