<p>I've received good aid to all these colleges, and was wondering which one was best. (your opinion)</p>
<p>Swarthmore</p>
<p>Each has a very different "feel" - have you visited?</p>
<p>I'm not sure about Vassar, but the Carleton vs. Swarthmore decision is mostly a matter of location and culture. Carleton is a more rural, outdoorsy place, and I think a bit "preppier" as well. Swarthmore is suburban with relatively easy access to a major city. The culture is very intellectual, much moreso than at other colleges. Varsity athletic participation tends to be looked down upon at least a little bit, and the drinking culture is somewhat less than your average college. The climates are obviously different as well.</p>
<p>Carleton preppier than Swarthmore? I don't think I can agree with that.</p>
<p>All three are highly intellectual and less "social" than comparable schools. It'll depend on what you want and where you want to be for four years. If you haven't visited them, do so. Your gut will tell you where -- and whatever the decision, it'll be the right one.</p>
<p>My son liked Carleton better and my daughter liked Swarthmore better.I think the schools are similar. Swarthmore offers easier access to an urban area and is more intense.Carleton is more relaxed and it takes forty minutes to get to the metroplex.</p>
<p>I'd go with Carleton. Swarthmore may be a bit more "academic", but there is a certain cut-throat attitude at Swat. It depends on what you are looking for. </p>
<p>I think Carleton and Swat trounce Vassar, though.</p>
<p>carleton for all around greatness, but Swat has got the hookup: classes at Penn, Haverford, and Bryn Mawr (great dining hall, and 1300 ladies... awesome!). Swat seemed more intense academically to me, but i personally liked Carleton better.</p>
<p>I graduated from Swarthmore ('03) and I've never been someplace so non-competitive in my life. Very different from the backstabbers here in law school.</p>