<p>Those are my three acceptances, so far. I'm an international student from New Zealand, so I'm relatively unfamiliar with all three of them, and I have no idea which one to pick as yet.</p>
<p>Right now I want to major in either Electrical or Computer Engineering; for both Penn and Duke I was accepted to their Engineering schools. I'd also like to keep my options open, though, in case I decide to switch to science (probably something physics- or computer-based).</p>
<p>At this point I plan to do a PhD, although if there's a realistic chance of going straight into work after an undergrad degree, I wouldn't mind that. I'm a bit concerned that with Swarthmore, I won't have that freedom.</p>
<p>General advice would be appreciated. My specific questions:</p>
<p>Which has the best academics, in the areas I mentioned?</p>
<p>Which would give the best college experience? I'm not exactly a hard-partying type, in general, and it's a bit of a concern that Duke and Penn both have reputations for that.</p>
<p>Which would get me into the best postgrad program, or job?</p>
<p>Any other hooks or really attractive things about any of them?</p>
<p>If you want to do science or engineering and would like to go into research Swarthmore is probably not the best choice. Liberal arts colleges like Swarthmore in general tend to focus not only on liberal arts but also on emphasizing undergraduate teaching. While this may be great more learning, it’s usually not conducive to fostering strong graduate departments that emphasize faculty research and productivity. </p>
<p>For that reason alone, if you are sure you want to stay in engineering or science and would like to pursue research, Swarthmore would be at the bottom of my list. </p>
<p>I wouldn’t worry about Duke or Penn being all-consuming party schools. Both offer a niche for everyone. However, I would say that Penn has the advantage of being in a bigger city with more to offer (along with NYC being a short bus or train ride away). At Duke, many things are campus-driven though Durham and Chapel Hill also have many things to offer. Duke has the advantage of great basketball and other sports teams if you are into that. </p>
<p>As for best prospects for postgrad or job, I’d say if you were going for a PhD, you would want some research experience and Duke and Penn probably has more to offer. If you were going into a job, that would depend on what type of job. If in engineering, then Duke may have a slightly better engineering school. If in science, I really can’t imagine many jobs that don’t require a graduate degree to be honest.</p>
<p>Don’t listen to Penn being in a city leads to an advantage. Duke is in the research triangle, which has huge amounts of research within a thirty minute radius of campus, and a lot of research takes place on campus, especially at the Duke Hospital</p>
<p>Oh I don’t mean that being in a bigger city offers more research opportunities. I personally like Philly a lot. It’s a neat city with lots of history and lots to do both in the city and around the area. Certainly, for me, Philly definitely trumps Durham and the triangle area. But to each his own.</p>
<p>I’ll admit Philly is a nicer city than Durham, but UPenn isn’t in the best part of Philly either. They are definitely two great schools, and would choose either of those over Swarthmore, especially if you are into research.</p>
<p>The parts around Penn certainly isn’t the best part of town, but I’ve never really felt unsafe being there. Certainly it’s no more unsafe than Durham I felt. As in all urban environments, some things you just don’t do. But the other parts of Philly like Center City, Chinatown, etc is great, and rent is not that expensive either so students can live there if they want to live off campus.</p>