<p>Hey everyone, soon-to-be applicant here. I was wondering which of these fine institutions should I submit my Common App ED to. If it helps, I intend to major in Philosophy, and probably go to Law School afterwards. The quality of education, EC's, and environment are what's most important. Feel free to suggest another option, correct me on something I'm saying, or even suggest another major. People with experience would be welcome!</p>
<p>This is how I see it right now:
Quality of Education: W, S, A, P</p>
<p>Environment: S, P, W, A</p>
<p>EC's: P, S, A, W</p>
<p>I'm kind of leaning Swarthmore, or Williams, at the moment.
Another note: This is assuming I get into any of these, I'll be applying to all of them. I'm somewhat confident about my chances, but, hey, ***** happens.</p>
<p>Aidan- My D is looking at 3 of the schools on your list. I don’t know if you are rating these correctly. I would say academics and post-college placement from all 4 are equally strong overall. I would also say that the environment is VERY different at these schools. Williams is the only one that is truly isolated. The other 3 are all parts of consortiums to varying extent. They also have different feels as far as intensity and the way they relax. Williams has great DIII athletics. And of course, the warm weather at Pomona is a factor too.
We visited these schools, and while I think all are GREAT, they provide different experiences. You need to get on their websites, or even better yet, get on their campuses and see if you can figure out which setting you will be happiest at.</p>
<p>I’ve had the chance to visit both Williams and Swarthmore, which is why I’ve favored them more. I completely agree with you that they’re all mostly equally strong in academics, and any differences are pretty small. I feel more at home at Swarthmore, (lived in the 'burbs most of my life) but also really liked the rural setting of Williams. Pomona I’ve heard a lot about, and Amherst as well. Thanks for the advice, though. You said you visited those schools…could you tell me what your impressions were?</p>
<p>So, you have come on the Pomona page and stated that you think the quality of education is better at W, S and A. Way to make friends and influence people! ;)</p>
<p>I think you are setting up some arbitrary categories that may not give you the information you’re looking for. I don’t think there is much of a difference in overall education among any of these schools in terms of academic excellence or extra curriculars, although if you are interested in sports, Williams and Amherst would beat out the other two for sports involvement and excellence. The culture and environments of each school are very different, and I think I’d suggest that you research that angle and see where you fit in the best.</p>
<p>I didn’t see Carla’s post,–interrupted by a phone call-- but I think we agree completely. :)</p>
<p>“So, you have come on the Pomona page and stated that you think the quality of education is better at W, S and A. Way to make friends and influence people!”</p>
<p>Yeah, that was something I was concerned about >_></p>
<p>Looks like I’ll just go back to research. Thanks.</p>
<p>I was sort of joking, Aidan. No offense taken.<br>
I do think you should try to visit the schools, and I don’t think you should apply ED anywhere you haven’t visited, and then, only if you are absolutely sure you love it above all others. If you are confident that you will get into these (or at least some of these) places, you are a good enough student to apply RD. Give yourself some time and don’t box yourself in.</p>
<p>Again, about the ED decision. Many students look at the numbers of students accepted ED vs the number accepted RD and just assume that they will be better off if they choose a selective school early to up their chances. I think this is a mistake, especially for good students, and really should not be done if you are looking to compare financial aid packages.</p>
<p>Any student who is seriously a candidate for schools at this level should be throwing out a wide net. Wouldn’t it be great to have several acceptances in hand and be able to make a decision once you know you’re in for sure? Then you can feel ok about spending a little money to fly out to look at a school or go to accepted student days and really compare the schools, as well as their costs. </p>
<pre><code>There are a few excellent LACs that have merit scholarships - Grinnell, Bowdoin and Claremont-McKenna that I know of, and I’m sure there are others. Don’t let your eagerness for a “home” lead you make a premature decision. You will have some great options if you apply widely.
</code></pre>
<p>moonchild is definitely right: it’s a mistake to apply ED when you don’t have a clear and away favorite and if you are within the range for a number of schools. You shouldn’t foreclose your options at this stage.</p>
<p>Agree with other posters about not applying ED since you are not sure at least until you have an opportunity to visit each school. All of these schools will meet your needs re philosophy and law school prep.</p>
<p>I agree too - my D loves Swarthmore and thinks she would love Pomona but has not been able to spend enough time there yet. So she is not applying ED, but there is a very real danger of acceptance to neither with their low percentages. She did not like the vibe at Amherst when we visited for a sports clinic, and probably would not get much playing time at the NESCAC level anyway.</p>
<p>(Bowdoin does not offer merit money - except for a few $1000 National Merit scholarships.)</p>
<p>D considered both Pomona and Swat when she applied to colleges and had visited both. In the end, she applied ED to and attended Pomona - ease of taking courses at the 5Cs, the consortium feel (small university), and the weather. If possible, I’d recommend visiting all of them, especially if you’re convinced you want to apply ED. Otherwise, apply regular decision. They’re all good schools. It all comes down to fit and what’s best for you.</p>