<p>Hey </p>
<p>I have a feeling that Swarthmore is very similar to Harvard in academics. In other words, every single is very challenging and requires a lot of effort. What do you think? </p>
<p>thx :) </p>
<p>Here are two great threads on the differences and similarities of the schools. </p>
<p><a href=“Help!: Swarthmore vs. Harvard - #16 by nicks - College Search & Selection - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/192941-help-swarthmore-vs-harvard-p2.html</a></p>
<p><a href=“Harvard or Swarthmore? - Harvard University - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/harvard-university/731662-harvard-or-swarthmore-p1.html</a></p>
<p>My oldest son went to Swarthmore and his new wife went to Harvard. I have a feeling they have had this debate. 
I have always heard that Swarthmore’s reputation is that it’s the most intellectually intense campus in the country. I don’t know how you measure that, but that’s the rep. My son was actually turned off to Harvard when we visited because our tour guide was busy explaining how you could take “easy” courses and sort of coast through Harvard. This did not sit well with him!</p>
<p>@enot112 …if you’re serious, consider doing some research.</p>
<p>There are several Harvard grads teaching at Swat, and vice versa. Reach out to them, and ask them questions (not simply which is better, but what are the similarities, differences, advantages to either / both).</p>
<p>Carr Everbach and Andrew Ward are at Swat; Jeff Frankel and Michelle Hacker are at Harvard. There are surely more…</p>
<p>If you do…make sure to post the responses.</p>
<p>Great suggestion EyeVeee. We are new Swat parents and Carr Everbach spoke at a forum for parents at the admitted students event. He has a kid of college age and he said he <em>strongly</em> encouraged him to go to a LAC rather than an ivy, after his own experiences in both worlds. I don’t think it worked however :)</p>
<p>I don’t actually think Harvard is very similar to Swarthmore, beyond the fact that you can get a very good education at either and your classmates will generally be very intelligent and accomplished young people.</p>
I have sons at both Swat and Harvard. The Swat student was accepted at Harvard but chose to attend Swat. The academic coursework is rigorous at both schools. The interaction with professors differs. This term the Swat student’s largest class was 14 students. The professors at Swat are focused on and committed to teaching. It’s easy to meet with professors, talk with them, ask questions and develop helpful relationships. Getting to know your professors is more of a challenge at Harvard. Yet, there are great professors and amazing opportunities. Both of my sons are having excellent college experiences. However, the whole atmosphere at each colleges is extremely different.
Lacgrad - Can you elaborate more on your son’s experiences at Swarthmore? I have a daughter at Harvard and my son is very interested in Swat.
@meelos what specific questions do you have?
lacgrad - how are the college atmospheres different aside from professor/student interactions? Does your Swat son have as many summer opportunities as your H son? Does Swat seem too small?
My Swat son has had excellent summer opportunities and January externships as well. Swarthmore will generously (with applications, etc.) provide funds for summer programs and internships. Swarthmore really supports students and encourages them to follow their dreams and create new programs. Also it is very easy to get involved in different in campus groups. Students tend to be very involved and very passionate about what they do. They often seem to be overscheduled because the academic requirements are rigorous but they are also very committed to other activities. The school is small…that can be good and/or bad. My son finds it helpful to get off campus and volunteer/participate in the greater community to get out of the “Swat Bubble.”