I am having a really tough time deciding which college I should attend. Both of them are great in completely different ways. However, I need help deciding which one is more suitable for me. So I am hoping to major in Economics, which is a strong point for both Duke and Swarthmore. What I liked about Duke is the certificates they offer, such as Markets and Management Studies which I am really interested in. Another aspect that appeals to Duke is how I could spend a semester at the London School of Economics which is fantastic!
Nevertheless, what I like about Swarthmore is how the curriculum is much more broad-based (I heard at times that the academics part can be overwhelming). If I go there, I am excited about joining an exchange program at Pomona in California (which is like one of the best liberal arts colleges). Another really appealing aspect about Swarthmore is the graduate school placements they have: many of the students manage to get into the Ivy League for graduate studies, and that is what I am planning on doing. However, I am a bit concerned because the student body is really small and the athletics aren’t that great.
I won’t have a problem with getting internships since I have strong connections at Wall Street. What matters most to me is how well these schools could help me get into the best graduate schools (like what kind of support system they have in place). Personally, I want to be in a more laid back academic atmosphere and attend a school that has a nice balance between social life, academics and sports.
You could do this at either.
Glancing through the curriculum requirements, Trinity at Duke has more complex requirements than Swarthmore. Swat requires students to pass a comprehensive exam in their subject, however, which Duke does not.
Again, you can do this at either. In any case, graduate school is years in the future at this point, and your plans could change repeatedly. That’s normal and okay.
This sounds more like Duke or Haverford to me than Swat. That said, you should visit both (if possible) and make your own informed decision.
First of all - in addition to what @warblersrule said about your goals changing, don’t focus on “the Ivy League” for graduate school. It’s even more just an athletic conference on the graduate level than for undergrad. Many of the top 25 programs in economics - like Stanford, UChicago, UC-Berkeley, MIT, NYU, Northwestern, UW-Madison, Arizona State, Minnesota, Wash U, etc. - are not Ivy League. Now if you want a top economics program, that’s different, but I’m fairly certain both Duke and Swarthmore send their alumni to top economics programs.
But yeah, I agree that laid-back and balanced sounds more like Duke than Swarthmore. Swarthmore is kind of known for the academic intensity of its students. Duke also has general ed requirements and a wide range of departments in which you can take classes, so you can get a broad education at either.
“Personally, I want to be in a more laid back academic atmosphere and attend a school that has a nice balance between social life, academics and sports.”
That basically rules out Swarthmore. Looks like your decision is made… Duke.
Definitely Duke. Academics at both are outstanding - but social life, sports, all-around collegiate experience, weather etcetera all favor Duke.
^^^^
You seem to be overly focused on opportunities to get out of your college (semesters away, graduate placements, etc.) than on your experience while you’re there. Either of these schools (and many others) offer such opportunities (including ones you’ve yet to discover). Focus on finding the best “fit” for the precious few years at whichever school you choose.
I agree with others that you sound more like a Duke person.