<p>Would it be a bad move to choose a liberal arts college over an ivy league? I applied to all of the ivies, excluding columbia and brown, plus georgetown and BC (where I've already been admitted). I also applied to some top LACs: swarthmore, amherst, haverford, and vassar. I was indecisive as to what I wanted in a school aside from academic intensity when I was applying, but now I've pretty much decided that I'd rather go to a small school for two main reasons: the focus on the undergraduate education, and the fact that I could play my sport. (I KNOW, you don't have to argue that princeton focuses on the undergrad, but I'm from Jersey! Plus our valedictorian already got in.) This sport has been a significant part of my life. I've not just played varsity in high school, but I've also played at a high level of club, taking away much of my time due to the extensive traveling for practices, tournaments, and games. I was recruited by some bigger schools, but by attending those I would have to sacrifice academic caliber, which is also very important to me. I have a 1510 on my SATs and I'm ranked 4th in my class. So I wanted a balance of athletics and academics. The more I thought about it, the more I realized I'd be miserable and feel empty without my sport. SO the ultimate question I pose is this: would it be a mistake, in the long run (getting into graduate school and aiming towards a successful career), to attend, for instance, Vassar over Harvard, or Penn? (This is a big IF; I'm assuming I won't get into Harvard, it's just that I want to be prepared). Thanks for taking the time to read this =)</p>
<p>If it's what you want, go for it. It's great to see somebody who isn't worried about the prestige of the school so much as the experience. The only "bad" decision is when you attend a school you don't really have your heart set on. While most people don't know what Vassar is (then again, most people think UPenn is Penn State), adcoms at grad schools do, and that's really all that matters as long as you enjoy your experience. </p>
<p>Not to mention that being happy at a school almost always translates to higher grades.</p>
<p>Dartmouth focuses on undergrads too :)</p>
<p>With the exception of BC and maybe Vassar, I would say the non-Ivies you applied to are certainly worth picking over the Ivies, if you feel they are a better fit. In fact, Amherst and Swarthmore are just as respected.</p>
<p>As far as worrying abouyt undergrad focus, I would say most Ivies place importance on their undergrads, especially Brown, Darmouth and Princeton...but Cornell and Yale too. So do not worry about that.</p>
<p>The most important thing is fit. If you feel that you are a better fit at Swarthmore or Amherst or Georgetown, go for it. You cannot go wrong with those schools.</p>
<p>I'd suggest that you narrow your list of colleges you would really, really like to attend to two or three, then, if you can, revisit them. If possible, you could wait until April to see what acceptances you recieve, then consider your options with an eye to fit.</p>
<p>"Would it be a mistake, in the long run (getting into graduate school and aiming towards a successful career), to attend, for instance, Vassar over Harvard, or Penn?"</p>
<p>Redbull, Graduate schools view Amherst and Swarthmore equally with the ivy league. Your chances at getting into a top graduate program and having a successful career will not be affected in the least by choosing A or S instead of H, or any of the ivy league. As far as comparing the others on your list to the ivy league, well, that's a little less black and white, but I'm sure if you look into the statistics you will see that all have many, many successful graduates.</p>
<p>The choice of college is all about fit. What makes it difficult (and at the same time easier!) is that most kids "fit" many schools, often different types of schools. I'm greatly in favor of a balance between athletics (or at least physical activity) and academics. I'm also strongly biased toward LACs; however, you could have a wonderful college experience at every school on your list.</p>
<p>If I were you I'd just sit on this situation for now. The acceptances will be rolling in soon enough. When you have your offers in hand, you can do some intensive visiting, including overnights and ask someone questions. The path will come clear.</p>