Lafayette Vs Swarthmore: How different?

<p>Hi there, </p>

<p>I have been admitted to both lafayette and Swarthmore and I want to make sure that I make the right choice between the two. My intend field is engineering but it is not confirmed as I yet to test my passion in engineering. I aim to gain a broad range of knowledge and know really diverse and great group of people.</p>

<li><p>Swarthmore has a population of 1500 while that for Lafayette is 2000. Does population make much difference? Do fewer people indicate the kind of bore after a while?</p></li>
<li><p>There are quite a number of business courses in Lafayete. That said, it seems that Swarthmore is more idealistic and Lafayette is more worldly and practical place. Or does that really matter? Personally, I want to attain both practical skill/knowledge like that in business as well intellectually-stimulating environment. Does Swarthmore prepares a person well for dealing with a complex, commercial world?</p></li>
</ol>

<p>3.If you know much about both schools. Can you give comparison between these two schools in terms of intellectual atmosphere, if people are down-to-earth or arrogant and conceited? And how well do you think they prepare a person with an social-entrepreneurial mind.</p>

<p>Any comments will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.</p>

<p>I'm sure either school would be fantastic. Really, you cannot go wrong with either of your choices, because, as I said, they are both excellent.
That being said, I am natually biased towards Swarthmore. Not only do they seem to culture an intellectual environment, but they encourage you to think more critically and more imaginatively that you would naturally attempt to do. By developing these skills, you are also developing the entrepreneurial mind for which you are searching.
And Swarthmore kids are vey down to earth... they also have an extremely loyal alumni base, which says a lot, too.
And as for pupulation, maybe there is a difference between 1500 and 30,000, but as for that small of a difference, I don't think it really matters.
My vote = Swarthmore!
but then again... it is up to you. :)</p>

<p>If your looking to be "worldly and practical", I'd go w/ Swarthmore based only on what I see as their prestige and reputation, and where that could help get you in the practical world. Also, I'd imagine at Swarthmore you'd be surrounded by the some of very brightest/inspiring people in the world..but I don't know anything about Lafayette. If Lafayette gave you a lot of necessary aid..then mayyybe consider it.</p>

<p>The answer is Swarthmore.</p>

<p>SexySkiSpandex ,russdelabuss ,college2332.<br>
Thank you all for your replies. I think I am pretty certain about the choice now. There are indeed time in a graduate school for me to gain the hands-on career knowledge, so for now, I am just gonna challenge my mind and build on my abilities to think critically and communicate well.</p>