<p>I attend one of the largest universities in the country, and unfortunately, I have found that the experience has fallen flat in almost every dimension. The lack of community here is rather isolating. After talking with some friends who attend smaller colleges, I realize that I would be much happier at a place where there's some camaraderie and you actually see people you know walking across campus, rather than 30,000 strangers. Additionally, I'd like to find a college with more flexible academics. My school has so many specific requirements that's it's difficult to dabble, and gosh forbid that you want a requirement waived, you'll have to email a dozen different people to get a response and maybe nine months later they'll make a verdict. The bureaucracy here has definitely hindered my experience. </p>
<p>I'm looking into Haverford and Swarthmore, but I'm not sure which would be better for me. I'm open to any smaller school (or large, yet intimate) in the Philadelphia/Bethlehem/Allentown area, for commuting purposes. Your suggestions would be much appreciated. </p>
<p>So what do I want?</p>
<p>-somewhere that gives a boatload of financial aid to transfers; this is a necessity. </p>
<p>-a student body that is hard-working and friendly--minimal pretentious people. My current college is a party school, and I'd like to stay away from that. </p>
<p>-a secondary education certification program</p>
<p>-a strong English department, bonus if there's professors who specialize in world lit and creative writing (fiction)</p>
<p>-Russian coursework (I know this is hard to come by at small places, so this isn't required, but would be wonderful!)</p>
<p>-undergrad research grants</p>