<p>So how is the partying at top LACs like Williams, Amherst, Swarth, etc...? I've heard Oberlin is big on partying but I am more interested in IB/NYC so it is kinda out of the question. This obviously isn't the sole decision factor but it is good to know. I've heard that Swarth is more academic, kinda like Uchicago.</p>
<p>Grinnell at least has plenty of partying. It’s usually concentrated on the weekends, though. 5 days of work, 2 days play. Something like that.</p>
<p>Thinking more like Williams, Amherst, Swarthmore</p>
<p>I can’t speak to those schools, but I attend a similar LAC (Carleton) and there is definitely active nightlife here. We don’t have (in my impression) as much of an athlete-heavy culture here as they may at Williams, but there is definitely nightlife if you want it. Although there are plenty of athletes I know who don’t drink, being a varsity athlete myself I can usually count on plenty of chances to go to parties with my teammates, “socials” with other teams, etc.</p>
<p>My impression from Amherst and Swarthmore when I visited were similar - it’s there if you want it, although it’s cool if you’re not into it either. I think Amherst’s would be slightly different because they also have UMass in the same town, and slightly more town. Northfield has more bars, etc. than Williamstown, but the town is smaller than AMherst’s.</p>
<p>Swarthmore is probably a little tamer, although my friend who attends Swarthmore definitely finds that there is nightlife when he is interested.</p>
<p>I go to Williams. You can find parties pretty easily on Fridays and Saturdays, sometimes Thursdays and Sundays too, but the latter two days are usually just sports teams hanging out. There are some nights when there isn’t anything going on, but then just chill with your friends. It’s not the craziest party scene, but I have fun.</p>
<p>thanks Kdurs. How competitive are Williams sports teams? I know they are pretty good fro D3, but for let’s say the football team are the guys mostly recruited?</p>
<p>I’m not really an authority on this, but besides the crew team, I don’t know anyone who’s walked on to a varsity team. I’m pretty sure all the football team is recruited.</p>