<p>Check and see if Harvard takes transfers at all. For a long time, they didn’t. I seem to remember that recently they did begin taking transfers again but the number was tiny. </p>
<p>Harvard’w workload is rigorous. Grade inflation, which is still rumored, was addressed a long time ago.</p>
<p>Swarthmore is plenty prestigious. Just mentioning that because prestige is important to you.</p>
<p>Swarthmore’s vibe always seemed quiet and contemplative to me. I didn’t go there but visited often. If it is a good fit for you, versus the hubbub of some of the other schools you seem to like, then congratulations, you have an amazing experience ahead.</p>
<p>After being able to think about it by myself for a little bit, I realize my doubts about Swarthmore revolved around prestige/name-recognition and how good the sciences at Swat are.</p>
<p>I realize that if pro athletics doesn’t work out, which is a large possibility, I’ll end up going to grad school. In that case, the name-recognition of Swat, atleast by the common person/employer, won’t matter anymore; the only name that will matter is where I get my Master’s or Phd. The people who do need to know Swat’s name(aka grad school adcoms) will know the name. Swat is incredible in grad school placement, especially in the sciences. Their grads, especially the ones who majored in science related fields(or any other field for that matter), are obviously prepared to go to the best graduate schools in the country. </p>
<p>I’ve never visited Harvard, so I still don’t know how it is there. However, I firmly believe I’ll receive as good of an undergraduate education, if I fortunately end up getting accepted to Swarthmore. I realize that Harvard, and other Ivies, are great for people who want to get a job straight out of college with a bachelor’s degree and don’t want to go to grad school(though obviously, it’s great for people who want to go to grad school as well). The little doubt about whether Harvard is better will be easily consoled by the knowledge that if I get accepted, I will be able to play my sport at Swarthmore – something that will make me more happy than being able to say I go to harvard.</p>
<p>Finally, I’ll have a second chance at the Ivies(when applying to grad school), I won’t have a second chance at playing college sports and giving my athletic dreams a shot. Anyway, if anyone has anything to add to what I said, or point out something that I said wrong, please do so.</p>