<p>My D really likes American University and was recruited to play a sport there. They offer very little athletic money, for her no merit aid is likely or so they've said, and we don't qualify for need-based aid - so we'd llkely pay nearly full-freight. She applied to Swarthmore (because its a great school but she's always said it doesn't seem so well balanced or fun) and as parents we have learned unofficially that she will likely be accepted. Swarthmore offers no merit aid so the costs for these two schools will be about the same. I know it's crazy to even ask the question 'should she choose Swarthmore over American' because Swarthmore is a much better school academically but at the same time I know that she feels she'll have less 'fun' at Swarthmore, the experience may be less interesting, it's a more serious crowd at Swat, DC is more interesting than Philly, etc. -- basically for all of the non-academic reasons which seem to me silly when comparing these two schools. I'd like her to feel good about choosing Swarthmore but I need help convincing her. Any tid bits of advice, good things to share, stats, would really be appreciated. Thanks so much!</p>
<p>What is the better school may depend on what her academic interests are.</p>
<p>On the other hand, don’t assume admission before the letter comes. Swarthmore is highly selective, while American considers “level of applicant’s interest” to be “very important”, so unless she makes it clear to American that it is a high choice (and not a supposed safety like so many other high stat applicants), she may not be admitted there.</p>
<p>Academically, of course, it’s a no-brainer. As for “fun,” well, if she doesn’t find learning a lot and being surrounded by super smart high achieving nerds to be “fun,” then maybe Swat isn’t for her. That’s sad, of course, because a Swat education is very likely to make her a more educated, thoughtful, intellectual person and open doors for her in the future, but hey, some people prioritize a good time at that age, even at the potential risk of sacrificing some opportunities later in life. </p>
<p>These two choices are far apart culturally, more so, I think, than they are academically. Are there no other choices? Maybe you should wait until she has all her acceptances. If she has what it takes to get into Swarthmore, then it stands to reason that she’ll be accepted by other academically rigorous schools, perhaps some with the kind of atmosphere that she wants. She shouldn’t have to choose between fit and academics.</p>
<p>Hello,like momrath said they really are so far apart culturally. As a D1 recruit athletics are obviously an important part of her life and that alone puts those two schools on totally different planets.
We just visited American on the weekend and met with a coach,toured the facilities etc
Did the same with older son a few years ago at Swarthmore and my athlete son then chose a NESCAC school in order to get both the athletics and academics that he desired.
If your daughter has not done overnights at both schools have her do so, that will most likely help in her decision making process
Good luck</p>