<p>So I am trying to choose which campus to applying Early Decision to. While I know my chances are much higher at Davidson, part of me really likes some aspects of Swarthmore, but I have been unable to visit Davidson yet. Could everyone just give me their respective opinions regarding the two schools, academically and socially. I'm ideally looking for a school with an intellectual atmosphere, but still strong school spirit, a certain quirkiness in the student body, a good amount of interdisciplinary connection in academics and a politically active student body (that is politically moderate).</p>
<p>The biggest similarities between Davidson and Swarthmore are size and reputations for rigorous academics. Neither school attracts too many slackers.</p>
<p>There are many differences and a completely different campus culture.</p>
<p>Swarthmore is one of the most diverse elite colleges in the country. Racial diversity is a defining quality of Swarthmore, instantly noticeable on campus. Davidson has traditionally been, and continues to be, one of the least diverse elite colleges in the country. It's really, really white.</p>
<p>Davidson is much more fraternity and eating club oriented than Swarhtmore. Swarthmore has two fraternities left as vestiges of a by-gone era, but the culture of the school would more anti-fraternity.</p>
<p>Swarthmore has much more financial strength. Without looking it up. the per student endowment is three or four times larger than Davidson's. As a practical matter, this means that fewer programs will be cut over the next few years of very challenging economics for colleges.</p>
<p>Swarthmore is definitely more liberal than Davidson, as you would expect from a school founded by Quakers in a suburb of Philly than a Presbeterian college in a southern sunbelt suburb. This will mean both politicall and socially -- acceptance of gays, and so forth.</p>
<p>Swarthmore has been co-ed from the day it was founded and always required an equal number of men and women on the Board of Managers. Davidson barred women until about 30 years ago.</p>
<p>Swarthmore is a low-key scholar-athlete Div III college. They have a large athletic budget and the team are well provided for, but they won't be playing for national championships in many sports. Davidson is Div I and gives athletic scholarships. The athletic budget and emphasis on sports is totally absurd for a college os 1800 students, IMO.</p>
<p>Swarthmore is one of the top-3 per capita producers of future PhDs in the country, and #1 in many fields including virtually all social sciences. Davidson tends to be more pre-professional, feeding the ranks of lawyers and doctors across the south.</p>
<p>My daughter visited both schools and liked both. Davidson's lack of diversity was a real sticking point for her as was the fact that they barred Jews from serving on the Board until just a few years ago. However, if you are looking for a school that is more conservative politically and devotes fewer resources to recruiting a diverse student body, then Davidson could be a better choice. They are both good schools.</p>
<p>Once again, don't apply ED if you're not sure,, especially at this late stage.. it's ED2 I assume.. no point if you don't ABSOLUTELY live the school</p>