<p>I am trying to choose between Ride the Tide and DestinationChicago, because both are on the same days :/
I really like both schools. Swarthmore was my top choice for a long time, but my family is very excited about UChicago...so...
HELP?!</p>
<p>Which is it easier for you to visit separately, e.g. taking a day off from school and staying overnight on your own? Usually the easier-to-visit school is the closest geographically, but not always. You should take advantage of the special visit weekend to see schools where it might otherwise be a hassle to get there; flying into Grinnell comes to mind, since the school is an hour away from either of the two closest airports with no reasonable public transportation.</p>
<p>Swarthmore is certainly more gorgeous and friendly (you’d fall in love pretty instantaneously). If Chicago is seriously in contention, you should perhaps visit there and see the campus/dorms/student vibe to compare/contrast (my understanding is that the setting is very urban and gritty). Both are academically top notch.</p>
<p>Both are faaaaaaaaaaar faaaaaaaaaar away from me, I’m from El Paso. I think I will go with my gut and visit Swarthmore; something tells me that I should…thanks! :]</p>
<p>always go with your gut. and congratulations on being torn between two awesome schools :)</p>
<p>You definitely will want to visit both schools before choosing. My daughter’s final decision was between Chicago and Swarthmore and the visits were very important because they are VERY different schools, not withstanding their similar academic excellence. In terms of visiting on the special days for each school, you definitely will be part of a large crowd at Chicago. I actually think that you would get a better feel for
Chicago on a regular class day. You would be one of 10 or so on a tour that day and will be able to ask more questions. Also, class visits would be easier on a regular class day. The class visits at each school offer very helpful data. Although Ride the Tide brings a large number of students to campus, the college is small enough and the crowd small enough that you can still get a sense of daily life at Swarthmore.</p>
<p>University has one on the 7th and 8th too. I’m going to that one and then going to swattie next week.</p>
<p>as 248 is an anti-chicago ■■■■■ who is either on their WL or has another grudge. See all earlier posts.</p>