<p>Having visited both Swarthmore and Middlebury (and being impressed with both) I am seriously considering applying to one or the other ED next year (since I fear that ED is the only way I'll get in to either). I'm sure either one would be plenty challenging academically, but one thing that has been on my mind is the student body. How do they compare? Is one significantly tighter knit/more accepting? Is one way preppier? Any information you guys have would be welcome.
P.S. I know that my junior year is a little early to be thinking about where to apply E.D. but the way I figure, any thinking I do now will make my decision easier when I have to make it in 6 months.</p>
<p>Background: My daughter goes to Swarthmore (she’s a senior), and my parents both went to Middlebury – also I am from Vermont and know professors at Middlebury. Middlebury was tied for second on my daughter’s college list (with Pomona) but she decided to apply ED at Swarthmore. </p>
<p>As I’m sure you know, there are more similarities than differences between the two schools. Apart from the excellent academics, you will have peers who will be highly engaged in their education, and very interesting people in their own right. This makes for a very rich college experience. They are both focused on undergraduate education. They both provide a varied campus life.</p>
<p>All of that said, my impression is that Middlebury has a somewhat stronger preppy element (but not nearly as much as many other similar schools), and Swarthmore a more idiosyncratic element in the student body. Swat also probably has a stronger social activism component than Midd. This is partly due to the Quaker roots at Swat, which gives it an ethic that is infused at all levels, including students serving on key campus decision-making committees along with faculty and staff. My daughter has served on three such committees, and it has been a great experience. Also, you can check but my impression is that there is more ethnic/cultural diversity at Swat. I would imagine that they are approximately equally accepting/tight knit.</p>
<p>Good luck – it sounds as if you’d be happy at either place, and I don’t think it’s too soon to start considering an ED application. If you decide that there is a school that is the best match for you, and they feel the same way, it’s a great relief!</p>
<p>@ArkSlayer – from my son’s viewpoint, I think that Redwood Mom’s assessment more matches how he viewed the two schools as compared to Arcadia. I especially find Arcadia’s comment that Swarthmore is more competitive to not match how we viewed it, but to each their own opinion. Midd is very proud of their increase in diversity in their accepted class this year, but it remains to be seen what ends up happening once everyone has made their final choice. I think that Swat is already further along as regards diversity. I think that academically there are some very special offerings from Swat with the honors option and the consortium and Penn course offerings expanding their academic options.</p>
<p>Thanks a lot you two!</p>
<p>It’s interesting that you have chosen these two to compare. My S was in a very similar position his Junior year. Rather then rely on the opinions of others, if you have time, I would try and visit both schools for extended stays. Go to classes, eat with students etc. My guess is that by the time you are done, you will have a better ide of which school is right for you. When we visited the S campus, we were greeted by profs, my son was invited to classes and dorms etc. It was really a welcoming place. The same happened at Midd. In the end my S (despite my leaning toward Swat) chose Midd, but that’s because when he’s not working (rarity) he is out riding his mountain bike, swimming in the mountain streams, logrolling, or flying at the local airport. He loved Swat, but felt it was just too confining. He just loves studying in Bi-hall and being able to see the Mountains when he looks up to take a break. That plus he was a ski racer in HS and loves J term and being able to hit the bowl on powder days! Never underestimate the beauty of J term!</p>
<p>This is a pretty frequent dilemma for admitted students, I know of at least 5 of my friends who loved both Midd and Swat, and chose Swat for one reason or another. It’s a hard choice for sure, but rest assured that they are all very happy with their choice and I’m sure those who chose Midd are happy too. In the end it will be some small deciding factor that sways you one way or another. Go to the admitted students days and see which school seems best for you.</p>
<p>KarateDad is right. You should really try to visit each school and get a good feel while they are in session if you have the choice. Also make sure you understand a bit about their academic programs and graduation requirements. There may be something there that makes a difference for you.</p>
<p>Also the locations as others have said are very different. While Swarthmore is close to Philadelphia, it is also in an Arboretum and has a wooded area as well. It is not Penn, Columbia or even Bates. Clearly, if skiing is your thing Midd is much better placed. At Swarthmore, it is easy to reach other places, while not in a big city. While Midd is really pretty remote.</p>
<p>Totally agree with KarateDad on spending as much time as you can on each campus. Visit classes, talk to students, talk to profs.</p>
<p>PM to CD: I’m not able to PM yet, as I need 15 posts (which I may or may not ever get!). But those folks are not my parents.</p>