I’m an international student from South Asia.
Probably going to study Environmental Sciences and Economics.
I’m athletic: play soccer, cycling, etc.
Which college do you think would be better for me?
They’re both good. If both accept you, and if cost is a factor at all, then it might make sense to choose based on net price (if there is a significant difference).
Middlebury was one of the first American colleges to set up an environmental science/studies program. At least one prominent environmentalist is on the faculty (Bill McKibben). So if you were sure you wanted to major in environmental science/studies, and if you like Middlebury’s location, then it might be a better choice than Swarthmore. I happen to prefer Middlebury’s setting and some of its facilities (such as its fabulous new library).
However, you must be aware that Middlebury is located in a small, relatively isolated town. Montreal is about 2.5 hrs away; Boston is over 3 hours away. Although the setting is beautiful, Vermont winters can be quite cold. As I type this, it is about -8 degrees Celsius in Middlebury VT and 0 degrees Celsius in Philadelphia. You might want to look up average temperatures if this is a concern. On the other hand, if you like outdoor activities (especially winter sports), you might prefer Middlebury. The college has its own ski slopes nearby.
Swarthmore offers fairly easy access to everything a major city can offer, as well as fairly easy rail connections to other East Coast cities (such as NYC and Washington DC.) Swarthmore’s consortium relationships with Haverford, Bryn Mawr, and UPenn expand the available course offerings compared to what you’d find at most other small LACs. By reputation, at least, Swarthmore is one of the most intensely intellectual colleges in the USA. I believe you’d find that a higher percentage of Swarthmore alumni than Middlebury alumni go on to pursue PhDs and academic careers.
Middlebury sounds better for you. Both are excellent schools. Swarthmore is very intense and even smaller than Mid., by about 1000 students. But Swat is basically in Philadelphia, which is very appealing to some people.
Are you a senior? Have you been accepted by either yet? Can you afford to attend?
Both are outstanding schools. Others have highlighted some of the main differences and, if you are lucky enough to be accepted to both, you should decide based on those (and other) differences… as well as cost, of course, if there is a sizable gap.
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Middlebury would be exceptionally strong for the combination of economics and environmental studies and appears highly ranked here:
https://ideas.repec.org/top/top.uslacecon.html
Swarthmore has adhered nicely to a classic LAC size, which I’d consider a plus for the school. Beyond that, its rarefied position in comparison to some similarly ranked peers may not be fully captured by USNWR:
http://www.businessinsider.com/the-50-smartest-colleges-in-america-2016-10
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Both are excellent.
See where you get in and what is affordable.
Consider if one is better known in your home country.
You can go online to both schools websites and look at course offerings in your area of interest.
Middlebury is more outdoorsy so you might prefer that.
Try to get your hand on some US college guide books (ex. Fiske, Princeton Review, Insiders Guide) to read up on the schools.
You can post specific questions about both schools on their respective pages on CC.
As everyone already said both are excellent academically. Both of my sons looked at those schools and chose to study Econ at Midd. As a whole, the student body at Midd is more athletic as a group and that was one of the reasons my boys chose to go to Midd.
Best of luck with your college choice
Not to rail on Swatties, but they aren’t the most athletic-minded individuals.
Middlebury is quite ideal for you, but you just have to be able to stand the winters (definitely easier said than done) in an isolated village.
Both very fantastic schools. Middlebury is great for an outdoorsy person. Much longer winter season - much. If you’re not into hiking, skiing, etc. I would give Swarthmore’s location an edge - very easy access to Philly (which has great arts, music, dining scenes), and easy to get to DC and NYC as well.
As far as your academic interests, both school will provide very strong economics coursework however Middlebury is much stronger in the Environmental arena. Swarthmore only offers a Minor in Environmental Studies.