<p>So out of 8 schools it's basically come down to these 3. </p>
<p>My top choice would probably be Swarthmore, however my main concern is the student body; I'm not sure I'd fit in with a group that focuses so much on activism, compared to what I'm used to. I'm worried I would spend all my time working and no time having fun.</p>
<p>Wesleyan is quite far from where I live (in Virginia), but I like what little I've seen of it (I visited briefly during Spring Break). My main concern there is the potential for acceptance into post-graduate institutions, probably law school.</p>
<p>My main concern with UVA is its size; however I have been accepted into the Echols program which would maybe change this? My objections to UVA are sort of personal: so many people from my high school are going to UVA that I'm not sure I would like it.</p>
<p>Any information you could provide about these schools, especially insights into campus culture, would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Follow the money. Virtually every aspect of an undergraduate education depends on per student expenditures.</p>
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<p>Having said that, I certainly can’t argue with a Virginia resident going to UVA or William & Mary. For in-state residents, the price is certainly attractive. While neither can touch the quality of Swarthmore’s undergrad program, they are both pretty good schools.</p>
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<p>As for activism at Swarthmore, remember that, when you are seeing all the activist students, you are seeing the tip of the iceberg that is visible above the water line. A much larger number of Swarthmore students are just “regular” (smart) kids, doing their thing and not trying to save the world 24/7. Swarthmore only stands out for “activism” against a back drop of many schools that are disturbingly apathetic (given that college is supposed to be a time of maximum idealism and so forth). I do think that the civic engagement and interest in world affairs is a defining characteristic of Swarthmore as an institution, but it hardly defines the day-to-day experience of students.</p>