Swatty or Pton?

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Since I'm unable to visit either campus, I'm wondering if you guys can give me your input on which sounds like a better fit for me. If there's something I forgot to mention please ask. Thanks!</p>

<p>ACADEMICS:</p>

<p>I plan to major in either Mathematics or Astronomy/Astrophysics with a concentration in pre-dental.</p>

<p>I would prefer a campus with an intellectual tone.</p>

<p>I'm looking for close interaction with professors.</p>

<p>A non-competitive but intense environment would be ideal.</p>

<p>SOCIAL LIFE:</p>

<p>I'm not into the drinking or partying scene, so I would prefer a school where these things don't rule campus life. However, if that isn't possible, I would prefer a school where I can do lots of EC and activities outside of campus.</p>

<p>Wouldn't want a big Greek scene.</p>

<p>I want a school with rabid school spirit. Students should LOVE their school and not be afraid to say it.</p>

<p>LOCATION:</p>

<p>I love the outdoors and would like a beautiful campus and surrounding area with easy access (i.e. <1 hr drive) to fishing, hiking, and camping. </p>

<p>I would like there to be a medium sized city ( >= 100,000 people) within an hour away.</p>

<p>I'd prefer the campus to be set aside from the surrounding city and feel like a seperate entity.</p>

2

<p>Princeton but some of those qualities resemble Swat</p>

3

<p>lol, nice non-answer :> but, I suppose I don't scream "PRINCETON" or "SWARTHOMRE" too loudly...</p>

4

<p>Definitely Swarthmore.</p>

5

<p>Could you give me some reasons why Swarthmore specifically?</p>

6

<p>Swarthmore, as a LAC, is more likely to provide the close interaction with professors at an undergrad level. However, many astronomy departments are pretty close-knit, so that may be ok at Princeton. However, most astronomy majors at major universities would at least like to try to remain in their field, so I am not sure how well that would fit in. </p>

<p>Are you trying to decide where to ED?</p>

7

<p>The school spirit requirement doesn't sound too much like Swarthmore. They love their college but its not a "Rah rah!" place like it can be at Princeton. (depending on who your friends are)</p>

8

<p>Lotus123-Sure I can! I don't have any friends at Swat currently, but I have two friends that go to Bryn Mawr and U Penn. I visited and liked it a lot last year. </p>

<p>
[quote]
I plan to major in either Mathematics or Astronomy/Astrophysics with a concentration in pre-dental.

[/quote]

Swarthmore is strong in math and astrophysics, as well as engineering. They have an excellent record for med school (and vet/dental/etc.) placement.</p>

<p>
[quote]
I would prefer a campus with an intellectual tone

[/quote]

Check! However, it's not as "in your face" as it is at Chicago and some of the Ivies. </p>

<p>
[quote]
I'm looking for close interaction with professors.

[/quote]

Small LAC. What more need be said?</p>

<p>
[quote]
A non-competitive but intense environment would be ideal.

[/quote]

Swarthmore and Chicago (and MIT and Caltech) are probably the most rigorous schools out there. However, competition is virtually non-existant. There is no class ranking or dean's list, and many people work together on assignments. </p>

<p>
[quote]
I'm not into the drinking or partying scene, so I would prefer a school where these things don't rule campus life. However, if that isn't possible, I would prefer a school where I can do lots of EC and activities outside of campus.

[/quote]

Swat isn't exactly known for its parties, and Philadelphia is not that far away-with plenty of ecs. </p>

<p>
[quote]
Wouldn't want a big Greek scene.

[/quote]

Only two small frats. No sororities.</p>

<p>
[quote]
I want a school with rabid school spirit. Students should LOVE their school and not be afraid to say it.

[/quote]

School spirit does not equal athletic support-many people misunderstand this. Almost all Swatties I've met are extremely excited to go there-sounds like school spirit to me! Games with Haverford can get somewhat competitive.</p>

<p>
[quote]
I love the outdoors and would like a beautiful campus and surrounding area with easy access (i.e. <1 hr drive) to fishing, hiking, and camping.

[/quote]

Swat has a very attractive 330 (?) acre campus designated a national arboretum. The surrounding area offers plenty of opportunities for nature.</p>

<p>
[quote]
I would like there to be a medium sized city ( >= 100,000 people) within an hour away.
[quote]

Philadelphia</p>

<p>
[quote]
I'd prefer the campus to be set aside from the surrounding city and feel like a seperate entity.

[/quote]

Some students referred to Swat as a bubble, which can be good or bad, I suppose.</p>

9

<p>Thanks, that's what I've been looking for :D</p>

<p>ohio_mom: Yes, that's what I'm trying to decide. However, since I can't visit campus I'm out of luck there... and in all honesty I have Princeton strongly as my first choice, but I'm checking out whether there are still other schools on my list that should disuade me from going ED.</p>

10

<p>I'm going to get flamed for this BUT - Swat fits your bill in everything except "rabid school spirit" - OK, I'm not sure about the <1 hr to fishing, hiking and camping either, but my guess is that with a car those things are possible, don't remember Swat having an Outing club, but there may well be a small group like that.
Swatties like their school, many love their school, but I wouldn't describe them as having "rabid school spirit" - there is a certain degree of masochistic love/hate relationship about school and workload amongst many Swatties - I think what they love is the idea of "school" if that makes any sense. It was the only place that we visited where the tour guide got positively giddy about the amateur theater group doing Shakespeare scenes out of doors - and this was someone dressed in Goth style with multiple piercings and black nail polish.</p>

<p>Princeton, though, is of course renowned for math - tough choice.</p>

11

<p>cangel-There's an Outsiders club at Swat that encourages hiking, rock climbing, etc.</p>

12

<p>So what about the workload thing at Swarthmore? How deeply ingrained in the school is the idea/reality of being overworked? And to clarify the "rabid school spirit" comment, I mean that students feel that Swarthmore is the ONLY place they would want to go to school. I.e. they wouldn't feel "complete" (or wouldn't want to go) if they went to Williams or Amherst, etc.. So to sum that up, do students feel "Swarthmore is the only place for me?"</p>

13

<p>Now that, Lotus "Swat is the only place for me", I think a large number of the students would agree with that. I think most really like the school, and are quite happy there - it just isn't the typical rah-rah type of school spirit.</p>

<p>The "workload thing" - that is so personal, it is hard to quantify - Swatties are there because they LIKE academics - doesn't mean they don't have fun, or don't do non-academic things.</p>

14

<p>Isn't there a saying, "Anywhere else, it would have been an "A."?</p>

<p>The projection is that Swathmore is a really smal, personalized, intense place. You will know everyone and their business, and they will know you and yours.</p>

<p>Princeton gives it undergrads about as much attention as any PhD granting institution could. They are actually known for this, amongst other things . . . yah know, no professional schools means the undergrads get the attention. And you have the resources of a major university, which Swat cannot do as well. But yes, the environments are supposed to be quite different, and visiting would be ideal. </p>

<p>Think of it this way- do a thought exercise. Imagine, to the best of your abilities, the characteristics of each campus. Where would you be more comfortable, and where would you want to spend four or so years?</p>