<p>Hello all,
I've been fortunate enough to have received both honors noted in this title. Basically, I need some help. I've thought long and hard about the choice and I understand the different offerings the two schools, the choice between major university vs. liberal arts college.
I intend to go to law school and I plan to study economics and perhaps IR or political science as an undergraduate.
Any helpful advice or insightful knowledge is more than welcome.</p>
<p>size is key here. Small school or huge one?</p>
<p>I've tossed that one around quite a bit. I'm not really sure it matters to me. I'm more concerned with the availability of great opportunities and I know they both can offer them.</p>
<p>How does someone decide to apply to U Virginia and Swarthmore? Both great places, but absolutely nothing in common unless there is some field of study that links the two and thus prompted your applications. Can you enlighten us a little bit on what you were thinking in making these applications?</p>
<p>Sure. The common field of study was one of the the things that drew me to each school. Econ is very strong at both UVA and Swarthmore. Also, in all honesty, I knew I was going to need substantial financial assistance and the scholarships I thought I had a chance at winning dictated where I applied. I figured I had a decent shot at both the Jefferson and the McCabe Award.</p>
<p>both good academically...again, I'd say make your decision by feel. Which place felt more comfortable to you?</p>
<p>Maybe look at it this way: </p>
<p>While both are certainly great, UVA offers many more options both, socially and academically, than Swathmore. </p>
<p>UVA is certainly much larger than Swat, but it is hardly huge. In fact, it's actually smaller than most national universities. If you are outgoing, you will find it becomes a lot smaller than the numbers suggest at the onset. </p>
<p>UVA is near two capitols, state and national, which may present some unique opportunities. </p>
<p>UVA's McIntyre business school is one of the very best in the country. More than 100 recruiters come to grounds each year to hire UVA business grads. Also, their new facility is top notch. </p>
<p>Okay, so I'm a bit biased.....</p>
<p>I'll venture to suggest only this: go to Swarthmore only if you're sure the fit is right. A great intellectual school but small by LAC standards and not mainstream. If it fits, it can be a great experience. If you're uncertain about the fit, I'd default to UVa where your areas of interest are a great play to the school's strengths and the Jeff Scholars a prestigious plus.</p>
<p>Both schools really are outstanding choices. Having worked in college admissions and financial aid for almost 30 years…the only constant? The college selection process is rarely a rational decision for most 18 year old’s… (From the first Dean I worked for in college admissions."Dont try to get a high school student to think rantionally just yet.) </p>
<p>Most of us older folks encourage students to have a list that is diverse. In the end the decision should be a more informed one when the student looks at and applied to a variety of schools. Though trying to get a New Englander to look at a large land grant institution in the mid west really is the same as taking to my dog. No offense if you are an Iowa girl! Love the state, and Iowa City. Let the New Englander’s go all the way to the left coast and leave the mid-west the charm that it is!) </p>
<p>Consider a job in college admissions for a few years. It might just last a lifetime. </p>
<p>ciao</p>
<p>P.S. Who defines “Best in the Country?” The world needs accountants that work for the “Big 6” and accountants that run the business office at the local community college. The former actually often get to play ball with their kids on weeknights and weekends! (a good thing!)</p>
<p>Dunno how authoritative FLVADAD’s observations are since he failed to spell both “Swarthmore” and “McIntire” correctly…</p>
<p>Have you visited either school?</p>
<p>Many elite colleges and universities are happy to pay travel and lodging expenses for extraordinary prospective students from low-income families.</p>
<p>Consider getting in touch with an admission dean at both Swat and UVA so that you can work something out to make an informed decision.</p>
<p>Congratulations, for being the best applicant from Delaware County. ;P</p>
<p>Woah, what happened here? Ignore this post.</p>
<p>I’ll somewhat echo the previous posters in that if you’re struggling to pick the better fit, lean towards UVa. Small LACs like Swarthmore tend to produce either a love or hate; you want to be sure you’re the right fit, otherwise, you risk falling into the hate category. A larger school like UVa will naturally be more compatible towards various fits (even if it isn’t necessarily a perfect fit).</p>
<p>Taking the OP at face value, and the veracity of his statements presumed, I offer my sincere congratulations! Both are highly prestigious awards. </p>
<p>My vote is UVa. But that is just my personal opinion based on my own personal bias. </p>
<p>Swarthmore is an outstanding…some would say the number one LAC in the nation. But it is very unique and the culture there is decidedly liberal. For the person who desires that environment its an outstanding choice. </p>
<p>UVa is large enough, yet a small flagship school. Some rank it number one in state universities. It has outstanding opportunities for any major or intended career. Its steeped in history, pardon the pun. But it seems to me that if you have particular interests or quirky ideas (just kidding) or simply want to 'blend into the crowd", that UVa offers you a better example of the broad spectrum of what you might find on a college campus, both politically, socially and economically. </p>
<p>But again, your personality, your family situation, your interests may dictate a different result. </p>
<p>Go where you will excel and thrive.</p>