Vassar vs. Swarthmore (maybe Wesleyan)

College Search & Selection
1

This should be my last input thread as I am hoping to commit very soon. In previous post I mentioned taking Swarthmore off my list but I decided to keep it on there anyways due to the fact I had a pretty good visit. Although I noticed the cliche of academic competitiveness was hard to come by I still found the amount of studying students did very excessive for my taste. I personally liked the social atmosphere at Vassar and Wesleyan better.

As of now I am leaning towards Vassar. Here are some of the reasons why:

  • I could see myself there more than any of the other schools as I am reflecting
  • The most beautiful campus with a good student population (in between Swat and Wes)
  • Good Economics program with room to explore other interests
  • Decent access to NYC as I would like to work in finance there after graduation

I feel like I am passing up an oppurtunity to go to a “better school” (Swarthmore) to go to a school that I simply like better. Will I be giving up Job opportunities? Is Swat that much more “prestigious” to really question my methodology?

I have liked Vassar for a really long time and have always come back around to it, like after I went through an Ivy obsession when I was younger. Any input would be great!

2

You are now stuck in analysis paralysis. Go to the one you like. In two years, confirmation bias will kick in and you will be certain that you made the right choice.

3

They are both great schools. You should be proud of yourself for having such choices. They are in the top 20 in LAC’s. It comes down to fit. It seems that Vassar outranks Swarthmore in the “you do you” poll. Go with your gut

4

In the field of economics, Vassar’s faculty compares well to Swarthmore’s:

https://ideas.repec.org/top/top.uslacecon.html

5

I agree with the replies above. Go with your preference - they are both excellent schools

6

Vassar!! My D’s boyfriend from Vassar was an Econ major. He went on to get master’s and now works for a big well-know firm.