<p>I'm really interested in applying ED to Swarthmore. . . but I want to make sure that I'll like the lifestyle there because it is binding. I'm interested in theatre, music and nature-ee activities.</p>
<p>Also, I keep hearing that classes at Swarthmore are more intense than classes at other top LACs. Is this true?</p>
<p>Thanks!!</p>
<p>Swarthmore is definitely more intense than pretty much any other top tier university or LAC, and this derives largely from a student body that is not only extremely bright, but also intellectually very serious (college not merely a means to an end). There is much “fun” to be had: out- of- the- classroom intellectual engagement with other students, performing arts activities (great and diverse music and theater programs), and everything else that college students do. The setting is bucolic, what with the arboretum and Crum woods, so out-doorsy elements are built in to campus life. As always advised, you should visit and spend a night or two if you can.</p>
<p>During my time at Swarthmore (I graduated this past spring), I wasn’t involved in the kinds of activities that you are interested in, so I shouldn’t say anything about that. As for your other question, I will voice a dissenting opinion. Although Swarthmore’s classes are probably, on average, more intense (in some cases much more intense) than classes at a typical college or university, they are on the whole probably comparable in workload to classes at top colleges and universities. Sometimes they are more intense, sometimes less so.</p>
<p>swat’s intense academically but kids spread themselves super thin. you’ll start off and try everything out, whittle away what you don’t like, and hone in on what you do. the campus of 1500 students sustains over 150 groups – a lot of overlap and a lot of people doing a lot of things.</p>
<p>Yup, I agree with everyone that Swarthmore is intense. Thus, depending on how ‘dedicated’ you are to your studies and/or what you study, it may be difficult at first to participate in a lot of the activities you want to do (It may take time to get use to workload, time management … it’s a skill almost all of us need to develop here). But, eventually you’ll know your limits. </p>
<p>Campus is very green and flowery. If you like nature, you’ll like it here. Music and theatre is popular and strong. </p>
<p>good luck.</p>
<p>I grew up near Swarthmore, but didnt go there. Just wanted to note that the train to Phila stops in Swarthmore, so you have about a 30 minute ride to a major city and allthe activities there.</p>