benwa11ace

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.

jtm4499

size is key here. Small school or huge one?

benwa11ace

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.

hawkette

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?

benwa11ace

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.

jtm4499

both good academically...again, I'd say make your decision by feel. Which place felt more comfortable to you?

FLVADAD

Maybe look at it this way:

While both are certainly great, UVA offers many more options both, socially and academically, than Swathmore.

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.

UVA is near two capitols, state and national, which may present some unique opportunities.

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.

Okay, so I'm a bit biased.....

wbwa

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.