<p>OP, I’m a Carleton parent, not a student, and know nothing about the philosophy dept. But I did read the other thread. It seems we have someone who loved his experience on that thread and P, who hasn’t, on this thread. </p>
<p>Maybe the issue is less one with Carleton – is it strong in philosophy? – and more one of fit. If P wanted an “intense environment” then he probably shouldn’t have chosen Carleton. I’m not saying P is wrong to want an intense environment, just that Carleton is not an “intense” place and he probably should have picked a different college if that’s what he was seeking. My experience with Carls, including my own, is that they are not so in-your-face. They don’t worry about grades or rankings (see other thread that has since been closed) and aren’t competitive in the classroom so regardless of how strong a particular dept may be, I doubt it would ever be described as “intense.” </p>
<p>If you want an “intense environment” as well, then maybe there’s a better school for you. I don’t know enough about Swat to say that it is significantly more intense so I don’t know that it is or isn’t a better choice for you. Or that you are actually looking for intense. I agree that Carleton is nice and adorable, but don’t mistake its pleasantness for being an academic lightweight. You will get a great education there.</p>