<p>As the parent of 2 Swarthmore graduates and a current Carl (and I am a Swat alum) I can probably also comment on the personality or atmosphere of the two schools. Swarthmore is academically intense and self consciously so. It is quite common for Swatties to say that classes they take at Penn (or Haverford) are “easy,” and that visiting professors from Ivy-league schools teach at a significantly slower pace than they are used to. Carleton is a very strong school, but has more of a stereotypical Minnesota-nice vibe. I can’t speak to the philosophy departments of the two schools. It is certainly possible to get a fabulous education at either school.</p>