<h2>siusplau: The proverbial “fork” that I feel is jabbed in my brain because of this discussion tells me I’m soon “done” as well… but I have to let off some steam 1st. :)</h2>
<p>I think I understand why, when ID and I argue, little gets accomplished. Perhaps it is because it appears that I am trying to rationalize with a person who gets a little misty when he watches an admissions video of a college he didn’t attend. ID, your love of Swat is beautiful (truly) but your fanaticism in my opinion blinds you to the reality of Swat and its relationship to others.</p>
<p>When I mentioned the “quirky /geeky/ non-mainstream/ non-preppy/ non-athletic” CULTURE thing a while back, it wasn’t to cut Swat but rather to give parents (such as yourself) and students/applicants a reality check… that there are +/- with everything. Some Swat kids and some Swat parents seem to gloat the –‘s of other colleges… but you have to recognize your own. Like I said earlier, Swat doesn’t have as many moderating influences and I even see that here on the Swat CC forum. Personally, I have a soft spot for Swat (for many reasons I mentioned) and that is why I waste my time here… to 1) correct your mischaracterizations of Haverford/Bi-co but also to 2) encourage you to not write some of the stuff that you do because it really represents (and possibly encourages) the worst aspects of Swarthmore.</p>
<p>Saying that CMC’s endowment is “ok” or “very good” is smug and spoiled. As a father and a prolific CC poster, I would think that you would know better. If you are dismissive of CMC, I fear to wonder how you perceive 99% of Americans who don’t have the opportunity or capability to attend a top college or university such as CMC, ect. If you don’t mean to be dismissive or you feel you are not being understood by intelligent people, then I suggest you buy a thesaurus or re-read your posts before you hit the return key (um… by the way, can a college be both “dominant” and “aloof” at the same time?).</p>
<p>“I have not expressed an opinion to the orginal poster that she should prefer Pomona, CMC, or Swarthmore. Search the thread. You won’t find it. I don’t have an opinion.”</p>
<p>“CMC’s endowment is OK, but not in the same league… the total education experience is (not) the same as at either Pomona or Swarthmore.”</p>
<p>“Not the same league” drips with meaning. I also am curious that someone who vaunts Swat students engaged in improving the lives of the Sudanese and working on issues of social justice and equality also seems to have a superiority complex regarding his daughter’s college. </p>
<p>I have no problems advocating for a college but to misrepresent your posts as objective observations is highly disingenuous. Whether you make a blatant statement of opinion or select self-serving data, it’s still the same. I’m sure the Bush administration also honestly felt their evidence and data leading up to the Iraqi war was “objective” too. </p>
<p>Like I also said before as well, endowment figures and spending per student is correlated but, is by no means, an accurate marker for measuring and comparing a collegiate experience and resources… especially when discussing colleges in true consortiums with those without one such as Swat. Anyone familiar with public policy will say that pouring more $ into a program doesn’t proportionately make it better… and I’m waiting for you to realize that. Also, you know, when you use $ figures as a crutch to support your arguments you really encourage kids to simply think that quality must only come from spending more. Why do I feel that heart felt cards and homemade gifts may not “cut it” for you on your birthday?</p>
<p>I’m not surprised that your daughter is excited about many classes in which to enroll. That is why Swat is considered a good college. But imagine for a moment your daughter at a LAC of similar size where the course registration book is 1.5X thicker, where she can choose between 3-4 dining centers for a difference in atmosphere on any night, deciding between 2+ film series on the weekends, having the opportunities afforded by 2+ speaker series, 2+ concert series, ect… then you will be imagining the opportunities afforded to kids at a consortium such as the Claremont and the Bi-co. </p>
<p>Now, like a well baked cake… I’m done.</p>