Swarthmore & Vassar

momrath
Fri, 14 Nov 2008 21:56:06 +0000

China:

Yup, has done the overnight at Swarthmore and will be doing one at Vassar. They are definitely helpful.



If I understand your point correctly, your son has done his due diligence on Swarthmore (and will do on Vassar) but he’s not totally convinced that either of these is the school for him. He sees athletics as a means to an end which is the best education he can get.

Well, I say, your son should listen to his gut. When it comes to LACs fit is everything. It’s not just academic fit. If they admit you, most likely they’ll pull you through. I wouldn’t worry about that part even if Swarthmore is an academic reach.

What I’m talking about is cultural fit. Either you find your people or you do not. There just aren’t enough slots at a 1600 to 2000 student LAC to allow for a wide range of cultures. Diversity of race, economics, religion, yes. Diversity of character, no. It is attidudinal and emotional, like falling in love. You can’t articulate it but you know it when you feel it.

I like Swarthmore a lot. I wish I had gone to Swarthmore but no way would it have been the right place for my son in spite of its enormous academic positives.