<p>Congratulations! You have two excellent choices. As an alum of Swarthmore and a parent of 2 Swarthmore grads, I’m probably not unbiased. Both Reed and Swarthmore are great liberal arts colleges. Reed is particularly strong at producing future PhDs (but so is Swarthmore). One thing not mentioned yet is graduation rates. From the latest common data sets from both colleges, Reed has a significantly lower graduation rate. </p>
<p>Here are the data, based on the class which entered in the fall of 2007:</p>
<pre><code> 4-year grad rate 6-year grad rate
</code></pre>
<p>Reed 70% 82%
Swarthmore 89% 93%</p>
<p>Looking a the class which entered in fall of 2006 Reed looks even worse by comparison:</p>
<pre><code> 4-year grad rate 6-year grad rate
</code></pre>
<p>Reed 60% 74%
Swarthmore 86% 92%</p>
<p>The one-year retention rates are similar, at 94-96%. I’m not sure why Reed’s graduation rate is so much lower than Swarthmore’s (and other top LACs). Reed may accept more quirky, non-traditionally prepared students. It’s graduation requirements may be tougher. I really don’t know. But the difference in graduation rates is something I would consider if I were trying to decide between the two colleges.</p>