<p>Swarthmore does have an amazing reputation, and yes would likely assure more professor contact.
It likely gives good training fro those who want a PhD. (Though with realtively few advanced level courses). IIRC their senior thesis option, while optional, is often elected. And they go an extra step, bringing in outside academics to examine you when you “defend your thesis”.</p>
<p>D1 didn’t want to apply there after visiting, she thought it seemed too academically intense for her tastes. Same reason she nixed U Chicago. Could have been mistaken…</p>
<p>Otherwise though, I personally might rather spend four years at Tufts. Swarthmore just seemed too small to me. I think one could easily become bored there, studies aside. Swarthmore does have that preserve area, but its buildings all look the same, with the same stone. I personally find that style boring to look at. The Tufts campus is nice too, IMO. </p>
<p>Tufts is a good school too.</p>