<p>Being one of those posters who agree that Haverford is more laid-back than Swarthmore, I nevertheless disagree that being laid-back is important to the social scene. It merely implies that the culture is more easygoing–but a bunch of people not stressing cheerfully over workload does not equal a “better” social scene. Those people could just as easily be off doing their own thing in all different directions, or sleeping instead of socializing.</p>
<p>“Social scene” is such a subjective term that I hesitate to attempt a differential characterization of either school’s–especially when one expands the definition beyond “parties with alcohol,” as I assume is the case here.</p>
<p>Haverford and Bryn Mawr definitely have a very close relationship, with some academic departments even split. Socially, this can become tense for the girls. With regard to surrounding town–Haverford, PA is just as boring as Swarthmore, PA, is just as boring as Bryn Mawr, PA. All three are essentially identical Main Line surburbs.</p>