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<p>I disagree. I think Swarthmore’s core mission is the best undergrad educational program in the United States combined with an emphasis on diversity and social justice. It is dozens of student-centered programs (such as writing associates and honors and many others) that make Swarthmore’s undergrad educational program so exceptional. It’s the degree of academic engagement, both faculty and students. It’s the collaborative culture. It’s the Lang Center. It’s the library. It’s the sum of many, many different things, each of which benefit from the high priority placed on student-centric programs and the available funding.</p>
<p>It’s things like the writing program that make Swarthmore just that much better academically than other excellent liberal arts colleges. You have never heard me say anything bad about Haverford’s academics. I never have. I think it’s an excellent school. I push Haverford all the time on College Confidential. I think most students interested in top LACs should seriously consider Haverford for many of the same reasons that I think they should consider Swarthmore. It’s not Swarthmore.</p>
<p>To me, the interesting questions are Haverford or Bowdoin, Haverford or Claremont McKenna, Haverford or Davidson. If someone understands the differences in resources at Swarthmore and Haverford and is still leaning towards Haverford (with acceptances in hand from both), then they simply made an “I just like it better” decision. I would be crazy to argue with that. If they aren’t comfortable with Swarthmore, whether it’s the academic intensity or the diversity or the pollen in the Fragrance Garden, then I don’t think they should choose Swarthmore.</p>