<p>I do think there are some similarities and overlap in the students at Swarthmore and Vassar. Certainly, my daugther’s friends at Vassar could have been Swatties (family backgrounds, etc.) I think both schools tend to pull strongly from “city” kids – students who live in large cities and/or enjoy city things – art museums, theater, etc. Both draw strongly from New York City, for example.</p>
<p>Swarthmore is much, much more diverse. It’s really difficult to overemphasize the role of diversity at 21st century, Swarthmore – not just in the percentages, but in the way that diversity shapes the campus community. It’s clear that the new President Rebecca Chopp has been taken by the success Swarthmore has had with what is described as the “third wave” of diversity, where it becomes part of the fabric of all levels of the community. It has been very striking at every Swarthmore event I’ve attended. </p>
<p>I would be surprised if Vassar is comparable, which is not to take anything away from Vassar. Swarthmore’s a real leader in this area.</p>