Williams vs Swarthmore

appdout
Sat, 07 Apr 2018 03:03:47 +0000

Hi all! I was accepted to both Williams and Swarthmore regular decision and I am trying to choose between them. I was given the same aid at both schools. Both are obviously academically rigorous, but I get the vibe that at Swarthmore that rigor stems from a non-competitive atmosphere and a culture of intellectualism (and students wholly devoted to work), while Williams (which is also bigger) is slightly more competitive and has more students who’d embody the preppy/jocky stereotype. Swarthmore is closer and easier to get to from where I live, but I have a personal connection to someone at Williams. I personally think that the Williams campus is more beautiful because of the view (although Swat has beautiful buildings and more flowers). Williams students also seem slightly less tense on campus. Can anyone offer a student or parent perspective and elaborate on some of these differences or bring up new ones? Has anyone decided between these two schools? Why did you choose to go to Williams/Swarthmore?

I’d appreciate any advice at all. Thank you!
(This discussion is also posted under Swarthmore College.)