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I think I have narrowed it down to these two. Which would you take and why? Which one do you think will put me in a better position for law school? I plan to major in something English/Social Sciences related. Thank you.

By Thedad (Thedad) on Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 12:59 am: Edit

I think it's indistinguishable shades of gray [or grey] for all practical purposes. Where do you feel more comfortable?

Or, ask yourself: visualize yourself in one place six months ago...would you regret having not chosen the other?

By Letmein (Letmein) on Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 01:20 am: Edit

Thedad: Let me just ask you, if you have knowledge about the schools, which you would choose? I have tried to intellectualize this in every way possible, and I am coming up empty. Big time. I will not base my decision on your answer, but I have always respected your opinion, and I would just like to get your take.

By Dream5 (Dream5) on Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 01:30 am: Edit

Then decide based on the financial aid package. You should have made your decision by now??

Both are elite schools. There is no bad choice. either way, you will not lose a thing.

By Letmein (Letmein) on Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 01:35 am: Edit

Even that is pretty much even. :/ Do you like one over the other? I have until tomorrow at 5 PM (talk about last second!!! ). However, I hope to make up my mind soon.

By Alfalfa (Alfalfa) on Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 01:37 am: Edit

Dear Mr/Mrs. NEED HELP! I've seen you post on the Princeton Review board the same exact question. I'm a current student at a top LAC, and I prefer you just not go to either school. You seem to have no clue about any school you're choosing (have you even visited?). My advice is take all your admissions letters and drop them to the floor, the last one to fall is the school for you. That method seems a lot more effective that your approach

By Letmein (Letmein) on Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 01:51 am: Edit

Sorry Alfalfa, I know I am coming off as very aloof. Please view my latest post on the PR board where I explain my situation a little more clearly. (BTW, is your name also Alfalfa on the PR board?).

http://discuss.princetonreview.com/forums/Thread.cfm?CFApp=3&Thread_ID=491261&mc=10

Also, are you a student at one of the two colleges I am deciding between? If so, please tell me which one, because it will surely make the decision much easier. If the average student is as rude and ostentatious as you are, I will know where NOT to go.

By Thedad (Thedad) on Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 02:23 am: Edit

Letmein, I think you need a Decisionmaker(tm). I like one of the state ones, the Massachusetts one with the neat tree on the back, in particular.

Okay, reading PR, 40 percent of Williams students are jocks. At Swat, "...everyone here is more or less an opinonated wierdo. It's rather comforting."

As a town, Williamstown is a pimple on a [freezing] elephant's butt. PR says Swatties "love Swarthmore, PA."

"Swat is one of those places wher you can attend an open mike, comedy improv group, a pterodactyl hunt, a frat party, and a movie all in one night."

Williams is big on excursions through autumn foliage and winter skiing.

Hmm. All first-semester classes at Swat are pass-fail to ease transition.

Okay...go to Swat. TheDad has spoken.

"First, you think they [the faculty] are out to get you. Then you think they're out to get everybody. Finally you realize they're just too damned smart."
(Academics at Swat)

By Wadad (Wadad) on Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 11:24 am: Edit

Letmein,
If it is down to Williams or Swat, I think your decision should be based on the the school's fit with your personality. Academics is a toss-up; both are first rate with probably excellent placement in law schools.

PR probably has it about right. Williams is less preppy than it used to be, but still has much more emphasis on athletics and "school spirit." Williamstown is colder and more rural. If talking about ideas and passionately held views is your idea of fun, Swarthmore is a better fit. Philly is close by and the weather is a bit more hospitable.

By Aparent (Aparent) on Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 12:47 pm: Edit

I would pay attention to the kind of academics. My dd decided she was not interested in Swat because a huge percentage of students seem to come out and enter Ph.D. programs. While she might well do that herself, she prefers to be in an environment with people planning all sorts of different things for their future. At Williams, though we do hear there are jocky students, we also know several students who are not jocks at all and who are having a wonderful experience. Having visited the art museums in Williamstown numerous times, I can tell you that I have met students who are doing research in them, which is not something associated with the stereotypical jock. There are many students playing sports but there are tons of arts events on campus also. So...I would say Williams has a more diverse student body (contrary to the stereotype) and Swat has proximity to Philly. Good luck.

By Jules07 (Jules07) on Saturday, May 03, 2003 - 02:26 pm: Edit

Swarthmore...and it is also more diverse than Williams

By Bjturlington (Bjturlington) on Saturday, May 03, 2003 - 05:24 pm: Edit

Swarthmore...can take classes at UPen, Haverford ad Bryn Mawr...is in a city, is less preppy than Williams, and also less uptight.

Rob.