Swarthmore or Hamilton

[Anonymous]

In at both Swarthmore and Hamilton, also in at Amherst, but considering only Swat and Hamilton for music and economics. Plans to go to law school. Anything we should consider to sway us between the two? She is very torn. Will attend both admitted students days, but I’m curious for any perspectives.

[Anonymous]

Amherst seems like a better choice and a much better school than Hamilton ?

[Anonymous]

She can get a fabulous education at any of these three. Swarthmore is quite exceptional in terms of academics but is also much more of an unhappy grind than Swat. As a parent, I'd be perfectly happy with any of these. Let her decide after the admitted student visits.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:She can get a fabulous education at any of these three. Swarthmore is quite exceptional in terms of academics but is also much more of an unhappy grind than Swat. As a parent, I'd be perfectly happy with any of these. Let her decide after the admitted student visits.

*than Hamilton

[Anonymous]

Hamilton winters are a whole other level of misery

[Anonymous]

My DS graduated from Swarthmore. I don’t understand the “unhappy grind” comments. This school attracts the smart academic types. My son was an athlete for 4 years and an RA and had plenty of fun as well and a very good student. Just because people study, doesn’t make them unhappy.

-Can’t comment on the other schools.

[Anonymous]

Can’t speak to Hamilton, but have several Swat grads I’m close to. They’re all very smart and successful and were happy in college. They have really good friendships from their time there.
One of them runs a startup and has a few more recent grads as employees- they definitely band together.
Swat has a very tight alumni network that comes through in your professional life as well.

[Anonymous]

I think Swat draws significantly better students. I am influenced by two recent Hamilton grads I know. Very nice kids but seem a little adrift. Un- or underemployed at present.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hamilton winters are a whole other level of misery

This would be a major factor in the decision if it were me. And if Swarthmore appeals to your kid, I can’t see why you wouldn’t choose it, based on reputation alone.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, all, definitely leaning Swat. We did visit both and liked Hamilton. Amherst was ruled out due to no dance program on campus. Also Swat orchestra is amazing.

[Anonymous]

Hamilton alum here. Can’t go wrong with your choices but agree that winters are long, but this adds to the tight community.

[Anonymous]

Encouraged to hear from those with recent experience saying Swat is NOT a grind. DD deciding btw Swat and Haverford and Rice. Prefers Swat but worried about its reputation.

[Anonymous]

Swarthmore's campus is a nationally registered arboretum, and many of the buildings are gorgeous. There aren't many campuses I'd rather wander for four years. The little town is very nice, too, and access to the big city is worth a lot.

Also, I assume they still have a consortium with Penn, Haverford and Bryn Mawr. If this is so and you're willing to do a little traveling, it opens up a much wider curriculum and group of activities.

The Quaker influence is nice, too.

[Anonymous]

Wouldn’t recommend Hamilton if she’s not an athlete and/or interested in a campus overrun with boarding school kids. My kids attend/attended a CT boarding school and Hamilton is the catchall for both students and recruited athletes that don’t get in elsewhere and it has been for the entire 5 years we have been part of the community. I can’t imagine how overrun that campus is with wealthy mediocre hockey and lacrosse players.

Both Swat and Amherst are much more prestigious, in my view, and intellectual. They seem to be as hard to get into as the ivies from our school, so congrats!

[Anonymous]

People have heard of Swarthmore and Amherst. Not Hamilton. Unless you are choosing on price, I'd go for one of those.