Swarthmore or Hamilton

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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 wrote:This, really.

The best possible case you can make is that Swat students on the whole have marginally better stats than Hamilton students on the whole. But in no ordinary sense of the words are Swat students "significantly better." And, I shouldn't have to tell you this, but it's preposterous to base any such opinion on a sample size of two.

Again, my DS didn't apply to Hamilton and is considering Swat. I have no reason to support Hamilton other than a distaste for DCUM hyperbole and prestige-bootlicking.

I was that poster, and know a ton of Swat students, past and present, and have pretty good working knowledge of Swarthmore currently. I do think it has a particular flavor that is not for everyone, but the kids are very smart. The recruited athletes I know there now are truly smart too, which is not true a lot of places.

[Anonymous]

OP again, happy to read the additional thoughts. The main reason she is considering Swarthmore over Hamilton is her deep and abiding interest in music and dance. Swarthmore has great programs for both. She just got a very nice package in the mail for her acceptance at Swarthmore. Still planning on admitted students days for both. Agreed she cannot make a wrong choice here but it needs to be 100% her own

[Anonymous]

Hamilton is a great school, but if you have the option of Swarthmore and you like its "vibe" (as the young kinds say), go to Swarthmore. It is consistently ranked the #1 feeder to PhD programs per capita across multiple disciplines, and has been for decades. It's not for everyone because it is a place where kids genuinely like academia and intellectual life; it's not a college for kids who want a massive party scene, Div 1 sports culture, and plan on cutting class. That being said, it is not a "grind" school from the perspective of those who attend it. For those who want to go, Swarthmore is heavenly and a truly special, gorgeous place to spend four of the most formative years of your life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

Not sure why you think Amherst doesn't have dance on campus:

https://www.amherst.edu/academiclife/departments/theater_dance/opportunities/dance

[Anonymous]

OP, glad to hear you are attending accepted student day events. I found them to be a very different atmosphere compared to a touring visit. From my memory, Swat admissions stressed its purposeful diversity in race, backgrounds and personal interests. My DS was an athlete, but had many non athletic friends who are still friends today many years later. Best of luck to your DD, all her choices are GREAT!

[Anonymous]

Why isn't she interested in Amherst? From what I've heard, it's sort of the best of both worlds: Top notch students without being a grind. A lot of kids seem to double major in unrelated fields. There's an entirely open curriculum (like Hamilton). I don't have a kid there but one or DC's friends attends and is genuinely one of the most brilliant kids I have ever met (also majoring in economics). There's also the LJST major for kids interested in law school, along with strong music programs. Since she worked so hard to gain admission, I feel like she should at least consider some of the pros and cons. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

OP: What did DC decide?

My DS just got back from Swatstruck, which he enjoyed. I think he has a pretty clear understanding of what to expect at Swat. He still has to visit a T20 university this week before making his final decision, but Swat is his first choice currently.

[Anonymous]

Why not Amherst? Best of the three. Hamilton do isolated. Can go to Philly from Swathmore.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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!

this is interesting thanks for sharing, NP here

[Anonymous]

Swarthmore.