Anonymous wrote:I went to Haverford years ago. Full disclosure: I transferred to an Ivy. Haverford demonstrated a boarding school level of academics. Swarthmore was a considerably more serious place.

Are you the BMW poster above?

I went to Haverford years ago. Full disclosure: I transferred to an Ivy. Haverford demonstrated a boarding school level of academics. Swarthmore was a considerably more serious place.

Swarthmore is much more competitive and has a better reputation.

BMW to a Volkswagen. Both suit a bunch of folks that prefer German automobiles to exclusion of others. For very good reasons. But amongst them, some VW owners think BMW is too flashy. The BMW owners have exercised a choice to buy a car generally accepted to carry more market value and street cred. That does not mean VWs are inferior in any way - just more a people’s car

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do your own research.

And you’re here why?

To tell OP she should do her own research. Wasn’t that clear?

Anonymous wrote:I think they attract a different type of kid. Haverford has a Quaker history I believe.

They both have Quaker roots, as do Penn and Bryn Mawr. The consortium a PP referred to is called the 'Quaker Consortium.'

My DS applied to Haverford last year; was disappointed that he was WL'd. Our tour guide was studying art history and taking several classes at Bryn Mawr, another student we met had taken 2 classes at Penn, so it seems that students do take advantage of the Consortium.

My biggest surprise (DS didn't care) was that about 90% of freshmen live in singles.

I think they attract a different type of kid. Haverford has a Quaker history I believe.

I’m from that area and have been on both campuses for various reasons. I liked the feel of Haverford better. I’d love to go back in time and be a classics major there. Youth is wasted on the young!

They're not that different, really. I took classes at both. There's something called the Tri-Co Consortium. Bryn Mawr, Haverford, and Swarthmore. There's a lot of intermingling. There's a shuttle bus that goes between all three colleges.

We much preferred Haverford. Swarthmore was driven/competitive in an ugly way. Haverford seemed small and self-contained (even many professors live on the campus outskirts). The community seemed supportive and had an honor code. It was very appealing,

Anonymous wrote:Do your own research.

And you’re here why?

Haverford borders a pretty decent commercial strip/street with restaurants, shopping, etc and is close to other colleges: Bryn Mawr and Villanova, St Joe’s. Swarthmore is more of a village situation, though Media (a lively town with bars, restaurants) is a short drive away. Both have beautiful campuses. Swarthmore has a more serious/intense reputation and the kids I’ve known who have gone there are the tippy top academically. Hav is lovely but small in terms of # of students. You should check both out!

Haverford is very, very small. Either your kid will like that, or not.

Haverford has cricket!

Do your own research.

Compare and contrast, pls.