Im totally appealed by Swarthmore's rigorous academics and how everyone seems super engaged with their studies - but uh, it's pretty selective. In the event I need plan B (or C...), which colleges also foster that intense intellectual community and are known for their academics?
Absolutely! My kid had a similar wishlist and we discovered a few gems. Look into Reed College in Oregon – it has a reputation for intellectual rigor and a strong humanities program that really encourages deep thought and discussion, much like Swarthmore. Another to consider is University of Chicago, which is larger but equally as intense academically with its unique Core Curriculum. Further east, there’s St. John’s College with its Great Books program - it's definitely for those who are passionate about ideas. While these schools are selective in their own right, they present different applicant pools and might align well with someone who appreciates Swarthmore's vibe. Definitely keep them on your radar as alternatives. Best of luck with your search!
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