Best College For Working Class Kid in Philly ?? (Chester, West Chester: schools, university)

[BigCur]

I know a young man from a working-class family who has a 4.0 HS av.,2200 SAT'S who ,I imagine, could
get into Penn, Swarthmore etc..

He however, does not like the "preppy,snobbish" tone of these places,just wants to get a solid education in what he's most interested in, History and Philosophy.
Could care less about job prospects, just wants the best education available in Philly outside the elite schools.

Any ideas?

[Marius Pontmercy]

In Philly? I would go with Temple then, or maybe Drexel, although Drexel is more of an engineering/science school than a liberal arts school.

[BigCur]

Originally Posted by Marius Pontmercy

In Philly? I would go with Temple then, or maybe Drexel, although Drexel is more of an engineering/science school than a liberal arts school.

Thank you, Philly area really.

[newmarlig]

Temple, LaSalle, St. Joes.

[LibraGirl123]

Originally Posted by Marius Pontmercy

In Philly? I would go with Temple then, or maybe Drexel, although Drexel is more of an engineering/science school than a liberal arts school.

Temple was the first school that came to my mind too.

[orrmobl]

Why Penn State of course. Definitely not St. Joe's.

[BigCur]

Originally Posted by orrmobl

Why Penn State of course. Definitely not St. Joe's.

He was offered a scholarship from Penn State as a junior, went there-told me it was like going to the Zoo.

[kyle19125]

I would recommend often-overlooked West Chester University. It's a pretty good school that's large enough to offer some variety yet not so huge that you get lost. Easily the nicest (if not one of the nicest) campuses in the region. Academics & Admissions - Prospective Students - West Chester University

[PhillyViaBoston]

I just want to quickly say that it's a little sad that someone would limit his opportunities to get the absolute best education he possibly could because of a perceived tone of a school. There are working class kids everywhere. (Yes, even at Penn... I was one.) I suspect he would be able to find a respectable, enjoyable group of friends where ever he attends, even if that's only a subset of the population.

Good luck to your friend. He's in an enviable position!

[JasmineFlower]

Originally Posted by PhillyViaBoston

I just want to quickly say that it's a little sad that someone would limit his opportunities to get the absolute best education he possibly could because of a perceived tone of a school. There are working class kids everywhere. (Yes, even at Penn... I was one.) I suspect he would be able to find a respectable, enjoyable group of friends where ever he attends, even if that's only a subset of the population.

I completely agree. I would suggest seeing if he could meet with someone at a Penn or Swarthmore and take a look at Haverford and Villanova, to get a better perspective than what it may seem like from afar. To me, there's a bit of a disconnect to want to study Philosophy and get the best education possible, but want to avoid the elite schools. They will have the best Philosophy and History departments. If his interests were in other areas, I think it would be easier to bypass these schools.