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The article presents commentary from five college students on how they decided to attend their respective colleges, and how well those decisions have turned out. Jessica V. Leonard was attracted to Tuskegee University by the practical nature of its curriculum. William Hopkins of Swarthmore College much admires the passion and intelligence of the student body there, and also appreciates the ease with which he was able to change majors. Commentary is also presented about the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Colorado College, and St. Mary's College of Maryland.

Includes a 'U.S. News & World Report' ranking of the best national liberal arts colleges in the U.S. for 2002. Amherst College; Swarthmore College; Williams College; Wellesley College; Carleton College; Pomona College; Bowdoin College; Middlebury College; Others.

Offers the rankings of the best liberal arts colleges for Bachelor's degrees in the United States, according to 'U.S. News & World Report,' as of 2001. The role of the Carnegie Foundation in redefining liberal arts schools; Information about academic reputation, student-to-faculty ratio, average freshman retention rate and other measures; Statistics for Amherst College in Massachusetts, Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, Williams College and other institutions.

Focuses on student athletics in United States universities and colleges. Questions regarding the place of athletics in academically competitive schools; How Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania cut several varsity sports, including its football team; Difficulties of the schools in attracting top-notch athletes to compete in less competitive athletic arenas.

Looks at the career-planning and placement services which Swarthmore College offers to its students. Tom Francis, director of career planning and placement; Undergraduates' belief that they are directionless, and how Francis counters that.

Discusses how Swarthmore College student Ewart Yearwood was found guilty of intimidating fellow student Alexis Clinansmith. The college's decision to pay his tuition at Boston University and subsequent decision to readmit him; Lawsuit filed by Clinansmith against Swarthmore to block his return; Yearwood's decision to stay at Boston University.

Focuses on a sexual harassment case at Pennsylvania's elite Swarthmore College. Pattern of intimidation displayed by freshman Ewart Yearwood against a female classmate; How President Alfred Bloom offered Yearwood a one-semester suspension or a voluntary leave during which Swarthmore would pay for counseling as well as tuition and books at another school; Why Bloom didn't just suspend Yearwood.

Offers examples of misunderstandings that can occur when situations or facts are misunderstood. How Ruth Sherman, a New York City school teacher, is under investigation for introducing her students to the children's story `Nappy Hair'; Uproar at Swarthmore College over a mess found in the campus Intercultural Center.