With thousands of universities from which to choose, students often begin by asking themselves, “What do I really want from college?”

Saratoga graduate Harshil Sahai, now a freshman at Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, Pa., decided that he valued a solid education over a “gateway to job opportunities.” Sahai plans to major in economics and math, with a minor in Chinese.

“Swarthmore emphasizes learning more than anything, and the campus structure is designed to foster real erudition,” Sahai said. “Every day I learn something new, and that is really important to me.”

According to Sahai, smaller universities also tend to focus “on the individual far more than on the aggregate.”

“The administration, faculty, and even cafeteria and sanitation workers know your face and name and give you respect and a sense of coziness,” Sahai said.

The emphasis on every student is also reflected in the relationship between teachers and students.

“Professors seek you out if you are struggling and offer help outside of class,” Sahai said.

In Sahai’s opinion, Swarthmore lacks the school spirit, the football team and the vibrancy of larger schools; nevertheless, he ranks choosing Swarthmore among the best decisions of his life because of the school’s academic philosophy.

“Students often learn by presenting their own ideas rather than copying what the professor says,” Sahai explains. “This way, one can view issues at a multitude of viewpoints rather than just one.”