I'm thinking of applying to Swarthmore College but want to know what they require for regular decision. Are there any particular aspects of the application they emphasize? I want to ensure my application stands out.
Swarthmore College utilizes the Common Application or Coalition Application for all student applications. Their regular decision deadline usually is around the beginning of January.
As far as the application components, these include:
- Your complete high school transcript. Swarthmore is interested in seeing a rigorous academic curriculum, so they'll look at the types of classes you've taken in relation to what's offered at your high school.
- Two (2) Teacher Evaluations. Ideally, these should come from core academic teachers (English, Math, Science, Social Sciences, or a foreign language).
- A School Report, including a counselor recommendation.
- Optional standardized test scores (Swarthmore adopted a test-optional policy where you can choose whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores)
- Mid-Year Report. This usually becomes available in January or February, and it is your responsibility to ensure it is submitted.
It's worth noting that Swarthmore is a small liberal arts college, so they highly value the personal essay and supplemental essays components of the application. This is your chance to showcase your personality, values, and why you'd be a good fit for the school. Be sure to spend ample time crafting these to truly let your personality and passion shine through.
Furthermore, Swarthmore emphasizes that they review applications holistically, meaning they'll consider all aspects including your extra-curricular activities, any work experiences, and special circumstances that may have influenced your performance in school.
Extracurriculars are often an overlooked part of the application but can make you stand out. They demonstrate your interests and can showcase your leadership skills, awards, and special recognitions. Though a well-rounded set of interests is good, Swarthmore, like many other selective schools, is particularly interested in students with a highly developed specialty.
Additionally, Swarthmore values a strong sense of intellectual curiosity, so be sure to display this throughout your application.
Best of luck with your application!
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