How to Request an Interview for Swarthmore College?

I'm applying to Swarthmore College and heard that interviews can be requested. How do I go about requesting an interview? Any advice on what to include in the request?

At Swarthmore, the interview process is pretty straightforward. Interviews are indeed an integral part of the application process at Swarthmore and can provide an additional facet to your application.

Swarthmore does "Optional Off-Campus Alumni Interviews." You should be aware that these interviews are primarily for you to learn more about Swarthmore and ask questions you might have about life at Swarthmore, rather than for Swarthmore to learn more about you. The notes the interviewers take will be added to your admissions file for context, but won't carry the same weight in comparison to other application components like your academic transcript, essays or letters of recommendation.

To request an alumni interview, you'd typically follow these steps:

1. Start by signing into your applicant portal: Once you've submitted your application, you'll have access to an online portal where you can manage all aspects of your application.

2. Find the interview request form: In your portal, you should see a form or link that allows you to request an interview. Click on that.

3. Complete the form: You'll need to provide some basic information about yourself, such as your name, contact details, and possible dates/times for the interview.

4. Follow-up: Once you've submitted the form, you might need to wait for a couple of weeks before you hear back. If you don't see any response, consider following up with the admissions office to ensure that your request is being processed.

Remember, your interview request should be submitted well before the deadline that Swarthmore has set. Even though it's considered optional, it could still add a personal touch to your application file and provide further depth about your fit with the college.

As for what to include in the request, stick to the basics: your name, application number (if you have one), and preferred time slots for the interview. It's also a good idea to explain why you're interested in Swarthmore, without going into too much detail. The in-depth discussion about your interest can be saved for the actual interview!

In preparation for your interview, consider reviewing Swarthmore's website and resources to familiarize yourself with their values, programs, clubs, and community ethos. This will show your interviewer that you've done your homework and are genuinely interested in attending the college. Good luck!