What kind of student does Swarthmore want?

While no individual student can epitomize all of Swarthmore's values, these are qualities and attributes that we elevate in our application review process: Intellectual curiosity and an enthusiasm for learning: We are looking for students who genuinely enjoy learning and are uncommonly curious.

Does Swarthmore care about demonstrated interest?

Interviews are not required. Applicants who do not interview are not at a disadvantage, and Swarthmore does not practice 'demonstrated interest' in its application review process.

Why is it so hard to get into Swarthmore?

Admissions officials at Swarthmore College consider a student's GPA a very important academic factor. An applicant's high school class rank, when available, is considered very important and letters of recommendation are considered very important for admissions officials at Swarthmore College.

Who gets into Swarthmore?

The average AMCAS GPA for accepted Swarthmore applicants was 3.70. Our experience at Swarthmore is that a strong A- average is a solid basis for applying. This places a student in the top half of the graduating class, which had a median GPA of A- in 2023.

What are the odds of getting into Swarthmore?

The acceptance rate at Swarthmore is 6.9%.

In other words, of 100 students who apply, only 7 are admitted. This means the school is very selective. Scores are vital to getting past their first round of filters. After that, you will need to impress them beyond just your academic scores.

q&a about college, admissions, and swarthmore!

Why is Swarthmore acceptance rate so low?

Swarthmore is impressed by applicants who pursue their unique academic and extracurricular passions. So, the admissions team focuses on building a well-rounded and diverse Swarthmore undergraduate enrollment cohort. Swarthmore's acceptance rate is low because nearly all applicants have high grades and scores.

What is the best major in Swarthmore?

The most popular majors at Swarthmore College include: Social Sciences; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services; Mathematics and Statistics; Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies; Visual and Performing Arts; Engineering; Physical Sciences; Foreign Languages, Literatures, and ...

How intense is Swarthmore?

Swarthmore is a great place to pursue your academic passions and push yourself to realize your full potential. It's not for everyone; the academics can be pretty intense, depending on your major and if you choose to enter the Honors Program, and the social scene can be subdued compared to other colleges.

What is special about Swarthmore College?

With a curriculum unmatched among liberal arts colleges of its size, Swarthmore offers more than 600 courses and undergraduate research opportunities—from the humanities and performing arts to the social and natural sciences and engineering.

Does Swarthmore care about legacy?

Swarthmore College, like many selective institutions, does consider legacy status as one factor in their holistic admissions process. While being a legacy applicant can offer an advantage, it's essential to understand that it is only one of many factors the admissions committee will take into account.

Is Swarthmore worth the money?

Below Average Value Nationwide

Based on our analysis of other colleges at similar price points, we believe Swarthmore College is overpriced for the quality education it provides. (This takes into account average financial aid and may not apply to you if you have further scholarships, grant or aid provided to you.)

Is Swarthmore academically rigorous?

Aside from offering one of the most vigorous academic experiences in the world, what's unique about learning at Swarthmore? Your first semester is pass-fail, so you can learn for learning's sake. We have a one-of-a-kind Honors Program.

What percent of Swarthmore is white?

book Enrollment

The enrolled student population at Swarthmore College, both undergraduate and graduate, is 33.3% White, 17.4% Asian, 13.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.27% Two or More Races, 7.69% Black or African American, 0.303% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.121% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders.

What is the culture like at Swarthmore?

Culture & Diversity

At Swarthmore, students listen deeply and share experiences with those who have different viewpoints, identities, and histories. The diversity of perspectives represented by our students contributes to our community's strong sense of open dialogue and engagement with ideas and issues.

Is Swarthmore generous with aid?

The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at Swarthmore College was $62,988. Additionally, 52% of first-year students received need-based financial aid in fall 2021. Need-based self-help aid includes federal loans and work-study.

What is Swarthmore's reputation?

Swarthmore College is ranked #4 out of 211 National Liberal Arts Colleges. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence. Read more about how we rank schools.

What percent of Swarthmore students are athletes?

There are also 22 Division III Varsity Intercollegiate Sports Teams. About 20 percent of students are varsity athletes and more than 45 percent of students participate in club sports.

Is Swarthmore a little ivy?

Swarthmore is considered one of the “Little Ivies”, a colloquial term for smaller colleges with ample academic prowess that rivals the Ivy League universities. Swarthmore provides each student the opportunity to design their own major by choosing from more than 40 courses.

Is Swarthmore an elite College?

Awarded one of America's Best Colleges

Swarthmore is an elite and demanding liberal arts school founded by the Quakers in 1864. Though relatively small, with about 1,600 undergraduates, the private school offers students unusually expansive opportunities.

Is Swarthmore a Tier 1 school?

Tier 2 represents selective private liberal arts colleges (like Williams, Smith, Swarthmore, and Amherst Colleges); Tier 3 refers to public research universities (like UT Austin, Brandeis, Occidental, and UCLA);

Is Swarthmore better than Williams?

According to US News rankings, Swarthmore, Amherst, and Williams are consistently among the top liberal arts institutions in the nation. Most recently, Williams has been ranked at #1 in the US, Amherst at #2, and Swarthmore at #3.

Is Swarthmore campus pretty?

Swarthmore College came in 7^th on a national list of the 50 most beautiful college campuses in America by Architectural Digest. The college's oldest building, Parrish Hall was built in 1869.

What stats do you need to get into Swarthmore?

Admissions Summary

Swarthmore College is extremely selective with an acceptance rate of 7%. Students that get into Swarthmore College have an SAT score between 1455–1540* or an ACT score of 32–35*. Regular applications are due January 4.