Swarthmore challenges me every day to be my best, and to learn for the sake of learning rather than going through the motions to get the best GPA possible. In just one year, I have been exposed to so many interesting and informative people and experiences that I will remember for my entire life. The collaborative learning environment encourages not only learning in the classroom, but also through interactions with peers, and creates a great place to live and learn.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Come to Swarthmore with an open mind. Do your research and visit the campus before you commit to attending the school. It is a wonderful experience for many people but is definitely not the place for everyone. I would recommend participating in overnight visits such as Ride The Tide (perspective students weekend) to talk to current students.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
The work load is challenging but manageable if you use your time wisely. Professors and other students are always willing to help and answer questions. While it can be overwhelming at times, the work you will do is interesting and rewarding.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
Dorm life is what you make of it. I would recommend leaving your door open and interacting with your hall-mates as much as possible. The co-ed, all-year floors were great for me this year. Having upperclassmen next door was definitely helpful and helped build our school community.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
The dining hall food is not your mother's home cooking, but it is good. Many upperclassmen get tired of the cycling menu after three or four years, but as a freshmen I was more than happy with the selection, both in Sharples (the main dining hall) and Essie Mae's (a deli/cafe that accepts meal swipes). My main complaint is that there are certain hours where there are no dining options available.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
There is a train on campus that goes directly into Philly, which is a great source of entertainment. Some clubs and events on campus provide free tickets into Philly to encourage students to experience the city and the culture it has to offer. Classrooms are frequently used to screen movies or TV shows, Soccer and Basketball games are very popular to attend, there are school sponsored parties every Thursday and Saturday. The student body is so diverse that you are guaranteed to find a group of people with the same interests as you. There will never be a dull moment if you reach out to the school community.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
The Buck is quite large, and I know that finances are a huge deal breaker for many students who choose not to go to Swarthmore. However, my experience so far has been better than I would have imagined and I'm confident that the job I am able to get after leaving Swarthmore will more than pay for the tuition.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Since Swarthmore was originally a Quaker school, the school tries to maintain some Quaker values and traditions. One of these is First Collection as a freshman class. The entire freshman class meets in the amphitheater (very cool outdoor amphitheater), lights candles, and talks about their expectations for their college careers and their experience at orientation. After first collection, the amphitheater is also used for Last Collection and Graduation. Every year we set up a huge screen outside and watch The Graduate. The screen is also used for other movies throughout the year. There are too many traditions to list all of them.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Dedicated, openminded, interested in learning, hard working, accepting.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
You will be able to find any club that you could possibly imagine. There is a group for everyone.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
We have one sorority that does not have a house, but is active in the community. We have two fraternities whose houses are used mainly for parties. Greek life is not essential to be active in campus life.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
Swarthmore challenges me every day to be my best, and to learn for the sake of learning rather than going through the motions to get the best GPA possible. In just one year, I have been exposed to so many interesting and informative people and experiences that I will remember for my entire life. The collaborative learning environment encourages not only learning in the classroom, but also through interactions with peers, and creates a great place to live and learn.
Come to Swarthmore with an open mind. Do your research and visit the campus before you commit to attending the school. It is a wonderful experience for many people but is definitely not the place for everyone. I would recommend participating in overnight visits such as Ride The Tide (perspective students weekend) to talk to current students.
The work load is challenging but manageable if you use your time wisely. Professors and other students are always willing to help and answer questions. While it can be overwhelming at times, the work you will do is interesting and rewarding.
Dorm life is what you make of it. I would recommend leaving your door open and interacting with your hall-mates as much as possible. The co-ed, all-year floors were great for me this year. Having upperclassmen next door was definitely helpful and helped build our school community.
The dining hall food is not your mother's home cooking, but it is good. Many upperclassmen get tired of the cycling menu after three or four years, but as a freshmen I was more than happy with the selection, both in Sharples (the main dining hall) and Essie Mae's (a deli/cafe that accepts meal swipes). My main complaint is that there are certain hours where there are no dining options available.
There is a train on campus that goes directly into Philly, which is a great source of entertainment. Some clubs and events on campus provide free tickets into Philly to encourage students to experience the city and the culture it has to offer. Classrooms are frequently used to screen movies or TV shows, Soccer and Basketball games are very popular to attend, there are school sponsored parties every Thursday and Saturday. The student body is so diverse that you are guaranteed to find a group of people with the same interests as you. There will never be a dull moment if you reach out to the school community.
The Buck is quite large, and I know that finances are a huge deal breaker for many students who choose not to go to Swarthmore. However, my experience so far has been better than I would have imagined and I'm confident that the job I am able to get after leaving Swarthmore will more than pay for the tuition.
Since Swarthmore was originally a Quaker school, the school tries to maintain some Quaker values and traditions. One of these is First Collection as a freshman class. The entire freshman class meets in the amphitheater (very cool outdoor amphitheater), lights candles, and talks about their expectations for their college careers and their experience at orientation. After first collection, the amphitheater is also used for Last Collection and Graduation. Every year we set up a huge screen outside and watch The Graduate. The screen is also used for other movies throughout the year. There are too many traditions to list all of them.
Dedicated, openminded, interested in learning, hard working, accepting.
You will be able to find any club that you could possibly imagine. There is a group for everyone.
We have one sorority that does not have a house, but is active in the community. We have two fraternities whose houses are used mainly for parties. Greek life is not essential to be active in campus life.
I have never felt unsafe on campus.