Swarthmore's campus is absolutely breathtaking, and this is largely due to the fact that the campus itself is a registered arboretum.
The academics are really open for students to pursue their specific or interdisciplinary interests; for example, I am planning on majoring in a program that will allow me to study linguistics and two foreign languages (one ancient and one modern).
The school has recently declared itself dollar-free, meaning that laundry, printing, and even trips to UPenn and other nearby schools are either free or subsidized.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
You definitely need to visit if given the chance, because the environment is not for everyone. Some absolutely love how green the campus is and some wish that there was more of a city feel. Look up Swarthmore's fly-in programs (and other school's fly-in programs)! Fly-ins are (usually) completely free weekend visits to a school and can dramatically assist in making a decision.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
The academics are extremely challenging at Swarthmore. It is sort of hard to describe, but the courses at Swarthmore are going to be very hard. However, during everyone's first semester, all classes are either pass or fail (with no grade attached).
Describe the dorm life at your college.
Having stayed overnight, the dorms are all right in size. Most are really cozy, but the whole dorm system is hoping for the best one--in terms of centrality, AC, size of rooms...). It is also important to note that gender-neutral or mixed-gender housing (and bathrooms) are an option.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
As a vegetarian, I think the food is absolutely delicious. I heard that it can get repetitive though.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
Philly is very close to campus, and there is a train on Swarthmore's campus that can take you there. There is also a really small town just outside the school. Aside from this, there are many clubs to join (like Queer Union or various a Capella groups).
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Overall, Swarthmore is a great school. Financial aid is also very generous.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There is an area of campus called the Crum Woods that is just a giant woods area--very fun to explore.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Swarthmore is great for students who want to dedicate a lot of time to academics but who also want to be able to be involved in school.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
It's a small school, so there aren't that many clubs available. Though, some interesting ones include Jazz Ensemble, Circus Club, and Animal Alliance. Students can always start their own club.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
It exists but it has almost no presence.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
Swarthmore is pretty guarded in, I just don't remember seeing many blue-lights or campus security officers.
Swarthmore's campus is absolutely breathtaking, and this is largely due to the fact that the campus itself is a registered arboretum. The academics are really open for students to pursue their specific or interdisciplinary interests; for example, I am planning on majoring in a program that will allow me to study linguistics and two foreign languages (one ancient and one modern). The school has recently declared itself dollar-free, meaning that laundry, printing, and even trips to UPenn and other nearby schools are either free or subsidized.
You definitely need to visit if given the chance, because the environment is not for everyone. Some absolutely love how green the campus is and some wish that there was more of a city feel. Look up Swarthmore's fly-in programs (and other school's fly-in programs)! Fly-ins are (usually) completely free weekend visits to a school and can dramatically assist in making a decision.
The academics are extremely challenging at Swarthmore. It is sort of hard to describe, but the courses at Swarthmore are going to be very hard. However, during everyone's first semester, all classes are either pass or fail (with no grade attached).
Having stayed overnight, the dorms are all right in size. Most are really cozy, but the whole dorm system is hoping for the best one--in terms of centrality, AC, size of rooms...). It is also important to note that gender-neutral or mixed-gender housing (and bathrooms) are an option.
As a vegetarian, I think the food is absolutely delicious. I heard that it can get repetitive though.
Philly is very close to campus, and there is a train on Swarthmore's campus that can take you there. There is also a really small town just outside the school. Aside from this, there are many clubs to join (like Queer Union or various a Capella groups).
Overall, Swarthmore is a great school. Financial aid is also very generous.
There is an area of campus called the Crum Woods that is just a giant woods area--very fun to explore.
Swarthmore is great for students who want to dedicate a lot of time to academics but who also want to be able to be involved in school.
It's a small school, so there aren't that many clubs available. Though, some interesting ones include Jazz Ensemble, Circus Club, and Animal Alliance. Students can always start their own club.
It exists but it has almost no presence.
Swarthmore is pretty guarded in, I just don't remember seeing many blue-lights or campus security officers.